Carlo Giovani – World Illustration Awards

2024 | Longlist | Children's Publishing

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Why did you create this work?
The illustrations were made for a B and W children's book that tells the story of António, a boy who is sure he belongs to a family of wizards. But is António a wizard, or is it just his imagination? That mystery runs throughout the book and drove me to create the illustrations using only charcoal, with lots of contrast, shadows, and lights, inspired by António's imagination versus reality.
How were your illustrations used?
The illustrations were applied to a B&W children's book, "The Wizard on the 4th Left". Its 46 text pages included 7 illustrations in total plus the cover, and facing the fact that it was a B and W book, with a mystery story, I decided to illustrate it using charcoal, exploring shadows, lights, and contrasts. My inspiration for the illustrations came from German Expressionism and Noir Movies.
What materials and techniques did you use?
I used soft and hard charcoal sticks and some details of white gouache over Canson paper 250g. The original dimensions of the illustration are 50x70cm. It was total handmade work without digital retouching or edition.
Was this project commissioned?
Commissioned
Commissioner Name
Elizabete Rosa Machado (publisher)
Commissioner Company
The Poets and Dragons Society
Commissioner Instagram
@poetsandragons
Personal Website or Portfolio Link
carlogiovani.com
Instagram
@carlogiovani_works
Biography
Carlo Giovani is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator. Throughout more than 20 years as a professional, he has been constantly researching constantly researching different techniques and styles, combining them, in search of unusual and creative artworks. His work can be seen in several media such as books, advertisements, magazines, and packaging.
Where are you currently based?
Portugal

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