Alexandra Colombo

I’m 35 years old, live in Italy, and have been an illustrator since 2002. I like to write and illustrate children’s books and have more than 50 books published around the world, from America, England, France, Italy, Taiwan, Australia etc, including the series Recycle Michael (whose protagonist is a superhero who teaches children how to recycle), which is best seller in the USA as well as being published all over the world.

When did you decide you wanted to be illustrator?
I’ve been drawing since childhood, on the walls, on the floors, in notebooks. Until 2002 I played tennis at a professional level and I never thought of becoming an “international” illustrator . In 2001, I decided to attend art school and once there I made contacts and had my first publication.

Would you recommend studying at art school?
In part it is useful to attend an art school (especially if the teachers are themselves professionals), but no schools of art in the world can give you the assurance of a job. Customers never ask what school you attended, they prefer to see your portfolio.

How long was it before illustration became your primary form of income?
For the first two years I struggled a lot to live as an illustrator, but after the first publications and especially after the first Recycle Michael book, which was a resounding success, my name became known and I was able to keep and render illustrations as my work.

Could you describe your typical day?
On a typical day I get up early in the morning, then go to my studio to work, work, work. I love animals, dogs in particular, and am a rescuer and search for missing people in the woods and under rubble. I often have to go out to run or train with my dogs, but all the time “lost”  to the recovery means I often have to remain in the office until late into the evening.

What do you wish you’d know when you first started out?
I knew it would be a particular job, a job where you have to be very good at self-management, working to deadlines and schedules, a job that allows you to manage your time, it allows you to do many things, but at the same time requires many, many hours of work. Insecure work without a fixed salary, a job often poorly paid, but a truly original career where you can be fully yourself.

What’s the best thing about being an illustrator?
The best thing is being able to express yourself, to manage your day, to leave something of  yourself in time, to make people smile – children in particular.

What’s the worst thing about being an illustrator?
The worst thing is that it is an insecure job. There is a no fixed salary per month, and sometimes badly paid.

If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be?
If I were not an illustrator I would like to work full-time with dogs. In particular rescue dogs, but my job already allows me to also realise my dream as a volunteer.

Any other tips you could share?
The last thing I would say is that being an illustrator is a glamorous job, but it is not a job for everyone. It takes talent, discipline and character. If you are not able to manage your time, work to tight schedules and rules, focus on instructions and have inspiration always, then it is probably not the job for you. It is important to always respect the deadlines, to realise exactly what is required with your own style and your own sensitivity and try to stay true to yourself without ever disappointing the client.

www.alexandracolombo.it