What is the best thing that I love about my work? As for my job I love the creative aspect; the freedom in giving life through drawing to stories, emotions, “not-seen” and “not-heard”.
What is my idea of perfect happiness? I think perfect happiness is momentary. But I think it is possible to feel it when it is close to us, near to us, around us. That happens when I am free to create, to think, to love.
What is my greatest fear? I live so much my human condition; my greatest fears are linked to diseases,to the impossibility of being independent, but also to loneliness.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I often deplore my laziness! Even if a “lazy period” usually gives me the chance to free my mind and create new things.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? I have had the good fortune of meeting some illustrators I admire so much: Lorenzo Mattotti, Roger Olmos, Gabriel Pacheco. I consider Ana Juan and Shaun Tan amazing.
What is my greatest extravagance? I think I am a simple person, I don’t follow trends. Maybe bread with Nutella (more Nutella than bread, obviously).
On what occasion would I lie? I think I would lie only to protect a beloved person.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Sometimes I dislike having deadlines! You cannot create freely if you contain your time too much and if you withstand pressures, but this is an aspect of being an illustrator.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? My biggest delight is when I guess a light and when I give shape to an idea.
If I could, what would I change about myself? I would try to be less anxious. I think I am very sensitive, and sometimes anxiety is my enemy.
What is my greatest achievement in work? My greatest achievement is being appreciated for my work. Another big achievement could be to have the possibility of living of my work.
What do the words ‘The Financial Freedom to Create’ mean to me? The Financial Freedom to Create: that’s a good question. I would like to answer that money isn’t important, but that’s not true. Economic indipendency allows more easily to create, to have free time to dedicate to creation. Without the anxiety of having to get my daily bread.
Where would I most like to live? At the moment I think I would like to live on an island; not an isolated island, but a place where identity and character are more evident. Maybe in Sardinia, at the moment.
What is my most treasured possession? My ideas, my creativity and the relationships I am experiencing.
What is my most marked characteristic? My persistence and my perfectionism. I am never happy with my first result.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? I am really inspired by the sea. In my city I can reach it very easily.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? I don’t like very much eating out. I prefer a dinner with my friends at home or in a place with good food and a good atmosphere.
What books influenced my life and how? Each period of my life has seen its writers and its books; there isn’t a special book. Every book, even the simplest, can leave an indelible footprint and perhaps a strong inspiration too.
Who are my favorite writers? Gabriel Garcìa Marquez, Pablo Neruda, Luigi Pirandello
Alessandro Baricco…
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Lucio Dalla – “La sera dei miracoli”
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Flash Gordon when I was a child.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? In real life I have always admired my mother, heroin in her daily life, till the last day of her life.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? Schindler’s List
What role plays art in my life and work? The most important role.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My friends
Whom would I like to work with in 2019? I hope I can keep on working with my Editor, “Logos Edizioni”, as I work very well with them.
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2019? I would like to meet Ana Juan and Shaun Tan, having the chance to observe them while they are working.
What project, in 2019, am I looking forward to work on? I will be busy with a book I am working to.
Where can you see me or my work? webside: http://marcopalena.blogspot.com/
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Passion never retires. If you love what you do, you don’t need to retire. If you love, you love until your death.Maybe I am romantic, but I believe very much in such a thing.
Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story? Roger Olmos
How can you contact me? marcopalena17@gmail.com
The Hero's Journey 