Lucia Masciullo

Illustrator

Born and bred in Italy, Lucia moved to Australia in 2007. Since then she has collaborated with major Australian Publishers, illustrating more than twenty books, including Come Down, Cat!, Family Forest and the successful series Our Australian Girl. For these books Lucia has made it on to the CBCA Honour Book list, and she has been shortlisted for the Prime Minister Award.

She now lives on the Gold Coast.

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 worked as environmental guide in Tuscany parks and as ski surveyor in Europe. Basically I have been paid to go skiing with a GPS in fabulous ski resorts in Switzerland Alps, Sweden and Finland. As you can guess, I love outdoor activities.

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.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Probably one of the best has been to attend the award ceremony at the Prime Minister Award 2012, where I was shortlisted for the picture book Come Down Cat!. I received the award from Julia Gillard in person and I sent the picture of the event to my family in Italy. My dad was so impressed he used to call the Prime Minister “my daughter’s friend” when she was on the news in Italy.

Where have your works been published?

Australia and New Zealand, UK, US, South Korea, Taiwan and Spain. I hope one of my book will be available in Italian one day!

What are you passionate about?

As visual artist I love all the images that can surprise me: unusual artworks, original movies, witty picture books, stunning views … things like these.

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