- The Design View: 1) How did you first get into illustration?
- Dante Terzigni: It was a tough choice between illustration and fine art. I think I saw more of a career in illustration. Someday I would love to focus more of my time doing fine art, and my approach would be similar to what I am doing now. I was fortunate enough to study under some amazing talent in the illustration field; I think my admiration for them ultimately led me to illustration.
- The Design View: How do you normally start work on a project?
- Dante Terzigni: I have been getting mainly editorial assignments as of late, and most call for fairly conceptual solutions. I usually start by printing out the article(s) and busting out the highlighter. I'm looking for words/ or phrases that trigger some sort of immediate visual reaction. I'll then start to sketch, for conceptual purposes only, composition, color, etc. come after I have (what I think are) solid ideas nailed down. For the less conceptual things, I skip this step and dive right into the computer.
- The Design View: How would you best describe your style of illustration?
- Dante Terzigni: I call my style digital collage. I focus mainly on interactions between a variety of shape, edges, line, texture, scale, color, mood, etc.
- The Design View: Do you get a lot of creative freedom when working with clients?
- Dante Terzigni: With editorial, yes. With larger corporate jobs, yes and no, depends on the creative director. It seems like the larger the corporation the less freedom you'll have. Lots of cooks in the kitchen. Honestly both can be rewarding and frustrating in their own rights.
- The Design View: What is your personal studio and your setup like?
- Dante Terzigni: My current studio is going to be moved soon, so I haven’t really gotten too settled into my current one. Definitely Apple gear, two monitors, Wacom, etc. not very exiting at the moment, but hopefully it will be someday!
- The Design View: Please tell us a bit about your pattern collection?
- Dante Terzigni: I have a pretty large pattern and texture library I’ve been adding to for years. I’m always paranoid about over using patterns/ textures. I use Adobe Bridge (always open on my second monitor) to sort through them.
- The Design View: What do you love most about illustration?
- Dante Terzigni: The possibilities are endless. I am humbled daily by all the amazing artists out there.
- The Design View: Favorite website(s) you would recommend?
- Dante Terzigni: Samba For Rats - Nate Williams - Robert Roth Paintings - Frank Sturges Reps - The Jealous Curator - FFFFound - Stumble Upon
- The Design View: Any words of wisdom you would like to share with us?
- Dante Terzigni: When I first started in the illustration/ design field, I fell into the common trap of doing what I thought people would like to see, rather than trusting in my own design instincts. You have to give into the muse.
- For more information about Dante Terzigni, please visit:
- http://www.danteterzigni.com/
Please note: The Design View would like to thank Dante Terzigni for this interview. All work featured within this interview is copyrighted by Dante Terzigni. The Design View has written permission from Dante Terzigni to use the selected pieces for this interview. You may NOT copy or redistribute any of images within this interview without the written permission from Dante Terzigni. For more information please contact: Dante Terzigni
