Artist Interview - Riccardo Stecca (Pt.2)

We welcome back the wonderful and bubbly Riccardo and learn even more about the Venetian illustrator behind our Planets ‘N’ Pixies deck and project Cameila The Giraffe, a book for children with learning difficulties.

What was it like working with the Flick Sol team? 

- Wow! You are all very kind and nice! It has been a real pleasure and honour to work with you! Thank you!

Your cards are full of factions of mystical woodland like characters, how did you come up with the idea for your deck?

- The idea came to me like this, without thinking about it. I would have liked to have made a deck for you and this one immediately came to mind. I liked the idea that by planting a seed (the ace), once the plant had grown, the fairies would appear.

- That's all ... very simple. And they should be pixies ... little fairy-like things. They are called that, right? Then, as you can see, each seed has characteristics: diamonds live in a cold place and that's why the leaves of the plant are like this and they are super-dressed. But it is also a rich land, which is why they are full of precious stones (like rubies). Spades live in a land rich in metals, and are the only ones who have many metal accessories, such as the King's crown, the Queen's hair clips and the armour on the Jacks. But they are also the most brutal and interested in power, the outward orc-like teeth should give the idea a bit.

- Clubs are the most shamanic and primitive. The painted feathers and markings should give this idea. They use stone accessories, such as the Jack’s weapon or part of the Queen's dress or King's mask. And finally the hearts, they are the most pacifist, wise and cultured. They do not exploit the land but live in perfect harmony with it. Also for this reason the crowns are made of wood, not metal. My mother had not noticed it and so I tell you: in each figure there is more or less hidden the symbol of the original seed. like the nose and overlap of the King of Spades is a pike, the design on the feathers of the Jack is a club, etc.

What tools do you use to draw?

- I use Tayasui Sketches on the iPad and then good old Photoshop.

Do you have a favourite character from your deck and why?

- I think my favourites are the Jack of Clubs and Diamonds and the King of Clubs and Spades. But it's not easy for me to choose, everyone has something I like.

How good a surfer are you?

- Hmm, a mediocre surfer who still has a lot to learn.

Night in or night out?

- I love sleeping! Right now, I would say night in.

How did you get into surf-art and designing surfboards?

- Hahaha, just having friends in need with no artistic talent.

How long does the actual art/painting process take? ('RAD' art surfboard designs BTW)

- Thanks! I'm glad you like it!  It depends on the subject, but a couple of days is normally enough.

You are off to a costume party for a friend's birthday - what do you go as, a viking orWolverine? 

- Another difficult question ... despite how much I love Logan, I would dress up as a Viking, simply because I would be another version of me and not another character.

Your Insta teases that you are a musician! Guitar or bass? And favourite musician?

- Bass! and upright bass! As I have said I have many favourites but I must admit that my favourite band was the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

My eldest daughter adores Giraffes so your Camelia The Giraffe art caught my eye!.. How difficult is it creating characters for children?  Does it differ from characters designed for an older audience?  Please tell us more about this project.

- Fortunately I find it very easy! In the past, I have worked a lot as an illustrator for children and I have been very happy with it. Basically it is the way of drawing that I do the best and fastest. As a child like almost all children I was fascinated by a more adult style but then I had to surrender to the idea that this is my natural style. Fortunately, adults like it too!

Camelia was part of a 12-book project that helped children with various difficulties (such as asthma, dyslexia, etc). All supported by a team of paediatricians. A nice project from about ten years ago.

Your art has a simple, soft beauty, especially your pieces for the Hiroshige expo in Rome - how did you get involved in that?

- Many memories! This is also a project of about ten years ago. They simply liked my drawings and asked me to do various things for the exhibition.

Fav children's book? 

- Watership Down by Richard Adams, “la collina dei conigli” in Italian :)

Have you ever heard of Baywatch? Was it in any way an inspiration for you in becoming a lifeguard? :)

- Hahahhaha! I grew up with Baywatch, it was one of the regular shows that aired when I was a kid. Anyway, no, I don't think so. And then the reality is totally different!

Having always lived near the sea, being a lifeguard is a classic job for us. But, a job you can only do in the summer. Some years ago I needed a break from working as an illustrator, more time and some extra money (drawing doesn't always earn a lot) and so I started again, I already did it when I was 17-18 years old. However I hope it is a temporary thing, I increasingly want to devote myself full time to the things I like.

Three words of advice for anyone who wants to learn to surf?

- Patience, dedication and good waves!!

What are you working on now?

- I have just finished some work for a brand of children's paints for Italy and France.  I'm painting glasses for a friend and I have to start painting for another tattoo studio.

Good luck with your projects! Plus a huge thanks to our super-cool, friendly and talented Riccardo!

Find out more about his work on Instagram

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