“It’s a fleeting digression.”
There is lightness, suspense and a certain degree of poetry in Francesca’s illustrations.
All typical ways creative people give shape to the impressions and sensations that arise and stir inside them.
To get to this state, the illustrations must first go on a journey.
A tortuous process of ups and downs, of adding and taking away, of light and shadow.
And only at the end of this journey, which begins internally and then unfolds on paper, do they take on their correct form.
A form that makes you feel ‘full’ just by looking at it.
That restores justice to the creative process.
It is extremely delicate and intimate work, but also one of the most fulfilling and meaningful aspects of our lives.
Because seeing a calendar hung up and appreciated by a customer is hugely satisfying.
A thin paper object that plays such a central role in a family’s life for a whole year.
A perfect link between the hidden power of the mind, the beating of the heart and the breath of the soul.
A discreet object, a silent and attentive companion, a reassuring presence.
Delve into the story of Francesca and her illustrated calendar.
Happy reading!
Who are you? Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do. Dreams, aspirations and talents. A short but faithful portrait!
Hi, I’m Francesca, and I’m a freelance illustrator and visual artist.
I use my images to tell stories and describe emotions and interior journeys. I work on visual poetry, books and other creative projects.
I believe that drawing is more about self-expression and self-narration than about technique, which is why my courses are open to everyone.
I live in Puglia with my husband, our son and the boss of the house… our cat Ginger! I wear Puglia’s colours, and particularly its light, like a second skin.
If you’d like to get to know me better, take a look at my website: http://www.officinamezzaluna.it/
Before telling us about your idea, can you explain to our readers what you produced using our printing technology?
I have been a loyal customer of yours for many years. I have used your services to print postcards, covers for my notebooks, my folded Stories in the Palm of Your Hand books, and my illustrated calendar, which I produce every year.
Let’s rewind to the very beginning. How did you get the idea for this project? Is there a particular story behind it?
Underpinning everything is a wish to see the images I visualise in my head take shape. I feel projects only really exist once they become objects. You have allowed me to turn them into something tangible.
Once you had found the right idea, you had to set a goal. What did you want to achieve with your idea? What was your objective?
My aim is always the same: to get my ideas out into the world. I think they get spoilt if I keep them hidden away. I love it when a project takes flight, circles, and is seen by new eyes.
How did you turn your project into reality? What were the design phases and how many were there? Tell us about the process that brought your idea to life and made it ready for printing.
The process always begins with an idea – a hypothetical seed to cultivate, to turn into something visual and clear. And so I draw, experiment, discard and simplify. When the image finds its balance, I prepare the definitive illustrations.
My creative work is a hybrid process: half traditional, half using Photoshop. I produce the proofs at home, and then they’re ready to be sent for printing!
How did you use print on demand to produce your work? Which materials did you choose and why?
At the start I asked for your catalogue and chose the recycled paper, which I am particularly fond of. Then, a few years ago, I chose a different paper by mistake… the calendar arrived on a material I wasn’t expecting, but my customers loved it even more. Since then I have experimented more freely.
The time has come to use the printed products! How did you feel when you finally saw the printed result in front of you?
It’s always an adrenaline-filled moment: you don’t really know what to expect until you open the box. When it works, it’s exciting. And when there have been problems, you have always acted quickly to resolve them, which is why I keep on using your services.
This is only the start! What other projects do you have planned for the future? Can you share them with us?
I would like to produce an illustrated book entirely of my own. I often work on commission for private clients, but who knows, maybe 2026 will be the year it happens… perhaps with you at my side 😊
Website: https://www.officinamezzaluna.it/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officinamezzaluna