Daniela Frongia is a talented children’s book illustrator and an artist. She recently very kindly agreed to be interviewed by me.
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself, where you are from and your background?
I come from Italy, more specifically from a small village in Sardinia. Since I was 4 years old, I shown an interest in comics, especially those of Mickey Mouse, I tried to copy the characters faithfully and I had a lot of fun.
Growing up I fell in love with cartoons, in particular with anime and I collected a lot of manga, so I decided to go to the art school in Italy and I graduate at the Academy of art. Later I decided to expand my drawing skills also integrating digital art studies, thus obtaining a diploma as a graphic designer and since in Italy it is difficult to find a job in this environment I moved to England, where I started working as a book illustrator and character designer.
2. Have you always wanted to become an artist / illustrator and was it a difficult process?
Yes, I have always wanted to become an illustrator, it was my dream since I was a child but the process hasn’t been very simple at all. there is a lot of competition, so I had to study a lot and find my own style before have a chance to start to work with authors and editors.
3. What techniques and resources do you like to use for your art?
In the past I have used all kinds of techniques from pencils to airbrushing, but now for my work I use esclusively digital . all my drawings are still hand-drawn as I use a Wacom cintiq pro, which is a pen display, so I keep the freedom of drawing like if I ‘m using a classic piece of paper.
4. How would you describe your style?
I think my style is quiet different from what you can find today on the market, because it is modern with very bright colours. I think especially the world of children’s book has changed a lot in these years, so even children are more oriented on something fresher and innovative
5. What is your favorite illustration you have worked on and why?
I have worked in countless children’s books and each book was different from the other, each piece is magical and different with its story, so I don’t want to say that I have some preference in my heart but I keep them all within my background. I can just say that I prefer fantasy and adventure stories than narrative
6. Who is your role model and why?
Actually I love the Disney / Pixar style, so I love many of those artists and I follow them all for inspiration.
7. What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking of becoming an artist / illustrator?
Study and draw, a lot, there is always something to learn and never give up!
telling tales 