valeria giordano, an activist with a passion for tradition and architecture
Valeria Giordano is an Italian illustrator. She grew up drawing with Mount Vesuvius on one side and the Royal Palace of Caserta on the other. She studied at the Scuola Italiana di Comix and holds a degree in Literature, Art, Music and Performing Arts. Valeria’s eclectic style ranges from vibrant and colorful to nostalgic and bohemian, blending digital and traditional media inspired by gouache and colored pencils. Nature, visual storytelling, and a strong sense of freedom drive her work. Her favorite film is La Strada by Fellini.
She let us in on her creative process and progress...
What would you say is your best piece of work or collaboration to date, and why?
The project I’m most attached to is an HIV prevention campaign promoted by a local association in my hometown. It was my very first paid job, so I’m emotionally connected to it. But above all, I’m driven by a strong sense of activism, and being able to use my skills to support such an important cause made me feel proud and truly honored.
Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?
Whenever I can, I escape into nature — wild camping is my peace, my recharge, my creative fuel. I let colors, smells, and sounds inspire me. In the city, I spend hours browsing vintage posters, graphic design books, and art history. I admire Caravaggio for his dramatic use of light, Van Gogh for the emotional weight of his strokes, and Bernini for his absurd ability to make marble look soft and alive. When I need something lighter, I head to Pinterest and reinterpret dreamy, colorful photographic portraits in gouache.
Is there anything you'd be a good advocate for?
Yes: the freedom to be happy, in whatever shape it takes. I believe everyone should feel empowered to follow their passion — even if it’s unconventional or feels out of reach. I love being the one who says, “You don’t have to be great to start — just start. You can do it too.”
What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.
Probably my way of combining textures, forms, and unexpected color choices. I never go for blue skies or green grass unless there’s a twist. I like to reinterpret the obvious. My creative process is also a balance between chaos and clarity: rough, messy sketches that turn into clean, expressive illustrations without losing the original energy.
What is something that clients come back to you for?
Portraits! That was my first love, back when I worked in graphite. Over time, I developed my own way of drawing people and portraying relationships—between friends, families, couples, and even their four-legged companions. I often get asked for custom portraits filled with tiny details that tell their personal stories.
How would you describe your style?
I’d say eclectic. It doesn’t change completely from project to project, but I adapt my recurring elements — color, shape, texture — to suit different audiences and contexts. I enjoy mixing painterly and graphic elements, playing with diagonals, and balancing full and empty spaces. My work always begins in chaos and ends in clarity, keeping the spontaneity of the sketch alive.
Please give a scenario of a dream project that would mean the world to you — something personally meaningful.
I’d love to illustrate a book that helps children or teens believe in themselves and follow their dreams. I’d dedicate it to my niece and nephews, so they can grow up free to be themselves and proud of their uniqueness.
Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?
Yes! I’m passionate about art, tradition, architecture, and… food! So I created a personal series that combines iconic local dishes with the architecture of their region. There’s a plate of carbonara shaped like a towering dome set into the Colosseum, tortellini topped with Bologna’s arcades, and orecchiette with cime di rapa in front of a trullo from Puglia. I’m slowly expanding this small collection and having a lot of fun with it!
Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would it be?
Definitely Janis Joplin. She’s one of the reasons I decided to become an illustrator. Her freedom, her voice, her courage — she made me believe it was possible to build a life around the things that make you feel truly alive.
If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]
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