Olympic Poster Artist's Surprising Advice: Why You Should Forget About Big Clients

The Vision Behind the Olympic Poster

Italian illustrator Olimpia Zagnoli, the creator of this year's Winter Olympics poster, shares insights into her creative process and career advice for budding illustrators. Her poster, titled 'Visione Olympica' (or Olympic Vision), features a character wearing glasses shaped like the Olympic rings, with mountains in the background nodding to Italy, where the games will be held.

For the Olympic poster, Zagnoli sent three different proposals to the Fondazione Milano Cortina. "Some were more abstract, some more figurative," she says. "The one that got chosen was the one that probably resembles my work the most. I often draw close-up portraits of people wearing peculiar glasses."

It's unclear from the poster whether the character is a spectator or an athlete; Zagnoli says it could be either. "I like the idea that everyone involved in the Olympics brings a piece of themselves to the event," she explains.

How does the poster evoke Milano Cortina? "The character’s ironic and flashy style reminds me of the streets of Milan, a city known for its taste in fashion, the mountains in the background evoke the landscape around Cortina," says Zagnoli, who also notes that the Olympic ring colours inform the palette of the poster.

Beyond the Olympics: Diverse Projects and Collaborations

Aside from Olympic posters, Zagnoli has worked on a variety of other projects. She reflects on designing the cover for Il Cucchiaio d'Argento, a staple in Italian kitchens for over 70 years. "It’s an honour to illustrate the cover of a book that represents our culinary tradition and that is usually given as a gift from one generation to the next," she says.

Zagnoli also collaborates with her father on Clodomiro, an online shop featuring objects they designed inspired by love, body, and sexuality. "Me and my dad casually came up with the idea of doing a project together and that’s how Clodomiro was born," she shares.

Creative Process and Tools

In terms of process, Zagnoli usually sketches her work on paper with pens or pencils and then translates those initial sketches on the computer using programs like Photoshop or Illustrator. "Sometimes the outcome of it is a print, sometimes it’s a metal sculpture or a textile," she explains.

Key Advice for Aspiring Illustrators

What advice would she give a budding illustrator who wants to land big clients? "Forget about the big clients, concentrate on doing good work and on having a personal view on things and the clients will come."

And how can illustrators ensure their output stays fresh? "Keep experimenting inside the work environment and outside. Read books, go to exhibitions, see a show, try to find something that would make you want to run home and do some great work yourself. If you can’t seem to find it, look further."

Find out more about Olimpia Zagnoli.