Introducing Alissa Lubrano from Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Introducing Alissa Lubrano from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Alissa’s digital illustrations reflect a sense of freedom, comfort, and coziness. By infusing emotion and connection – and a touch of humour — into her work, she creates illustrations that exude a personal and warm quality. Her goal is to create art that brings a chuckle to your day, while also promoting representation and diversity, especially for children with curly hair like hers.

We welcomed Alissa on board with a few questions:

What would you say is your best piece of work / collaboration to date, and why? 

I think my favourite piece of work was creating a campaign image for the festival Eindeloos India. I really enjoyed illustrating a flowy dress. With the dress in mind, I was able to create an interesting shape and portray a woman who is both strong and graceful.

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration when I go for a walk outside with some music on and my mind completely clear. That’s when all kinds of ideas and scenarios come to me. Inspiration can be found in the smallest things. For example, while at lunch on vacation I noticed a window with two chairs in front of it, and it instantly sparked all kinds of illustration ideas and stories. Observing how people walk, talk, move, or even smell gives me inspiration for new characters.

Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.

Growing up, I rarely saw characters in books or on screen who looked like me: girls with curls. If a main character did have curly hair, she was portrayed as the ‘ugly’ kid, and only when she straightened her hair would she suddenly become ‘beautiful’. This (lack of) representation made me feel like my own hair wasn’t beautiful. I believe that when you’re young and you see someone who looks like you, it makes you feel proud and seen. Even today, seeing someone with curls on a book cover makes me feel proud and beautiful. With my illustrations I want to create that same feeling for others, helping children feel seen, proud and beautiful.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.

What sets me apart from other illustrators is my focus on emotion and connection. I’m inspired by everyday situations and the bond I share with my mum and sister. The love I feel for them flows into my illustrations, giving my work a personal and warm touch. 

If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)?

The clients I have had the chance to work with appreciate the fast and clear communication. I hear from clients that my characters come to life and that they can feel a genuine connection with them.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as soft, comforting and cozy, which comes through in my use of colour and themes.

Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you — something personally meaningful to you

It would mean a lot to me to work on a project centred around the life shared between a cat and its owner: growing up together, the playfulness, the comfort during difficult times and eventually the loss of your best friend. But told in a way that shows how they never truly leave. I have experienced this myself and it was an incredibly difficult time for me — it still is. Creating a project like this would be a beautiful way to offer comfort to others who are going through the same thing.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

I am currently working on a personal project about school, friendship and first love.

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would that be?

I think I would illustrate a book about my little sister. She has a distinct look that is great for characterisation and she is always experiencing all kinds of things. Plus, she has the perfect expression in her eyes when she has had enough of something, which can inspire funny and creative scenarios.

If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.