Domenico Principato

What pushed you to create understand.com, a fashion and design-centered online magazine?

I've always had a personal online outlet, first through MySpace, then Tumblr, and eventually a web magazine, with a focus on fashion and design. I love, and I’m interested in both topics.

How important do you think the job of a graphic designer is in today’s society? In a world without Instagram or YouTube, where images are very important, do you think commercial advertising could have the same effect?

The graphic world has always existed, regardless of social media and not every graphic designer is the same. Unlike the common misconception, not everyone who uses a PC is at the same level. Each of us has their own passions, whether it's linked to the web or to illustrations. In my case, social networks helped to improve my career goals. Anyhow, it can sometimes be complicated to manage them properly. Being a graphic designer today is important if you can do it (Laughs, E.D.). School helps with that for sure, but if you want to be good not only at basics you need that incentive bonus. In communication, images are essential and that will never change.

Do you have any favourite artist? Someone that inspires you, especially as an illustrator?

No, maybe when I was younger I had role models. Over time, they gradually lost their relevance. I prefer to preserve my identity rather than to look at others’ work.

What's the best part of your job, and what's the most difficult one?

The best part is, for sure, the fact that I can express my creativity without having major boundaries, meaning: you’re contacting me because you like my style, so I'm free to propose and create whatever I believe it's good. The most difficult one is dealing with multiple commitments at the very same time and meeting the deadlines, but it's a part of the game. If you’re good at doing your job, you’ll be fine, though it may be considered difficult also because of the stress and anxiety.

For many artists and content creators, social networks are a great launch and visibility platform. What’s your relationship with them?

It's a love/hate relationship: they might be useful, but it’s hard to build a space of your own, where your skills, and not your image, are the protagonist…

Do you have any other passion besides illustration and graphic design? Perhaps, a favourite music genre or an author whose books you love to read?

Music has surely had an important role in what I’ve done, I’ve liked it since I was a child. Looking at music videos still inspires me today, especially if we consider them as a way to analyze our society and its trends. That goes for musicians as well, it helps to understand what’s in and what’s out.

Moving to fashion, is there a particular style you love?

There’s not one in particular, I like to dress in a simple way (shirt, T-shirt, trousers and sneakers), with a very basic palette. I don't like to look extravagant, but at the same time I don't dislike the brands proposing that kind of look or those who wear it. For me, it's just a way to feel comfortable with myself in every occasion.

What kind of tips would you give to an illustrator who’s just starting their career?

Look around, study how illustrations are made in other countries and don't trust the illustration world and its fake organization in Italy, the ones who promise visibility. Nowadays, we all have our own free tools that can guarantee a public presence. The important thing is having a direction and following it.

You have many partnership with fashion houses, such as Versace, Armani and Adidas. How did you come to work with them? What is it like being the content creator for them on Instagram and how does it usually begin?

Companies often contact me, mainly because of my audience on Instagram, but also because of my style, which can be beneficial to what they want to create, right in that moment. Just like with people, those relationships can either last or fade (Laughs, E.D.).

Remaining on fashion, what’re your favourite brands?

I don't have any favourite brand. I often change my mind, as fashion changes, so it's all about what I like depending on the period and what’s proposed season by season.

According to you, which 'must have' do you consider essential and why?

Only accessories can make the difference in a total look. So, for me, each brand has its own must haves.

What’re your top three career moments?

Some would think a partnership with the big names, such as Google, Apple or Armani, but the greatest moment was being published in Taschen’s ‘Illustration Now’, featuring 150 of the world’s most influent illustrators, it’s something to be remembered. On the other hand, something like my partnership with Furla, in summer 2017, was a fast and short experience.

Do you plan on maintaining your style of drawing, or do you think you’ll experiment with other styles?

I'm on a continuing evolution, but to be honest I can't guarantee an immediate change. However, change itself, evolution, are a part of life, so why preclude new worlds?

What’s your stance on professions like yours within Italy, do you think we’re as a country advanced in these forms? Have you ever considered moving outside of Italy?

No, I haven't, but thanks to my job I have the chance to travel a lot and discover new lifestyles, but in Italy this isn’t easy for sure. I know I'm quite privileged, and I'm not your average illustrator. A non-traditional career journey brought me here, so I may be considered different. Someone who becomes famous by the help from social media and without working hard, but honestly I can tell you it's harder than it appears…