Book By Its Cover » 10×10

2.9.12

Emiliano Ponzi

Apologies for the lag in posts. I have some time to start sharing again so here goes…

I often think illustration doesn’t get the credit it deserves. People don’t appreciate it as “art” because it is often commercial and for clients and is a sellout. But I don’t feel like that ever makes it feel less poignant, creative, or even genius. If anything, making good illustration work is more impressive than just making good art because there are so many more restrictions. If you can make illustrations that speaks to people emotionally as well as fulfilling all these specifics, than I think it’s even more commendable. I recently got this book from Italian illustrator Emiliano Ponzi who was one of the artists in our Exquisite Book. The book is a collection of his work paired with quotes taken from emails he received from clients of all kinds. It’s rare for an illustrator to get to publish a monograph, which seems crazy. Looking through this book, I would never question that Emiliano is making art. Emiliano’s pieces are packed with gorgeous metaphors and great storytelling. You don’t need to know what the assignment was about, the illustrations stand alone and are incredibly intriguing, often subtle and remarkably beautiful. The color palettes feel nostalgic but his style is still modern. The themes cover a huge range of topics and the characters reveal so much even without all their features. I am in awe of Emiliano’s work and hope other illustrators can continue to achieve and be recognized for the breadth of amazing work they create, as he has. You can get this book right here.

10 Comments

02/10/12 11:37pm

Amy@Pikaland wrote

I feel the same way Julia! In my mind, illustration is never about “selling out”, and I don’t think I can ever relate to those who say that it is. I love illustration mainly because of its process, and how it solves problems. To me that’s what being creative is all about and that’s hugely underrated.

Love Emilio’s work as well – the textures in his work is amazing, as well as his ability to illustrate emotions so succinctly.

02/11/12 12:06pm

Beth wrote

Love the color palette. I’ve never understood the difference between “art” and illustration. To me, art is art.

02/13/12 2:22pm

Suhita wrote

I love that you address this silly hierarchy: craft versus art, illustration versus fine art. It’s all silly stuff we could do without. These are beautiful works. I bet they brought poetry to the pieces they accompanied!

03/4/12 9:04am

Jeff wrote

Oh wow! These images are quite nice. Love the colors and textures. Also in line with the above posts, art vs illustration. I say so what. If it speaks to an individual, then so it goes. And thanks for sharing this, Ponzi is new to me. I’m gonna have to Google him now . . .

05/31/12 5:09pm

Emma wrote

I have also never really got the difference between calling it art or illustration, I find myself doing it too though. it is a creative process. Amy has it right, it is a creative process and sometimes a more complicated one to solve.
Beautiful work Emiliano.

09/12/12 4:48pm

Thomas wrote

Amazing! Its truly remarkable paragraph, I have got
much clear idea on the topic of from this article.

10/26/12 9:12am

Marion wrote

I love the subtle colours and the delicate drawing of your work.

11/7/12 11:35am

Lopez Moral | Landscape art wrote

I found a very interesting post. Very good job of illustration, is very delicate.

01/15/13 6:31pm

http://tinyurl.com/felologan48218 wrote

“Book By Its Cover ? 10?10” was indeed a incredibly good blog post, .
I hope you keep writing and I’ll continue to keep reading! Thanks a lot -Chastity

02/27/13 5:43pm

Teresita wrote

Your blog, “Book By Its Cover ? 10?10” lynnraedesigns was indeed
worthy of commenting down here in the comment section!

Just simply desired to admit you truly did a good job.
Thanks ,Flora

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© Julia Rothman 2007