Ciao! I'm Francesco, a freelance illustrator working from the outskirts of Milan, where I spend my days bringing stories to life through vivid, vibrant colors and a unique blend of traditional and digital techniques. My work is fueled by my love for old books, underground comics, fanzines, history, and yes - cool dinosaurs. If you're looking for illustrations that pulse with energy and character, you've found the right artist.
What I Create
My illustration work spans a diverse range of projects, from literary adaptations like my Shakespeare series and Invisible Cities illustrations to festival posters like Carnevale Canturino and conceptual pieces for animation festivals. I specialize in creating artwork that captures the essence of storytelling - whether it's the magic of A Midsummer Night's Dream or the adventure of Eagle and Jaguar.
My style is immediately recognizable for its bold use of color and dynamic compositions. I don't believe in playing it safe with muted palettes - I want my illustrations to jump off the page and grab viewers by the imagination. Every piece I create combines the warmth and texture of traditional media with the precision and versatility of digital tools, giving my work a distinctive handcrafted quality that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Beyond standalone illustrations, I work across multiple creative disciplines. I design textile patterns that bring joy to everyday objects, create handmade toys through my collaboration with Flupazzi, and even venture into game design with my tiny studio called Ossocubo. This multidisciplinary approach keeps my illustration work fresh and informed by different creative challenges.
My Artistic Approach
My creative process is deeply rooted in storytelling and cultural exploration. I'm fascinated by the intersection of history and imagination, which is why you'll find influences from classical literature, underground comics culture, and historical imagery woven throughout my work. I approach each project as an opportunity to create a visual narrative that resonates on multiple levels.
I work both traditionally and digitally, often combining techniques within a single piece. I might start with pencil sketches, develop compositions through watercolor or acrylic studies, then finish digitally to achieve the exact color vibrance and detail the project demands. This hybrid approach allows me to maintain the organic feel of hand-drawn work while leveraging digital tools for precision and client flexibility.
Color is absolutely central to my work. I believe in the emotional power of vibrant palettes to transform how viewers connect with imagery. Whether I'm illustrating a literary classic or designing a festival poster, I use color strategically to guide emotion and create memorable visual experiences that stick with people long after they've seen the work.
Working With Me
I collaborate with clients ranging from publishers and cultural institutions to festivals and brands looking for illustration work that stands out from conventional commercial imagery. My portfolio includes everything from book illustrations and editorial work to poster design and pattern creation for textile applications.
What sets me apart is my genuine enthusiasm for diverse creative challenges. Need illustrations for a Shakespeare adaptation? I'm in. Festival poster that needs to capture carnival energy? Perfect. Textile patterns that bring joy to everyday objects? Absolutely. This versatility comes from my deep curiosity about different forms of visual storytelling and my commitment to bringing the same level of creativity to every project.
I maintain an active presence in both traditional and underground comics communities, which keeps my work connected to authentic artistic movements rather than just commercial trends. This grounding in comics culture informs my approach to narrative illustration and helps me create work that feels genuine and engaging.
Creative Collaboration
When we work together, you're partnering with someone who genuinely loves the illustration process. I bring enthusiasm and curiosity to every project brief, always looking for ways to push creative boundaries while serving your specific needs. I'm comfortable working with established brand guidelines or developing entirely new visual approaches - whatever serves the story best.
My communication style is straightforward and collaborative. I provide regular updates throughout the creative process and welcome feedback that helps refine the work. Having experience across different creative disciplines, I understand how illustration fits into larger creative projects and can adapt my approach accordingly.
I also maintain a shop where I sell prints, posters, and fanzines, so I understand both the creative and commercial sides of illustration work. This experience helps me create artwork that not only serves immediate project needs but also has lasting visual impact.
