About Jacopo Olivieri – aka Fatomale
Jacopo Oliveri, Fatomale, is an illustrator and graphic designer based in Genoa. His style is characterized by bold colors and a playful, narrative approach, bringing everyday stories to life through his illustrations. His influences range from graphic design and vintage visual culture to contemporary art and nature.
Although he primarily works digitally, Jacopo enjoys experimenting with traditional techniques, such as collage, Uniposca markers, and oil pastels.
He has collaborated with clients like De Morgen, Internazionale Kids, and Il Corriere. He regularly participates in illustration markets, showcasing his prints and self-produced works. In addition to his illustration practice, he organizes industry events, including I’M Market in Genoa, which serves as a space for illustrators, publishers, agencies, and the public to connect.
We had a chance to interview him!
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Hello Jacopo, and welcome to Hue&Eye! First of all, tell us where you grew up and where you currently work and live.
I grew up in Genoa and then studied in Bologna and Hamburg. But now I am back to live in Genoa!
When did you realize you wanted to become an artist, and what experiences led to that understanding?
I have loved drawing for as long as I can remember. As a child, I used to create commissioned drawings for my classmates. As I grew older, I attended a specialized high school for graphic design in Italy.
When it was time to choose a university, I moved to another city to chase my dreams. I enrolled in the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, where I had the opportunity to meet other passionate illustrators like myself and connect with important events and festivals, such as the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
After graduating, I spent a year abroad through the Erasmus program, studying at HAW Hamburg. It was an incredibly inspiring environment where I could learn every technique with great precision.
However, when I returned to Italy, I found myself short on funds to continue living away from home, so I moved back to my hometown to complete my studies in painting. Moving back allowed me to deepen my relationship with traditional techniques, and I eventually graduated with a thesis in digital painting. My final project was a limited-edition publication in Risograph, inspired by the Italian “musica leggera“.
Tell us about your technique and what motivates you to create art.
My technique combines digital illustration with a strong interest in traditional methods. I have a particular sensitivity to color and texture, often inspired by the aesthetics of Risograph or screen printing. My work strikes a balance between graphic precision and painterly spontaneity, making it both recognizable and dynamic.
I draw inspiration from nature, creating detailed and whimsical subjects and from contemporary visual culture. I am intensely interested in high-quality editorial publications and illustrations with a strong narrative component. Graphic design also influences my work, which is evident in my careful approach to composition and my thoughtful use of printing techniques.
What sets your work apart?
My ability to blend digital illustration with a traditional printmaking aesthetic sets my work apart; I focus on texture and color to create a tactile feel, even in a digital medium. My background in graphic design influences my compositions, making them bold yet balanced. I also strive to balance precision and spontaneity, ensuring that my illustrations feel refined and expressive.
Which piece of your artwork best represents you?
The piece that represents me the most is Fiori dal culo (Flowers from the Butt). It was born from a feeling every creative person knows too well: the constant pressure to push further, give more, and consistently exceed expectations.
At first glance, it may seem like a humorous illustration, but behind it lies the hard work and dedication that go into creative professions. People expect you to be an entire communication team in one person, constantly coming up with ideas, solutions, and innovation.
One day, after yet another request to go the extra mile, I jokingly said, “At this rate, I’ll be pulling flowers out of my ass!”. And that’s how this character came to life: a figure wearing a forced smile, suffering on the inside, bent over while expelling a flower. It’s a surreal image with a lighthearted and playful tone because humor is sometimes the only way to cope.
Who or what inspires your work?
My inspirations span art, design, and illustration. I draw influence from Miró, Matisse, and Picasso’s bold colors and essential shapes, as well as Fortunato Depero’s dynamism and graphic synthesis. At the same time, I am incredibly interested in contemporary illustration and design, particularly the playful and experimental spirit of the Bauhaus and modern designers who embrace a vibrant, lighthearted approach.
I’m also obsessed with vintage packaging and advertising prints cut from international magazines during the economic boom. I’m fascinated by how shapes, colors, and typography made every product desirable, with a direct, iconic aesthetic that often carried a charmingly optimistic feel.
Is there anything outside of the arts that motivates you?
Nature is my most significant source of inspiration beyond art itself. The Mediterranean and its flora often take center stage in my drawings and paintings. Liguria, where I currently live, is a unique place—a land caught between the mountains and the sea, with breathtaking cliffs that plunge into deep blue waters. The maritime pines scattered along the coast, the intense sunlight, and the vibrant sunsets shape my artistic vision, making me feel like a nostalgic soul out of time yet endlessly captivated by picturesque landscapes.
How would you prefer people to interact with your work?
I’d love for people to engage with my work in a playful and meaningful way. My illustrations often have a lighthearted, ironic tone, but there is always a deeper layer behind them, whether it’s a reflection on creativity, nature, or everyday life. I hope viewers can connect emotionally, find details that resonate with them, or enjoy the colors and textures that make my style unique. Since I love printmaking and physical objects, I also appreciate it when my work is collected, displayed, or used unexpectedly.
What advice would you give someone wishing to pursue a creative academic education?
My advice for those pursuing academic studies is to stay curious, absorb as much as possible like a sponge, and simultaneously nurture their personality without losing focus on their work. It is essential to find a sense of balance early on, allowing them to confidently navigate their journey while avoiding impostor syndrome without falling into arrogance. I also strongly recommend taking a public speaking course. Many creatives tend to be shy and introverted, and it often takes years to learn how to talk about our work and what makes us feel good while doing it. Yet, developing this awareness is one of the keys to achieving artistic maturity and genuinely enjoying the creative process.
Spread the word! Do you have anything exciting coming up?
I’m working on a wine label for Wine52 inspired by the Sicilian Carretto, a decorated cart pulled by a horse, once used to transport food and wine. This tradition reinterpretes a contemporary illustration style. This project feels special to me because my grandmother was Sicilian. When I was a child, she gave me a small Carretto Siciliano toy that fascinated me. It was unlike any other toy I had seen. Growing up, I realized it was just a souvenir. Funny, right?
Go here to follow Fatomale on Instagram or shop his prints here >>>