Julia Bellini describes her artistic style as "imperfect geometry," here's her Q&A...
We’re very pleased to introduce Julia Bellini, an illustrator and author of educational projects based in France. Passionate about children's learning, she has been leading creative workshops for years, drawing inspiration from children's spontaneity and imagination. Julia brings anthropomorphic characters to life, crafting imaginative scenes that reflect the world around her in a playful, poetic way.
She describes her artistic style as "imperfect geometry," effortlessly blending the expressiveness of hand-crafted materials and a passion for geometry, with a structured and analytical approach.
Here’s her Q&A below…
What would you say is your best piece of work/collaboration to date, and why?
It’s difficult for me to choose just one project as “the best,” because I truly believe that every project I take on becomes the best one in that moment. I approach each with the same level of care, heart, and dedication, and I feel that each one deserves that label in its own way. One project that stands out is a self-published book I created around the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (in Marseille, France) — one of my earliest personal projects. It sold out quickly, and even years later, despite my professional growth, I wouldn’t change a thing. It still speaks to me just as strongly.
Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration very easily in the simple things around me. I love observing people in the city — the little everyday moments, gestures, and expressions that often go unnoticed but say so much. One of my greatest sources of inspiration comes from the children I meet during my creative workshops. The way they react to my illustrations, their spontaneous comments, their imagination — it’s an endless well of emotion and ideas. My family is also a huge source of inspiration, including our dog, who’s like a little four-legged muse in his own way!
Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.
If I were to advocate for something, it would be the importance of transmission — the passing on of knowledge, values, language, and culture, especially within families and across generations. I’m deeply moved by how children absorb everything around them, not just through what we teach them directly, but through mimicry — by observing how we behave, speak, and respond to the world. It’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest actions or words can leave a lasting impression.
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 the balance between my emotional, artistic nature and my strong need for structure and organisation. I’m a very instinctive and sensitive person — fully an artist in how I feel and experience the world. But at the same time, I’m also someone who is very methodical. I like things to be clear and well-planned. This contrast surprises people : I can be very expressive, even impulsive in spirit, yet I need a solid framework in how I work. My approach to illustration is like composing a visual symphony — each element is carefully chosen, with intention and balance. Creativity flows within this structure, and every "note" has its place in the composition.
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)?
From the feedback I’ve received, clients appreciate how involved and attentive I am throughout the creative process. They often mention that I really listen, communicate clearly, and bring a personal touch to each project.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as 'imperfect geometry.' On one hand, I’m drawn to expressiveness and the unpredictable imperfections that come from working with traditional materials. I actually began my artistic journey sculpting clay figurines — santons, a local tradition that’s hard to ignore when you live in Marseille. On the other hand, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for mathematics and geometry. Today, my visual language brings these two worlds together.
Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you were offered it - something that connects to something meaningful to you
I’d be honoured to illustrate a project that inspires curiosity about cultural memory, traditions, and languages, and helps young readers connect with the world around them. Whether it’s a collaboration with a museum, a children’s non-fiction book, a small encyclopedia, or a language-learning project, anything that brings real stories and heritage to life for young minds would feel truly special to me.
Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?
Yes, I’m currently working on a project inspired by my creative workshops for children. The two main aspects of the book — reading and creating — complement each other. The text inspires children to create a work of art, while the creative process encourages them to reflect on the text and gain a deeper understanding of it. What makes this project so exciting is that it’s shaped by real-time feedback from the children I work with. Their reactions and ideas are invaluable in refining the book's content and activities. In a way, they act as both my team of editors and co-authors, helping me perfect each step as I go.
Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real-life person, who would that be?
The first figure that comes to mind is Vincent Van Gogh. I deeply admire his work, and I know a lot about his biography. Then, I’ve been thinking about Gutenberg, especially after visiting several places related to the history of book printing. However, I also enjoy discovering new figures, and I’d love to illustrate a book about someone I’m less familiar with, but who could be intriguing for children. Why not Cyril and Methodius? Two Byzantine brothers who played a key role in the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet. I really like this spontaneous idea!
If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]
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