Valeria Cunto
Hi, who are you and where are you from?
I'm Valeria Cunto, I'm from Rome, Italy and I'm an illustrator and designer.
Where did your passion for illustration begin?
I've always drawn especially for fun. When we were little, my father used to put my sister and I in front of the easel, canvas and brushes and make us draw still lifes.
We spent so many afternoons this way it was really nice and relaxing. I spent the rest of my teenage years drawing comic books, (smile) but I guess everybody spent a little time on that, didn't we?
What was your educational background?
At first I studied Fashion Design at IED in Rome but then I realized that visual communication was my path so I attended three years in Design at AANT. That was a wonderful period.
Have you always dealt with desing?
Yes, I started in Rome and then in Milan where I worked in communication for several years, in some big advertising agencies like M&C Saatchi and Grey by WPP group, where I was the digital art director.
Where do you get inspiration for your creations?
From the details I notice in things - the way both nature and object are shaped, with their edges or coves, small details or defects that make them unique.
Food, the great protagonist of your works... are there any dishes or foods you prefer?
Food is an immense passion of mine, it always has been, I love the colors, the smell, obviously the taste, and how the light reflects on it.
My ideal meal is:
-First dish: Spaghetti with lupini clams.
-Second dish: grilled peppers dressed with garlic, oil and basil.
-Desser: Fresh Fruit Pie “Crostata”.
What are the projects you have done recently and give us an example of your creative process?
Recently I made some illustrations for Sistemir company project. They needed the Illustrated Headers for their website for showing their different skills so I decided to describe their works through illustrating a journey made by some Sistmir world characters.
Do you have any future plans?
Yes, I would really love to write a book of illustrated recipes, and if some author will read this interview: please come forward!
What do you love about this job?
The satisfactions are many - being immersed in colours is a privilege and I am grateful for it every day, also being able to create coherent and complete projects and that’s represent another among thingsI love the most.
Thanks to my (unicorn) sister Marina🦄 for interviewing me.