Valeria Petrone

Illustrator

The immersive depth of illustration

Valeria’s illustrations draw on Italian masters, English humour and Japanese graphic art
Her process involves both sparks of inspiration and conscious research
She works with analogue and digital techniques

Valeria Petrone creates illustrations across many fields, from magazines, newspapers, and novels to wine labels, theatre posters and visual identities for companies. In the late 1980s, she began her practice as illustrator in children’s publishing, after completing her studies in Milan and London. Valeria is inspired by two Italian artists – writer Gianni Roadri and designer Bruno Munari, and by the surreal humour of the English tradition, particularly Edward Leary. “I love the essential and powerful aesthetics of Japanese graphic art, both traditional and modern,” she says. Valeria’s works are also influenced by artists such as Edward Gorey, Michael Sowa, Saul Steinberg, Art Spiegelman and the books of Tibor and Maira Kaman.

Interview

Why did you choose this profession?: Illustration struck me as a stimulating path full of opportunities in publishing and visual communication. While working on projects, I am completely immersed, and my perception of time and space disappears. It feels like being suspended in another dimension. Today, my practice and my personal works constantly enrich and influence each other.
What techniques do you prefer to use?: I use mixed techniques ranging from acrylic to digital, and from ceramics to sculpture. My work often becomes a dialogue between the poetic side of classical illustration and the creative potential of digital tools. I like moving freely between analogue and digital techniques, combining manual skills and technology.
What are your sources of inspiration?: I am inspired by art, literature, theatre, cinema and music, but also by simple walks through city centres or shop windows filled flowers, sweets or clothes. I am especially drawn to hardware, shoe and antique shops. Everything I see, hear and experience settles in my imagination and transforms into images over time.
Is there something that people do not know about illustration?: People often imagine that illustrations materialise from a sudden flash of inspiration. This can be true sometimes – when I read texts and let my mind wander freely, images, details and atmospheres emerge. Even a single word can spark an unexpected intuition. However, in most cases, I carefully analyse the content, do research and follow a conscious path that leads me to my ideas.

Valeria Petrone is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1988