Judges' comments

Oh, yes! It only takes a moment to see the works of art that energize you and those that deprive you of energy. Looking at Stefano Scarano's illustrations, I felt that my battery was charged by 100%. His works are done masterfully and with humor. Stefano, thank you for the inspiration!

Ekaterina Borodacheva

Stefano’s series shows a master level of composition, value control, and creativity. He captures those small but memorable moments in life in a clean and upbeat way. I really love his shading techniques—they give the figures a strong, bold, three-dimensional presence. His treatment of textures on various real-life objects is also impressive: simple, yet rich.

Max Liu

Though stylized and deformed, the illustration doesn’t lose its attention to detail — especially the pigeon, whose movement and expression are vividly portrayed. The square composition, combined with elements that occasionally break through the frame, creates a sense of space. The chosen perspective for the illustration is also distinctive.

Moon Q

Stefano Scarano combines bold, simplified forms with a strong sense of volume and texture, giving his characters a tangible, sculptural presence. His illustrations strike a balance between minimalism and detail, often using soft gradients and subtle surface patterns to suggest materiality. The compositions feel lighthearted and witty, often grounded in everyday settings infused with quiet humor. His use of perspective and body language enhances the storytelling, creating relatable scenes with charm and personality.

Nadiia Zhelieznova

Through symbolic colours and compositions, as well as flowing, sensitive curves, the author skillfully conveys his perception of life and emotions. He uses a visual language full of tension to dissolve the heavy pressure, lonely perception and negative emotions that seem to permeate the text.

Yimin Wang

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