By Sean Maldjian, Contributor

Meet Giulia Zoavo

Giulia Zoavo’s characters are sleek, charming, and soothing for my eyes. This NYC based illustrator’s ability to express heaps of personality and emotion with so few elements is truly spectacular. In our latest interview, we chat about books, advice, and family.

“SPECIAL SPRING CLOTHING SALE” A fill in the blank with Giulia Zoavo

CLARA has announced that his FLUFFY clothing store in the heart of downtown NAPLES.is having a PRECIOUS sale of all merchandise, including QUIRKY suits and slightly irregular OVERALLS. Men's cable-knit KOALAS, only $15.99. Hand-woven Italian PIZZAS, half-price. Double-breasted cashmere ROLLERCOASTERS, $50.00. Genuine imported MAGENTA.SHINY shoes, TROPICAL.handkerchiefs,
and women's embroidered EGGS, all at rock-bottom prices. This is a chance to get some really FANCY bargains!

Would you rather

be hugged by a very sweaty person for too long, or ride an elevator with someone who is farting a lot? Why?

I’d say the former. I’m a pretty compulsive hugger and I could at least enjoy the hugging part!

Some questions with Giulia Zoavo

 What was the last book you read? Did you like it?

I’m finishing White Teeth by Zadie Smith right now. Every page is so hilarious and brilliant, I’m slowing down because I don’t want it to end.

If you could give yourself from ten years ago any advice what would it be?

Stop worrying too much about everything.

What inspirations led to your unique illustration style?

The simple shapes and bright colors come mostly from childhood memories, especially the ones involving Lego bricks, video games, and comics. My background in graphic design also played a major role: after years of branding and icon design, drawing with geometric, minimal shapes came quite naturally. I think my style reflects my personality a lot: I’m a detail-oriented person, and above all, I like to tell stories and make people smile.

The subjects are inspired by the people I stumble upon every day in New York: I’m extremely curious and inspired by diversity, so I love to spend hours walking around looking for inspiring people and stories.  

Who was an influential family member growing up?

I’m an Italian so of course, I will say my mom! She taught me to read and love books at a very young age, and always encouraged me to express creativity.

What is your favorite park in NYC? Why?

Central Park, as corny as it sounds. But it’s such a magical place: I love to feel lost in nature and sit in front of a lake while also being able to see skyscrapers around me. It’s also my go-to for inspiration: you can just sit on a bench for a while to see stories happen in front of your eyes.

What is your favorite color to work with right now? Why?

I love working with light pink – it’s great when used as a background color because it’s neutral but has personality, and it fits well with a wide range of other colors.

When creating a new character in an illustration where does it usually start?

It usually starts from a concept. I need to think first about the character’s personality and story before visualizing it. Then I start drawing from the head and facial expression. If I’m at my computer smiling and talking with the screen, I’m probably drawing some cute or funny character.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

I just want to give a virtual high five / hug (hopefully not sweaty!) to all the artists and creatives holding on out there. It’s easy to feel alone when you are facing the blank paper when everyone looks successful except you and inspiration doesn’t come – but you are not. We all feel like that, social media is not real life, and everything is going to be ok <3