What is the best thing that I love about my work?  I’m an illustrator and what I like about my job is to be able to do something that I like all day, to talk about what I like and to watch what I like (pictures, drawings, comics etc.) and always say that I’m working.

What is my idea of perfect happiness? What makes me really happy is the sharing of passions, the comparison with others.

What is my greatest fear? The things that I’m afraid of are snakes and small and closed space. But soon after, I’m afraid of losing my time working badly, of not being up, of going in the wrong direction. It encourages me to know that the fear of being mistaken is more common than claustrophobia.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Anxiety. I am a very anxious person and this makes me even more anxious.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? I recently got to know Philip Giordano. I already knew his good work but now I can admire him as a person because, while being an affirmed professional, he is available, gentle and very humble. These are qualities that only great people have.

What is my greatest extravagance? I watch a lot of cartoons – even those for very small children. Is something that fascinates me a lot.

On what occasion would I lie? Lying is difficult for me. I almost never lie because I’m not capable of it.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? That it’s a lonely job. That’s why I have always tried to surround myself with people with my own passion so we can work alone but go for a drink together.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? Sometimes you happen to make a particularly successful drawing, look at it, and understand that it’s better than anything you’ve produced before and somehow made you do a tiny, but crucial step forward. I think that those moments are the reason why people choose to draw for work.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I’d like to be one of those people who can get up early in the morning and start working with a smile on their lips. Like in cookies’ spots.

What is my greatest achievement in work? For me, success means to be satisfied with oneself, so since I have not stopped trying to improve, I did not succeed yet.

Where would I most like to live? It’s a hard question. I would like to move somewhat outside of Italy (I’m currently living in Milan). But I also feel a deep bond with Vicenza, which is my hometown.

What is my most treasured possession? The greatest treasure in my possession are the people around me – they push me to never give up.

What is my most marked characteristic? Irony, and self-irony above all.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? There are three ways I look for inspiration: talking to people, so the place becomes secondary. Walking – then without a precise place. And working, so the only fixed place I can point to is my desk. Although I currently own two of them, one in Vicenza and one in Milan …

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? Everywhere there is beer and good company. So even my home is fine.

What books influenced my life and how? The book that changed my life is “The Witches” by Roald Dahl – or any of his books. When I was a child I read them all and fell in love twice. First, the stories hit me and then the illustrations of the great Quentin Blake moved me. At the age of (maybe) seven I was convinced that in my life I wanted to do his own job. I have not changed my idea yet.

Who are my favorite writers? After Dahl I met others. I nominate three of them. Calvino of whom I have read almost everything and that I loved for his irony. Paola Capriolo for how she can describe the darkness and the impossibility of struggling against oneself. Terry Pratchett because his books would make even the stones laugh.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? This question is too hard! I can hardly imagine…when I go out for a run I always listen to System of a Down, so I think that even in that day I will listen to them.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Hermione Granger and Princess Leila. I am very fascinated by strong women.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?  My mother is my strong woman model.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? Bambi (although it is a small trauma).

What role plays art in my life and work? I consider myself as an artisan and not as an artist. I think that “art” is a word overused.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? The girls of my collective: the “Collettivo Baldobranco”. We produce self-productions and illustrations together, but we also share a good part of our daily problems and lives. Working with them makes me always happy and proud.

Whom would I like to work with in 2017?  With Collettivo Baldobranco obviously.

Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2017? I’d like to meet Benjamin Chaud to tell him I love everything he does.

What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on? At the moment I am working on a coloring book for children and I look forward to seeing it complete.

Where can you see me or my work in 2017? In libraries, I hope, at the fairs of self-production, on the Baldobranco site and online.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Sometimes I do not understand if I draw more for passion or stubbornness. I try to do everything in the most spontaneous, honest and funny way possible.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? My friend Veronica Ruffato. She is the best illustrator I know but she still does not have the fame she deserves. He could take the opportunity to get her an interview before she becomes super famous!

How can you contact me? I am available at my email: chiara.mantello@gmail.com

You can follow my work on my instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/chiara.mantello/

Or see my portfolio on behance: https://www.behance.net/Chiara_Mantello

And you can check the Baldobranco page here: https://www.facebook.com/BaldoBranco/