ABOUT
子どもの日常と感情を、やさしくあたたかく描くイラストレーターです。
I’m an Italian children’s illustrator and character designer based in Milan.
Under the name Elenapugger, I’ve been bringing to life playful worlds and original characters for picture books, toys, and interactive experiences.
Over the years, I’ve illustrated for international publishers and agencies, while also developing my own IPs like "Cutilli", inspired by the tender and funny everyday moments of my kids.
As a child, I lived surrounded by stories and drawings; now I create the kind of imaginative worlds I would have loved to step into back then: colorful, emotional, and full of curiosity.
Before shaping my career in children’s illustration, I studied and worked across art, design, and digital media.
Together with my partner, I co-founded Bad Pug, a creative studio exploring illustration, AR/VR, and interactive design.
Balancing client work and personal projects, I’ve learned how to turn ideas into both heartfelt stories and innovative experiences.
子どもの想像力と感情を大切にし、物語性のあるイラストレーションを制作していま す。大学でコミュニケーションとマーケティングを専攻。卒業後、イラストレーターおよびアートディレクターとして、国際的な企業や出版社と多数のプロジェクトに携わってきました。児童書、絵本、キャラクターデザイン、教育コンテンツやブランディング向けのビジュアル制作を中心に、コンセプト設計からビジュアル表現まで一貫して対応可能です。世界中の読者に届けることを意識した、国際的な児童書制作の経験がありま す。現在はフリーランスとして、海外出版社・グローバルブランドを中心に活動していま す。（英語対応可）制作した作品は、Amazonをはじめとする主要なオンライン書店や国際的な販売プラットフォームで流通していま す。
納品形式：デジタルデータ（PSD / TIFF / JPEG など）※プロジェクトに応じて柔軟に対応しま。
INTERVIEWS
2020
Fedez: Bella storia
2017
Art Spotlight: Frida
2020
Art of videogame
2024
Intervista creativa
My journey as an artist has been anything but linear
1989
After graduating, I moved to Milan,
where I landed my first illustration projects, signed with an agency, and began working on children’s books.
I had no connections and had to build everything from scratch: my network, my portfolio, and my voice as an artist.
2016
My career has unfolded along two paths: as a children’s book illustrator and as an art director. I’ve collaborated with numerous companies and publishers to create books, experiences, and magical projects, while also working closely with debut authors to bring their self-publishing dreams to life. At the same time, I began my journey as an educator in the arts, supporting emerging illustrators as they take their first steps into the industry
2025
I grew up in Sicily, surrounded by ancient stories, sketchbooks, and the Mediterranean light.
I was a shy kid and I found comfort in movies and drawing… and I wanted to create my own characters. That’s why today I create stories that celebrate imagination, tenderness, and the beauty of everyday life.
2012
I later enriched my background in communication and marketing with a Master’s degree in CGI, which led me to work in the advertising industry while simultaneously entering the world of children’s books. Along the way, I discovered a unique synergy between these two fields, and developed a passion for creating magical illustrations that come to life through augmented reality in innovative ways.
2019
Today, I work full-time as an illustrator and am represented internationally by Lemonade Illustration Agency.
I also collaborate as an Art Director with Bad Pug, creating digital solutions and magical experiences with augmented reality. In addition, I’m available as an educator, helping aspiring illustrators take their first steps into the industry.
I live in Milan with my husband, Christian, and our two wonderful children, Zelda and Leo: my biggest fans!
