Meet the Tutor: Alessandra Genualdo, Illustration tutor, Chelsea College of Arts

Hi, what is your name and what do you teach?
Alessandra Genualdo, I have been teaching the illustration course at Chelsea for the past five years.

How did you come to work in your field?
After graduating in graphic design and working briefly as a graphic designer, I decided drawing and painting was what I really wanted to do. Funnily enough, I undertook the illustration short course myself, which at the time ran at CSM, and attended an illustration MA at Camberwell College of Arts afterwards. Soon after graduating I started working as a freelance illustrator.

Could you tell us a little bit about something you've been working on recently as well as your wider practice?
I have recently finished illustrating a book and preparing some new work for a few group shows. I usually work on editorial, fashion and book illustration, as well as creating paintings for private commissions and galleries.

Tell us about one piece of creative work by another artist that has been on your mind lately
The Jokum Nordstrom collages, which are currently on show at David Zwirner gallery. Such an amazing exhibition!

What advice would you give to aspiring creatives?
To find a way to convey what they want visually without being influenced by trends and to use their honest perspective to show how they perceive the world around them.

How has teaching students on Short Courses informed your approach to art?
I can sometimes forget the importance of experimenting in your practice, which you can occasionally neglect when you start working as a professional illustrator and artist. Doing this with my students reminds me of how fun and enriching it can be.

You can see more of Alessandra’s work, on her website and social media:

@agenualdo

https://cargocollective.com/agenualdo