Clarissa Corradin
/1) Where did you grow up and when did you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in Ivrea, a small city in the Northern Italy. I've been drawing since I can remember but I've decided to become an illustrator when I was 17. At that age I didn't enjoy drawing anymore and I thought to change my studies. Then I attended a workshop with Maurizio Quarello: we illustrated Little Red riding hood, freely. I had so much fun that I decided to carry on.
Did you go to an art school or are you self taught? How did you develop your skills?
I attended the art school and the Academy of Fine Arts in Turin, but there weren't specific illustration's courses. I found workshops with illustrators really useful; you have the opportunity to learn a lot from professionals and especially from your course mates. I keep learning following my favorite artists. Books and web can be great teachers.
What was the strongest influence you had when you were growing up ( artists, movies, cartoons, comics etc.. ) ?
I grew up watching every kind of cartoons, loving artists as Glen Kean, Mary Blair, Sylvain Chomet, Don Bluth, Tomm Moore. On the other hand tales, myths and legends always fascinated me, especially if represented on a theatrical stage. I'd like to be able to mix these influences.
Did you have a favourite subject to draw when you were a child and do you still have one today? If you do, what makes it so special?
I used to draw funny nervous characters - animals, kids or creatures- and I'm keep doing it. Someone tell me most of them hide their faces, they're pretty shy, I suppose.
What part of the creation process is the most fun and easy and what part is the hardest?
I think the hardest part is setting the scene to produce the feelings you want, create the appropriate atmosphere and keep it in the following images if they're linked. Character design is definitely better. I like going hunting for the right face for every identity.
What are some of the things you have learned from other artists who you have worked with or whose work you have seen?
I report a funny sentence my friends heard from Marko Djurjevick during IFCC last May. " If you try to climb on a horse from the back it will kick you in your face and you'll die. There's only one way to climb on: from the side". Drawing is the main thing. If you want to become a good illustrator there's no shortcut, you must learn to draw. Another thing I found reassuring is knowing that everybody, also great pros, deals with artist-block! It helps me to say "Ok, don't panic, keep working".
If you had to recommend only one art book (a comic book, graphic novel, children book, ''how to'' book) to a fellow artist, what would it be and why?
"The Rabbits" by Jhon Marsden and Shaun Tan. Colourful, allegorical, smart and cruel. I love it.
Who are the artists who inspire you the most today and what are some of your favourite designs out there?
Leafing through illustrated books I developed a strong admiration for French illustrators as Cecile Carrè, Amelie Flechais, Camille Andrè. Rebecca Dautremer was my first love.
Finally, Where can we see your art online and get in touch with you? How can we buy your creations and support your work?
You can follow me on Behance ( behance.net/clarissacorradin ).
Thank you Clarissa :)
