Illustrator Lucia Picerno from Badass Femme started illustrating just one year ago. Since then, she’s been drawing colorful images of women, accompanied by empowering slogans. We talked to her about equality, feminism and how she would like to see a diversity shift in the world of art.
Interview with illustrator Lucia Picerno
To start: can you tell a bit about yourself? How did you become an illustrator?
“I studied graphic design, industrial design and fine art. I have always loved to draw, but last year I realized it was something I really wanted and needed to explore. I have been working in design for the past 10 years occasionally doing an illustration as part of a design brief. However, I wanted to explore illustration further. I decided to start @badass.femme as a personal project where I could express my views and also flex my illustrating muscles and teach myself to do digital illustration.”
That’s so cool! So, about your illustrations on @badass.femme: they’re very feminine and depict daily struggles women have. How do you come up with these subjects and where do you get your inspiration from?
“I get a lot of inspiration from things that happen to me or the people around me, sometimes from the news and also from other social media accounts, I follow those who talk about these issues.”
“Respect and kindness are the way forward if we want to live in a world that is fair to all.”
And what message do you want to spread with your illustrations?
“I talk about feminism a lot and it’s one of my main messages. But it’s more than that, I truly believe all humans are equal. In line with this, respect and kindness are the way forward if we want to live in a world that is fair to all.”
Your illustrations are made for ‘badass femmes’ in this equal world you’ve created. How would you describe these women?
“For me badass femmes are women who are not afraid to be themselves, to be different, quirky, anxious, loud or quiet or anything in between. Women who are dreamers and who want to change the world.”
Are there any changes you would like to see in the art industry?
“Yes, I think the art industry needs to start validating and giving room to other voices. Representation of women, LGBT and non-white people is pitiful.”
So, do you mean there isn’t enough diversity on the artistic world?
Well, I think what makes art interesting is indeed diversity. If we are only seeing one side of the story, only hearing one question, are we really experiencing the transformative power of art?
I want to be made to feel uncomfortable by the truths that I am not seeing because of my privilege and art is a very good way of doing that.”
“Badass femmes are women who are not afraid to be themselves.”
That sounds like a great mission. So, how do you see yourself in 5 years? Will you still be spreading the same message?
“I have been pursuing illustration for only a little over a year so in 5 years I see myself as an established freelance illustrator, being able to live out of my illustration work. Hopefully carrying my message to more and inspiring people to find their voice.”
And is there a brand of a person you would like to work with in the future?
“There are many! I would love to work with digital media like Refinery29 or Bustle. Editorial clients such as Penguin Random House and magazines and newspapers like the New York Times to name a few.”
Got inspired? Check out illustrator Lucia Picerno’s work on her website and Instagram:
www.luciapicerno.co.uk@badass.femme
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