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Hello, Giacomo!
How would you describe yourself – who is Giacomo Bagnara?
A lucky kid that can do the job he loves.
Could you please tell us a little bit about your background and the path that led you to where you are today?
I always love drawing, I realized I want to become an illustrator late in my life, in some way I never well considered this option before, I thought was quite impossible reaching the level of some great illustrators I admired.
You studied architecture. How and why did you decide to pursue a career in illustration/design?
Parallel with architecture studies I drawing and experimenting a lot on personal stuff. The studies were so training, focused and help me a lot building a strong work process, but after the master degree and some internships, I finally realized I want to try a new professional path.
What is the most enjoying part of the illustration?
In my case is when I draw something simple but at the same time with a strong message.
If you could be anything else other than an illustrator, what would you be doing?
An Explorer.
Why do you do what you do? What do you love about it?
Because I need it and because is what I’m good at. I love when I see friends or people, understand what I’m doing and also when they get more ways of interpretations from my works.
How would like to describe your creative style?
Direct, simple and bright.
Your portfolio includes some pretty big clients, like The New York Times or GQ. How did you first get to work with well-known brands like these?
In the very first year, I built a strong portfolio and sent tons of emails.
Can the creativity be learned later, or is it a feeling that is always within the human being?
I think it can be developed later but you need to have something inside before.
What are your top five songs on your playlist?
I’m not good with rankings but I listen a lot of different stuff.
What was the last book you read?
Scritto di Notte by Ettore Sottsass a couple of months ago.
Who is your favourite illustrator/designer of all time and why?
Bruno Munari, he always fascinates me. I love the way he jumped into various disciplines always with brilliant results.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
Maybe someone with a totally different approach, and see what happen
Where is your favourite place in the world?
The places (here in Italy) that remind me of my childhood.
Could you give us three fun facts about yourself?
I’m not good at drawing trees.
I didn’t like green colours so much, until a few months ago I started using them.
I think I’m synesthetic, I see colours in letters, words, and numbers.
Finally, is there something you wish interviewers would ask you — but never do?
That’s all.