Cristina Spanò is an Italian freelance illustrator and comic book artist based in Barcelona (she also loves to sometimes make books). Cristina took 5 minutes out to chat with RoomFifty...

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I think I wanted to be a Painter. 

What’s the worst/funniest feedback you’ve ever received?

Long time ago I was making some illustrations for a children’s book. There was an illustration were the main character was drawing with the left hand and they ask me to change it. They didn’t want a left-handed kid in the book. I found it funny, ridiculous and strange at the same time, like if it was bad to have a left-handed kid in the book! Really weird!

Do you feel successful?

I don’t know, I feel I improved myself a lot since I start working as an illustrator and I want to improve more, but I don’t feel I’m successful. I think I don’t know the real meaning of this word.

What do you HATE drawing?

Horses

If you could own any piece of art from a gallery, what would it be?

I would like to have a Ettore Sottsass piece or a Gunta Stölzl piece of tapestry.

Where do you work?

I share space with other amazing people in Barcelona, it’s an old and beautiful cellar. Here we do ceramic and silkscreen printing beside our illustrations.

This is my space, I’ve tried to arrange it a bit but usually is way more chaotic, with food, papers, books etc..

Do you have any pets?

No, but I have my plants, I feel they are like pets : )

Do you have any of your own art in your house?

Yes. A ceramic piece.

Are you ever compared to any other artists? If so, do you agree?

Before I did it more, I think it’s good to know that there are lots of great artist around the world but that doesn’t have to affect your self-esteem of course. And you need to understand that you are making your own path.

Outside of art, what are your top 3 skills?

Cook
Take care of plants (I love it, but sincerely I don’t know if I’m good)
Fix things or make DIY things for my flat.

What’s the best sandwich?

Rosetta (type of Italian bread) with Parma ham and Mozzarella.

Or Mortadella and Stracchino (a type of Italian cheese).

I’m always undecided between these two.

Buy Cristina's print here.