Samantha Curcio
Melbourne-based illustrator Samantha Curcio creates vibrant, witty and heartwarming illustrations. We chat to Samantha about her design journey and what keeps her inspired.
Photography: Tatanja Ross & Samantha Curcio
Samantha Curcio in her Melbourne studio. Photo: Tatanja Ross
‘My son has been a huge new source of inspiration for products and ideas that I wish existed in the marketplace already,’ says Samantha Curcio. Photo: Tatanja Ross
H&F: Hi Samantha, has art and creativity always played a big part in your life?
Samantha: Yes, definitely! I have always been interested in, and veering towards creative pursuits since I was young. I absolutely love independent fashion and street style – and have admittedly, in my past, been through some really embarrassing phases, but who hasn’t – I love mid-century and brutalist architecture, I love photography, I love pop art (amongst other forms), video games and am very much into music and pop culture. All these avenues of interest have influenced how I create and consume.
What does a ‘normal’ day in the studio look like for you?
Every day for me is different at the moment because I work around my 11 month year old son’s naps! I usually get my morning coffee and walk down to my study after Ezra is in bed, check emails and work on whatever job I have for the day. Then, when he’s awake I take a break until he’s back to sleep after lunch. I enjoy working from home because it means I get to do what I love and spend time with the people I love! Some days can be less productive than others, but at least I know if I have a tight deadline, the evenings can provide some uninterrupted time to work. I’ve recently transitioned to doing a lot of illustrating on my iPad too which provides flexibility to where I work, meaning mainly whether I’m on the couch in my pjs or am a little more put together at the computer.
What subjects do you love to draw the most?
Ooh that’s a tough one! I always love to draw a bum *insert peach emoji* or someone naked. Also, I guess lately, I’ve been drawing a lot more still life scenes which I enjoy. I really like drawing anything though! As long as it’s bright and colourful or has a silly facial expression added to it, then I’m sold!
Tell me about your process when creating an illustration…
My process is basically all digital. I’m not a big pencil sketcher and if I do create a sketch beforehand, it is extremely rough. I’m talking stick figure level or even just blobs! Because colour plays a big part in my work I like to work straight into colour to get a feel for the elements coming together and working harmoniously on the piece. These days for most jobs I can create my pieces on the iPad, which lets me maintain that sweet couch life. If I’m illustrating to then animate, my process is a little different because I’m thinking about how the illustration will move when I’m creating it, and I’m a little more intentional with how I structure my characters.
Chocolate wrapping illustrations by Samantha Curcio for Paperboy London. Photo: Samantha Curcio
‘I love the flexibility I have to control my workflow, so I can spend as much time as possible with my family. I’m very lucky!’ says Samantha Curcio. Photo: Tatanja Ross
“I love that I get to work with some really amazing independent clients that trust me to create something for them in my own personal style. Seeing my own characters on someone’s product or in a commissioned artwork gives me such a thrill.”
Samantha Curcio’s vibrant desk in her Melbourne studio. Photo: Tatanja Ross
Animal illustrations by Samantha Curcio for London brewery Canopy Beer Co. Photo: Tatanja Ross
Is there a common misconception people have about your job?
I think sometimes because my work is digital there is a misconception that it is easier or might take less time to create and therefore less valuable. I guess also people think that it’s an easy career path because it looks really fun, but it can have its challenges and setbacks like any other job.
What keeps you inspired and interested?
Learning new skills and being able to apply them to my illustration. I am a self-taught animator so that’s been fun to bring my characters to life in After Effects. My son has been a huge new source of inspiration for products and ideas that I wish existed in the marketplace already. I am also part of a really great, tight-knit Slack illustration group who keep me sane and inspired. It’s nice to have some office-like banter online even though we all work independently.
Your palette is always so bright and fun – why are you drawn to these colours?
Bright colours are just the best to work with and they make me happy! I find my illustration vibe just goes hand in hand with a bright palette.
What has been your proudest work moment to date?
I’ve been lucky to have already worked on some really fun projects with some very cool (both big and small) clients, but my most exciting job to date – which will be released in July this year – is a children’s book called Hello Every Body! published by Hardie Grant. This was an absolute dream job for me! The book is about celebrating all different types of bodies and how we are all unique and that’s something to be proud of. I honestly wish this book existed when I was a kid. I can’t wait to hold it in my hands!
What’s the most important piece of advice you would give someone turning their dream project into a full-time job?
Work hard and it will definitely come! This hasn’t been an overnight success story for me and I have been honing my illustration style and skillset for years for this to be my career. There is absolutely no shame in having a 9 to 5 to pay the bills and help support your dream job until it becomes something you can comfortably work at full-time. I believe if you have the drive and determination, you will get there!
What’s in store for you this year?
Well as I mentioned I’m super excited about the book release in July, so I’m counting down the months! Keep your eyes peeled! In between client work, I am creating some more fun products for my shop. I’m working on building up a cute little collection for both big and little kids! Outside of that I’m just enjoying time with my family and making the most of down time when it comes. Lots of catching up with pals, cuddles with my kid and of course, coffees!
