A highlight of the global calendar is the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, which takes place in the beautiful Italian town in October. It encompasses all media and has plenty of things to get the local community involved, as well as attracting fans and talent from all over the world. Ahead of the event, we spoke with Sara Pichelli, the artist chosen to design the poster for this year’s fest. Comic book fans will be familiar with Sara’s work, as she co-created Miles Morales for Ultimate Spider-Man…
STARBURST: What inspired you to get into the illustration industry?
Sara Pichelli: I’ve always been into art since I was a kid. My favourite thing was watching anime and Disney movies. I kept drawing those characters over and over, even in my school books.
How did you come to work for Marvel?
After I graduated from animation school, I worked in the animation business as a character designer and storyboard artist. I started reading comic books in my late 20s; in fact, when I was fired from the animation studio in 2007, I thought I’d give it a try, and sent my stuff to the worldwide Marvel art contest ChesterQuest, which I was lucky enough to win!
Could you explain the process of co-creating Miles Morales for Ultimate Spider-Man?
The process took four to six months, starting with a brainstorming session with Brian M. Bendis and the Marvel team. We discussed things like the story and the most important things we needed to convey visually. Then I started working on the appearance of the character, his features, body language, and proportions. Same thing for the supporting cast. Once Miles Morales was created, I started searching for a new look for the costume!
What was your favourite comic or character to work on and why?
Miles Morales, because he was completely mine! I had the chance to create him ex novo; all his world and his cast.
Is there any comic book characters you’d like to illustrate that you haven’t already?
I’d love to draw Daredevil!
Which artists do you look up to and why?
There have been so many, and they keep changing as my own style does. My personal ‘holy trinity’ who never changed are Claire Wendling, Mike Mignola, and Stuart Immonen.
What was your process for designing the poster for this year’s Trieste Science + Fiction Festival?
It’s the usual process of creating art. We discuss the idea and then I let my mind go where she needs to! I then create a rough version of the poster and if I get the green light, I go ahead and complete it. I knew I would represent a human figure. What emerged was a woman who is frightened, furious, and trapped – yet ready to reclaim herself. Now more than ever, we must validate the effort to remain authentic, true to ourselves, and therefore human.
Do you have a favourite science fiction film or book?
The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick.
Do you have any projects you’d like to do in the future?
I’d love to write and draw my own story.
The Trieste Science+Fiction Festival takes place in Trieste, Italy, from October 28th to November 2nd. For more information, head over to sciencefictionfestival.org.
