Italian Anna Laura Cantone, illustrator of 'What is This Thing Called Love?'

Below is an interview with the illustrator of ‘What is This Thing Called Love?‘ and A Dad Who Measures Up, Italian Anna Laura Cantone.

1. What materials do you use to create your illustrations?

I started my career by using the traditional mediums of acrylic paint and collage. In 2007, I was commissioned to create the characters and background settings for a cartoon series, as a result of this experience I began to create my illustrations using digital media. This gave me a lot of opportunity to change the colours of the artwork and use various imported elements, like photographs, enabling me to bring real life into my illustrations ….

2. You use a lot of collage in your work. What do you find attractive about this method?

I have always loved using collage, but now with my ability to create digital imagery, it is more interesting than ever before. I am always finding something interesting to take photographs of when I am out walking and use these in my drawings! Everywhere I go I see funny faces in unexpected places, like in buildings or pieces of fruit – some people believe that I’m a little bit crazy!

When it is winter in my city more women wear fur coats and I can’t help but imagine brown bears!

3. Why do your people have such large noses and your cats such large tails?

Because they entertain me. Usually when I am out walking all I see are boring/normal looking people and I try to imagine them in my illustrations…and then I’ll laugh because in my mind I enjoy turning them into my funny characters!

4. You have illustrated many books in several countries. How do you approach a new commission? How closely do you work with the authors?

I have been working in children’s book illustration for 12 years now and, for me, the most important thing is visiting the international book fairs. I have been to Taipei, Frankfurt, Chicago , Paris , London and Bologna.

Normally I am friends with the authors, or will be…

5. In your opinion, what makes successful book illustration?

A good story with funny, colourful illustrations and good quality print!

6. What illustrators and artists do you most admire? Which have influenced your work the most?

I love Jacovitti, who is a very famous Italian designer/illustrator and am inspired by his long noses and funny combinations, but for the colours and collage I admire Robert Rauschemberg…

7. Which of your own books are your favourites?

The next one! Each book is an interesting adventure!

8. What are you working on now?

It is a professional secret! :^) I hope you understand me!

PS  We recommend a visit to Anna Laura’s quirky website.