Interview: Carla Manea

Preferred Pronoun?
She/her

Why did you choose to enter this work?
I believed in its potential

What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
The research process behind the image. The final idea was there from the beginning but were looking for the right mood and we wanted to be consistent with reality (in the end we mirrored the image)

What excites you most about being shortlisted?
WIA brings an opportunity for global exposure and connecting with new commissioners and colleagues around the world. It also encourages me to keep working hard in the illustration field.

Where do you usually work?
Upstairs. My office is in a small, tiny loft under the roof of my house. It's little, cozy and full of books. But now we are in summer and it’s too hot, so: downstair :-)

How long did it take to complete your project?
On and off for some months to develop the cover.

What is your dream commission?
Collaborate with art directors and editors who listen and respect your voice and your proposals to build together the most suitable visual for the text/project

What’s your favourite thing to draw?
When I'm free of work, I like to take inspiration from ancient botanical illustrations and draw flowers

What is your best tip for other illustrators?
My best tip for other illustrators and for myself is to practice a lot. Make observational drawing and experimentation is part of our own research. 

What are your plans for the future?
Continue to do this work, hopefully! ;) I would also be interested in trying out different areas. I would like to continue to illustrate books, covers and every sort of stuff for children and not.


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