Arianna Squilloni

Over 3000 entries have been submitted for the 2017 Illustrator’s Exhibition. What are the main criteria for selection?

I figure we’ll discuss the selection criteria with the jury members beforehand. All in all, I think we will have to start from the works’ narrative and evocative power, and their ability to convey a specific universe. Last but not least, we are going to evaluate the drawing technique, which will have to stick to the artist’s intention.

What do you reckon are the main and most innovative trends in children’s illustration on a global level?

My feeling is, together with an audacious use of colors, there is a widespread sharpness in creating visual analogies from shapes and profiles of the illustrated subjects.

What’s the main advice you would give to an emerging illustrator who aims to make a living from his/her own art?

I suggest the artist developes his/her inner world, his/her specific perspective on things and life, therefore the will to be curious, to go out there and observe, visit places, read stuff. To be a versatile individual.

Who do you reckon is the must-know artist to those wanting to embark in a career as illustrators?

Just One? One of a wide range of role models. Saul Steinberg, just to name one.