Marco Marella
I was born and happily live in Venice, Italy, where the very source of modern illustration can be traced. In her intertwined colors, lights and shapes I find peace, joy and inexhaustible inspiration.
Where do you live?
I live in Venice, Italy
Where have you lived?
Apart from an year in London in the 80’s, I’ve always lived in Venice. I’d like to try living in New York for a while.
What medium do you use?
Mostly computer, but I often use hand painted and hand made collage backgrounds.
How do you stay inspired?
I read a lot, I watch around a lot (very few people really do this), I travel as often as I can, I take my time with friends and family.
Where do you buy your art supplies?
The oldest Venetian shop: ‘Testolini’ near St. Mark’s Square and not far from my studio.
Do you work traditionally or digitally?
Now, mostly digitally.
What color combination are you most excited about right now?
Pale blue, brown, orange, black. I find it hard to imagine something without black.
Why do you like being an illustrator in 10 words or less?
I can hardly imagine trying to be anything else.
If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be?
I guess I’d like to do something involving the use of arms and hands, something in the open air, something away from the crowds.
What illustration job would you love to get (your dream job)?
A ‘Time’ magazine cover.
Name something you do in your spare time.
I read, but never newspapers: they are depressing, the worst way to start a new day. I play with flickr.
What’s the strangest work experience you’ve ever had?
I’ve been a ship-boy, a life-guard, an army officer and many other things but illustration is by far the strangest.
What are you reading now?
‘One Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Khaled Hosseini. A good story or better yet a good tragedy.
What recent book do you recommend for a good read?
‘I Served the King of England’ by Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal, a true work of art, but my favourite book ever is Yourcenar’s ‘memoirs of hadrian’.
Where would you like to travel to next?
Mars, but I will probaly go to Croatia instead.
What’s your favorite TV show?
I don’t watch many TV shows.
Who is your favorite cartoon character?
Snow White
What is your favorite cheese?
Creamy gorgonzola: You should try it and with Italian red wine of course.
What do you listen to while you work?
All kinds of music, from reggae to classic Iranian music, and sometimes an audio book, when the work does not require too much concentration. I often spend whole days in complete silence.
What artist are you reincarnated from?
I guess I’m on the same lineage of ancient venetian painters and eclectic craftsmen: there were really a lot here, as well as illustrators: the editorial market was born here, in the 16th century, after all.
What do you wish your middle name was?
‘doctor’ or, better, ‘architect’ . who needs a degree if you already are a doctor or an architect? seriously: i do not need one more name.
If you could eat only one food, what would it be?
fish
How do you stay in shape?
i practice shotokan karate, jogging on the beach
How don’t you stay in shape?
italian food and wine. i like it too much.
What is your current favorite font?
i draw ‘fonts’ myself
How do you take your coffee?
very hot, short, black and no sugar. but i mostly drink unsweetened green tea
Whom would you like to meet?
jesus christ: i have some questions
What question would you most like to be asked?
what’s the meaning of life? i’m afraid i have the answer.
What recent illustration job have you enjoyed doing?
my last job for the ‘village voice’, new york
What was your favorite illustration assignment?
next one
Client List
Abitare
Bacco Arianna
Cincinnati Magazine
Contintental Magazine
DDB/Chicago
Dixie Cup
Element 79
Feltrinelli
Gastronomica
Gatorade
Glow Magazine
Il Sole 24 Ore (24)
Kodak
Mazanti
Mondadori
The Nation
Parmalat
Pepsi Cola/Gatorade
Radio Times (UK)
Rolex
Rusconi
Skoda
The Village Voice
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