What is the best thing that I love about my work?
My work is exactly what I want to do in my life. It could seems banal but I learned that loving what you do is a privilege and it is not so common. Since I was a little girl I’ve always drawn. That’s what I mostly love of my work: the possibility of still being a child. 

What is my idea of perfect happiness?
To do what you love, in the place you want to be, close to the people you love. Unfortunately is not always possible to have all of this at the same time so, if I should use a single word to describe my idea of perfect happiness I would say “teleport” 🙂

What is my greatest fear?
I hate wasting my time. Every time I do something I do not believe in completely, or even when I’m too lazy to get out of the bed half an hour before, I have the constant feeling of losing opportunities and I do not want any regrets. Here it is, perhaps, my greatest fear.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I’m a very demanding person, and I don’t make exception with myself. I’m always trying to do my best in my work, in my relations, in the way I manage my life, and I can become a little bit obsessive. Sometimes it’s so exhausting to be me! 

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
The author and illustrator of comics Don Rosa. He left his safe work in the family business to follow his dream: to draw the stories of Uncle Scrooge. It takes courage, I admire him.

What is my greatest extravagance? 
Even If I do a creative work I think I’m not at all similar to the way people imagine a creative person: I don’t “live for art” and in my free time I don’t like to talk exclusively about art, perhaps because I’m a bit shy when I have to tell somebody about my work. I’m an illustrator, I’m ironic, curious, sometimes a bit fool but definitely I’m not the typical artist cliché. 

On what occasion would I lie?
People tell me that I can’t lie because of my face: my expressions speak even if I keep my mouth shut. Anyway, I would lie to don’t ruin a surprise to someone.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
The least favorite thing about my work has to do with how people perceive it. When I tell people I’m an illustrator I usually have to repeat “illustrator” because people do not immediately understand what I’m talking about. With the most of the people I find it funny. The problem is when you meet a potential client who expects you to work for free just because he doesn’t consider illustration a real job! It’s frustrating. 

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
Fortunately I had lots of happy moment thanks to my work, even If my career is still young. If I had to choose one I would say when I received my first assignment from The Washington Post. Working for one of the most important newspapers of the world was an honor and a challenge for me. 

If I could, what would I change about myself?
I would like to be less anxious and hard on myself.

What is my greatest achievement in work?
My greatest achievement in work is… my work! It’s not taken for granted that everyone can do what they love and I am grateful that, after a series of wrong jobs I finally found my way. Today Ican’t imagine to do anything else than the illustrator. 

Where would I most like to live in Italy?
I live in Turin and my life is mostly here since 7 years. But I was born in Naples and you know, there’s no place like home, so…

What is my most treasured possession?
The support and trust of my family and of the people who love me.

What is my most marked characteristic?
My temper, I guess 🙂

What is my most inspirational location in Italy?
Everywhere there’s the sea. And, fortunately Italy is almost totally surrounded by water!

What is my favourite place to eat and drink in Italy?
Does it sound childish if I say “at my mother’s house”? 🙂

What books in italian literature influenced my life and how?
I’m a good reader and, somehow, every book I read leaves a little mark in my life but my favorite books are not from Italian literature. I love “Ask the dust” by John Fante, “The Wolf and The Philosopher” by Mark Rowlands, “The Master and Margherita” by Bulgakov and many others: the list would be long!

Who are my favorite artists?
More than a single artist I like a kind of art which is the Art Naif, but also Impressionism and  the Surrealism of Marc Chagall.

You Only Die Once. What music from Italy would I listen on my last day?
The Queen. They reminds me to my childhood and I think my last day should be full of good memories as my childhood was.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
When I was younger I was obsessed by the character of V, from V for Vendetta by Alan Moore. I’ve always had a weakness for idealists and revolutionaries.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Anyone who has the courage to follow his dreams without giving up, despite the difficulties.

Which italian movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
The Legend of 1900, directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. One of my favorite movies ever.

What role plays art in my life and work?
However, I believe that looking at the work of other artists can be a source of inspiration, as well as an incentive to improve your own work. I would say that the art around me is what push me to do more.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My family and my boyfriend, absolutely! Probably I would not do what I’m doing without their encouragement, their support and their love. I’m doing my way, and I’m so grateful that they are walking beside me.

Whom would I like to work with in 2018?
I would like to make a cover for The New Yorker, the “Everest” of every illustrator. I already worked with The New Yorker Art Editor Françoise Mouly but no one of my cover proposal has made it so far. We’ll see in the next months 🙂

Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2018?
I would like to know Christoph Niemann. I think he’s interesting and fun as much as his job is.

What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on?
I’m aready working on it and I think It will have a strong social impact. I can’t say more for now but I hope it will come out in the next few months.

Where can you see me or my work in 2018?
First of all you can see both (me and my work) this March at Bologna Children’s Book Fair for the award ceremony of the Annual Contest by Autori di Immagini. Otherwise at any time you can find my work online at saragironicarnevale.com.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
There is no way to extinguish a passion if it is fueled by the right motivations and a good dose of courage. And, faced with this, no obstacle is insurmountable.

Which passionate professionals working in Italy should Peter invite to tell their story?
I think Peter could be very pleased to meet Ani Karamanukyan and Cristina Boffa, two dear friends of mine as well as exceptional professionals! And if he doesn’t have enough, I suggest him know Capi.to, a communication agency founded by three guys that chosen not to leave Italy and make their ideas growing here, in their Country!

How can you contact me?
Whether for work or just for a coffee, the best way to get in touch with me is writing at sara.gironi.carnevale@gmail.com
I always reply 🙂