Hello, my name is Alida Massari. I was born in Rome, a city that shaped my love for art. For many years I lived in the countryside, but I decided to return to Rome, because I love the chaotic rhythm of big cities... everything there inspires my work! I like to say that my art style is unpredictable - yes, because every story I illustrate is different, and I enjoy inventing new visual solutions for each book. I love experimenting with traditional techniques, mixing them freely, and finishing digitally for a modern touch. I enjoy transforming reality, seeing the world through my own eyes. Always creating something fresh gives me joy. I love to travel and sketch, to walk and think, and to watch films with my daughter.

Over the years, I’ve won several international contests and taken part in many collective illustration exhibitions in Italy. I’ve illustrated more than sixty books - each new project feels like a new adventure! One I particularly enjoyed is Dear New Friend, which reflects my everyday life and my love for meeting people from different cultures and sharing traditions. Moreover, I love illustrate historical stories. Clients often seek me out to bring a touch of elegance to their books. I’m punctual and enjoy surprising them with unexpected compositions. I don’t usually follow trends, which may be why my books have a long shelf life, being reprinted for many years. I studied at the High School of Art and earned a Bachelor’s in Illustration at the Istituto Europeo di Design. When starting a new book, I sketch the characters in the most effective attitudes for the story, I design the setting, build the storyboard, and then move on to the final illustrations.

As a child, I loved reading and drawing, so when I discovered that picture books combined words and art, I instantly knew what I wanted to become: an illustrator! My passion for art history, from ancient to modern and contemporary, constantly nourishes my imagination. I love wandering through exhibitions, museums, and historic buildings, losing myself in details and colors. When I’m working on a project, ideas never stop chasing me; they often visit me at the most unexpected moments-while walking, shopping, or even during a workout. Inspiration, doesn’t follow a schedule! On Sundays, I enjoy eating, drinking, painting, and watching films. My daughter is a film student, and I adore watching movies with her and debating them for hours. As an art teacher, I’m often remembered for helping students draw better, others for encouraging them to discover their own artistic voice. I find great joy in awakening creativity in others.