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How Daniela Bracco Blends Tradition and Innovation in Illustration

Hailing from a small town in the Sicilian province of Agrigento, Rome-based artist Daniela Bracco has made a name for herself with her unique fusion of digital and traditional illustration techniques. Each piece of work tells a story, drawing from the beauty of her environment and the people she encounters.


"I am very attracted to nature and its forms," Daniela says. "My illustrations come close to figurative, alla vita reale, but I always try to say something, offer a different point of view, or focus on something rather than another."


Opposite most artists, Daniela started primarily with digital illustration before transitioning to colored pencils and brushes and combining both techniques.


"For me, it is always a discovery," Daniela says. "Having a blank sheet of paper in front of me means starting a new journey, a new adventure that I don't know where it will take me."


Daniela and I connected to discuss her work and inspiration further. She shared her view of illustration's evolution, advice for emerging creatives, and what she hopes resonates with viewers.

 

 

What are some of your favorite projects that you have worked on, and why?

I am very attached to different projects. Certainly, the work I did in the monthly magazine of Il Sole 24 Ore (an Italian newspaper) was very important for me because I had the opportunity to work with many professionals who taught me so much.

 

Then, I am very attached to projects that enhance the territory and food, such as the illustrations I do for the newsletter of Domenica Marchetti, a project I have followed for years and feel very close to.

 

How do you find inspiration for your illustrations?

For my illustrations, I look for inspiration from the world around me. I really enjoy going around and observing people, environments, and landscapes, photographing them, and then incorporating them into the illustrations.


It also depends on the themes I have to illustrate. Of course, there is also a lot of visual research, artistic or otherwise.

 

How do you see the role of illustration evolving?

Definitely, this is a good time for illustration. There was a time when photography was the only visual language you found in newspapers and magazines. Now, you also find illustration is a different language from photography. It has a great potential for expression and storytelling, and that's why it's spreading a lot.


Digital and the tools available today have flattened, in my opinion, the expressive power of this language; you often see a lot of similar illustrations. However, I am convinced that, on the other side, some really experiment a lot and well and take this visual language into worlds where no one has ever been

 

What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators?

It is difficult to answer this question. However, I would say to be patient and don't give up. If this is what you want to do, do it. It won't be easy, but if it's what you want, you'll get it because you can't help yourself, and it will always be worth it.

 

What do you hope people take away from your art?

I'm convinced that in any form of art, everyone sees what they want to see. It can be something exciting or irritating or simply a moment when you stop and give space and time to your "sensitive eyes," which puts you in touch with the sensitive world that today, in today's hectic everyday life, becomes more and more distant.

 

 

 

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