Lucia Masciullo

Illustrator

Lucia is an award winning illustrator of children’s picture books and novels. Since she moved from Italy to Australia in 2007 she has collaborated with Penguin (Australia) and Hardie Grant Egmont.

Lucia has been chosen as illustrator for the debut illustrated books of award winning author Sonya Hartnett and one of her illustrated books, Family Forest, was shortlisted for the CBCA award 2011.

Where were you born?

I’m born and bred in Livorno, Italy, on the Tuscany coast.

What other jobs have you had?

I have been working as environmental guide (I studied Biology at the University of Pisa), summer camp activity manager and ski surveyor in Europe (yes—I have been paid to go skiing with a GPS in Switzerland, Sweden and Finland!).

What themes are recurring in your work?

If there is something recurring in my work is the fact that I do not like to repeat myself! Every new assignment or project is a new challenge and every time I like to look for the perfect style even if it’s something completely different from the way I have approached a project before. I love to draw whimsical characters and when I am given the opportunity I love to create imaginary worlds around them where they can comfortably exist. I think this really sparks the imagination of the readers and when it happens, it is something I am really proud of.

Where have your works been published?

My print books have been published in Australia, New Zealand and one of my books (Family Forest) also in Taiwan. My digital books are distributed worldwide on the App Store.

What are you passionate about?

As visual artist I love all the images that can surprise me: unusual artworks, original movies… things like these. Out of work I adore to play soccer, when I’m not injured.