What is the best thing that I love about my work? The possibility to use creative and manual skills every day, to create something from nothing, and to be able to see the infinite shades of colors that surround us.

What is my idea of perfect happiness? Sitting on a lake shore at sunrise, observing and listening to nature wake up.

What is my greatest fear? Death.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Sometimes I’m too prudent and for this reason I cannot enjoy everything that happens to me.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? Joanna Neborsky.

What is my greatest extravagance? Sometimes, at least once a year, I end up sleeping for a day or two straight. I don’t know why, I call it “hibernating”.

On what occasion would I lie? I think I could lie to keep someone safe.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? The fact that there is no professional register for illustrators here in Italy, and that our work is precarious and underpaid.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? When I received my first commission and when I opened a creative and artisanal studio with my partner Cecilia Sammarco.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I would like to be more patient and understanding with those who don’t think like me. I think I would definitely change my stubbornness.

What is my greatest achievement in work? I don’t really know, maybe just the fact that I actually started to do this job, challening myself into something new.

Where would I most like to live? In the countryside near Rome, my hometown. But I would not mind living in Morocco either.

What is my most treasured possession? My ideals.

What is my most marked characteristic? Discretion.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? Both the colors and scents that permeate my city. When I want to find stimulations I always go to a lake near my house, its colors and sounds are a great source of inspiration for me.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? Gandhi! An Indian restaurant near Garbatella. Heavenly food, positive vibes, and cozy atmosphere.

What books influenced my life and how? I think it’s “Alibaba e i quaranta ladroni” by Emanuele Luzzati. Since the first time my mother read it to me when I was little, I have been in love with its illustrations and palette of colours. This picture book pushed me to become an illustrator and a kindergarten teacher.

Who are my favorite writers? I’m basically obsessed with Ellery Queen books. I also love Luzzati’s works.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Well, I think in my playlist there will certainly be Talking Heads, Vulfpeck, Ratatat, The Smiths, Patsy Cline, and Marvin Gaye.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Ellery Queen.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Giordano and my very best friends Gaia and Valeria.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? “Magnolia” by Anderson.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My boyfriend, Giordano, and my partner Cecilia.

Whom would I like to work with in 2018? As many people as possible, especially artisans and artists.

Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2018? As above. As many people as possible. I love every artist’s creative inspiration.

What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on? My partner Cecilia Sammarco and I created an artisanal and creative studio focused on handmade and handpainted stuff – graphics, illustrations, clothes, and unique objects. The studio’s name is PADMA.

Where can you see me or my work in 2018? Hopefully at craft fairs, exhibitions and bookshops, but in the meantime on my personal instagram account https://www.instagram.com/sof.bonelli/ or on the instagram page of my creative studio https://www.instagram.com/padmastudio/ .

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? That passion never grows old and will always burn in our lives and in our works.

Which creative heroes and heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? I suggest an interview with Michele Cerone, a great artist and human being.

How can you contact me? Here’s my instagram account https://www.instagram.com/sof.bonelli/ and my email, if you’d like to contact me: bonellisofiaillustration@gmail.com