Interview: Giacomo Agnello Modica

Preferred Pronoun?
He/Him

Why did you choose to enter this work?
It's a project I had particularly fun with: I love mythology as well as representing queer bodies and people, so I sketched out a lot of character designs and shaped the Olympians in my personal way.

What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
I put some of my favorite subjects in this project: queer characters, cartoons, fantasy elements. I loved mixing classic elements and characters with a more contemporary and personal style.

What excites you most about being shortlisted?
It is a huge honor and opportunity! I deeply respect and love the work of the jury and all the selected artists, so it feels really humbling and exciting to be seen and recognized.

Where do you usually work?
I work as a freelancer in Milan - sometimes by myself, sometimes sharing a co-working space with my creative friends. I always have my iPad and my Macbook but also my sketchbook and pencils.

How long did it take to complete your project?
It is a personal project, so I used some of my free time when I switched off from other projects. It took a couple of months to complete the whole series.

What is your dream commission?
A picture book about my absolute icon Lady Gaga!

What’s your favourite thing to draw?
I love to make character designs and portraits of people. I love divas and campy characters, so they are some of my favorite subjects. I also love to draw cartoons and make food illustrations.

What is your best tip for other illustrators?
Always have a sketchbook! It is so refreshing to take a break from screens and draw on paper, it works with me as a creativity booster. Also, cultivate any passions that might enrich your work.

What are your plans for the future?
I am spending some time in England this fall, because it is my favorite place to recharge myself and get inspired. I am working on new picture books and other exciting projects!


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