Meet Giuseppe Festino

Illustrating the Future: Giuseppe Festino’s Journey

Our mission is to showcase my diverse body of work, categorized by genre and style, to enhance visibility and facilitate the sale of reproduction and original pieces. Through this website, I aim to share my passion for illustration with a wider audience.

My journey as an illustrator began in the 1960s, focusing on Sci-Fi art and expanding into architectural, romantic novel, and nature illustrations. Over the years, I have collaborated with leading Italian and European publishers, releasing interior illustrations and cover art.

Our vision is to create a platform where art enthusiasts can explore and appreciate the intricacies of my illustrations, from futuristic Sci-Fi themes to the elegance of architectural and romantic art. We aspire to inspire creativity and evoke emotions through visual storytelling.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with prestigious awards for my contributions to the world of illustration. These recognitions serve as a testament to my dedication to the craft and my commitment to pushing the boundaries of visual artistry.

My Story

Professional illustrator since 1965

When I first stumbled upon Urania, I was just a kid, already captivated by the magic of the natural world.

Even then, the wonders of the universe had a way of enchanting me, drawing me into their spell, and Urania became a symbol of that boundless curiosity and awe.

Giuseppe Festino: A Pioneer of Italian Science Fiction and Illustration

Born in 1943 in Castellammare di Stabia, Naples, Giuseppe Festino has made an indelible mark on the landscape of science fiction illustration in Italy. From a young age, his passion for art was ignited by early exposure to literature and science fiction novels. As he navigated through a world that has since evolved beyond recognition, Festino honed his skills at small art studios, laying the foundation for a prolific career.

His professional journey took flight with Mondadori, where he first dipped his toes into the publishing industry. Over the years, Festino collaborated with various magazines and publishing houses, establishing himself as a versatile artist capable of capturing the imagination of readers through visual storytelling.

The 1980s and 1990s marked a pivotal era for Festino’s career as he received notable commissions to design covers for Urania, one of Italy’s leading science fiction series. Utilizing acrylic paints, he maintained a stylistic continuity with previous artists while infusing his unique flair into each cover.

Beyond his contributions to sci-fi art, Giuseppe Festino is also recognized for his exceptional talent as a portrait artist. His mastery of black and white ink hatching techniques has produced numerous striking works that showcase both skill and creativity.

In an exclusive interview from 2019—never before published—Festino opened up about his deep admiration for Kurt Caesar, an iconic Italian illustrator who left behind a lasting legacy after passing away in 1974. With great enthusiasm, he shared details about his long-cherished dream project: compiling a comprehensive book that reconstructs 174 works by Caesar. This ambitious undertaking has been close to Festino’s heart since the mid-2000s, and we look forward to witnessing its eventual realization.

As Giuseppe Festino continues to inspire future generations through his artistry and dedication to preserving Italy’s rich illustrative heritage, we wish him every success in bringing this remarkable vision to life.