Artist Information
Name: Filippo Morcella
Cards created: 100 - Gargantuavis Philoinos
Techniques: Pencil sketching and design, digital work
Paleo-art era: Postmodern
Historical period: Late Cretaceous
This is your first time collaborating with Tomodachi Press. How did you first get in touch?
“It was actually very simple. About a year ago, Dario posted an Instagram story looking for artists to create illustrations on majolica tiles and, more generally, new artists for a project.
I had just finished my comic artist portfolio, so I took the opportunity to send all my material through the Tomodachi Press link. A few days later, I saw the reply email and was quite surprised, because honestly, I had sent the material more on a whim, a bit like when you send out résumés en masse. I absolutely didn't expect a collaboration to come out of it.”
Release the creatures: Dinosaurs! was created under Dario Moccia's artistic supervision, as well as Zoosparkle's scientific supervision. How stimulating was this dual review process?
“Super stimulating! Dario and Willy are extremely precise, which I really appreciate. Dario has a very specific vision for the project and, above all, for the illustration he wants to create. Obviously, he gave me plenty of freedom, and we discussed visual solutions and compositions.
I didn't speak directly with Willy: I was lucky enough to meet him at Bergamo Comicon, and he immediately remembered the dinosaur I had drawn. He was a fountain of knowledge; in fact, all the initial information in the brief and the subsequent corrections regarding the dinosaurs gave me a much clearer vision of the illustration.”
For this set, you created a card that I think is beautiful, full of colors and elements, with a great deal of chaos while still remaining very clear. Where did the inspiration come from?
“At first, when I received the information about the project, Dario suggested that I start with an isometric view of a group of Gargantuavis. Since I love isometric views, I ran with the idea and moved between the tree branches, trying to frame all the ground below.
I was also lucky with the dinosaur, because its red plumage was perfect for contrasting with the greenery. So, although the illustration is very busy, it remains easy to read thanks to the color.”
Can you tell me some details or interesting facts about this group of Gargantuavis Philoinos, who seem to be having fun like siblings playing together?
“Personally, I had never heard of these dinosaurs. After the first sketches and reference images, I realized they were very fun to place in grotesque situations, both because of their very stocky shapes and because, behaviorally, they moved around in small groups and always near dinosaurs larger than themselves.
I strongly associate them with Final Fantasy Chocobos, and that gave me this somewhat playful, fun-loving personality.”
If you could choose another dinosaur for a special card, which one would you choose?
“I don't know dinosaurs very well, but in general, I've always liked the Ankylosaurus, because having a tail like a spiked mace seems like the most "metal" thing possible. It looks like an animal designed by a child, and it makes me laugh.”
How has your perspective on the world of dinosaurs evolved after this project?
“I have certainly expanded my knowledge of dinosaurs, which is always a good thing, but above all, I took part in a project full of incredible artists whom, until then, I had only studied through comics or their illustrations.”
Before we say goodbye, is there anything you'd like to say to the collectors reading this?
“More than anything, I just want to thank everyone who bought and, in general, appreciated the project. The way I am, I think it's incredible to see people messaging me in Instagram DMs to compliment me on the card.
It's wonderful to be able to reach people through a shared passion. So, thank you so much!”
Filippo Morcella's Favorites
- Layout: Renaissance
- Paleo-art era: Future
- Historical period: Late Cretaceous
- Favorite card from the set: Alamosaurus Sanjuanensis by Sara Ruggieri
- Artists: Martoz (devastating style), Palmen (incredible colors), Marco Raffaeli (so good), Keivan Dow (I love his style), Maria Luisa Petrarca (fascinating colors and mood), Giakus (insane), Nicola Saviori (needs a nerf)
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