Meet Elenia Beretta | Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elenia Beretta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elenia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I thought of starting my own business as a freelance illustrator after years of working as a graphic designer for a company that produces clothes for cyclists. I realised I needed a change to nurture my creativity. I decided to approach the world of illustration because painting and drawing has always been a passion of mine, for which I have to thank my mother who paints in oils. My way of communicating feelings, emotions and recording events has always been drawing.
So after quitting my job, a permanent job in 2012, I decided to work part-time as a waitress / bartender and take short courses or workshops to improve. Until in 2014 I waited for a master’s degree in editorial illustration in Milan, and from then on I went freelance. It has been a long and tumultuous journey but it has given me a lot of joy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was born in a small town at the foot of the mountains in northern Italy. I grew up exploring forests and playing free.
My imagination developed a lot from the experiences and possibilities I had, this is a fundamental point in my work today.
In 2016 I moved to Berlin, Germany. I decided to move to be in a city with more possibilities and a large art community.

I am very influenced by cinema, old photographs, art and literature, but I find the floating world of dreams extremely inspiring.
I paint with gouache, ink on paper and it is important to keep this traditional technique, it gives me the space I need to be able to express myself. I work in publishing for both adults and children, at the moment I would like to be able to write and illustrate more children’s books.

My personal journey as a freelance illustrator has had ups and downs; I came from a working-class family and had to work hard to get where I am now, which makes me proud.
The work of a creative person looks like a wonderful world from the outside, but it involves a lot of sacrifices, especially in the initial phase, at the same time there is a lot of satisfaction and freedom.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Breakfast at Annelies Berlin Lunch concert at philharmonie Berlin on wednesday
C/O photgraophy Museum
Walk in Tempelhofer Feld + beer on the walk
Pizza at Sanpietrino Pizzeria
Drinks at Acquavin in Neukolln
Dancing in a club, listening to Gabbereleganza or Staycalmo party

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people have been part of this journey and have supported and pushed me to improve as a person and a professional. I would like to thank my Mimaster school Ivan, Giacomo and Chiara who helped me lay the foundations for my career.
The best teacher of all and a great inspiration Nomabar.
All the clients I have worked with and who have given me the space to express my creativity. Those who support me by buying my books and paintings.
My colleagues who inspire me on a daily basis Miss Gofftown, Simone Rea, LafilleBertha, Agostino Iacurci and many others.
My family and friends who always support me.

Website: https://eleniaberetta.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleniaberetta/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eleniaberetta

Image Credits
Illustrations rights owns by Elenia Beretta and Topipittori (Vostra Befana picturebook) Residency picture by Umberto and Aurora from Fallani Venezia