Gabriele Corvi, known to most, also thanks to his signature, as Lele Corvi, is a cartoonist is Italian cartoonist born in 1964. Lele has years of experience in the field behind him, collaborations with several newspapers, from Manifesto to Avvenire, and several publishing houses. It is not an exaggeration to say that the unmistakable style of his strips has marked and resides in the imagination of entire generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z: this is mainly due to a fruitful collaboration with Comix diaries and school diaries, produced by Franco Panini Editore.
But Lele’s work is difficult to summarize in a single string of names. Names, however, to which is also added that of TheNewyorkese: in fact, Lele Corvi has welcomed the idea of collaborating with our reality, starting with a first cartoon that appeared in the fourth print issue of our magazine (you can find it at the bottom of this interview), and soon we will reveal all the news about it. In the meantime, however, we had him tell us what it means to be a cartoonist nowadays and how the role of satire has changed over time.
Most of the younger generation knows you, clearly, in part from the cartoons in Comix diaries. But how did your journey as a cartoonist begin?
“The collaboration with Comix is almost 30 years. I think it is one of the longest, right after the one with Il Cittadino. This year, in 2024, I “celebrated” 30 years since my first cartoon published in Il Quotidiano del Lodigiano. My journey as a cartoonist began partly by chance and partly by passion. I have always been fascinated by the idea of telling so much in so little space, whether it was serious news or something lighter. Even before publishing, I used to enjoy sketching lectures in college (great way to take notes!) or making jokes with friends. Then, one day, I saw a cartoon in a newspaper and thought, “I could do that one too!” So I proposed to The Citizen, and from there the adventure began.P.S. When I say “I could do it too,” I certainly don’t mean to belittle the work of others. On the contrary, if a cartoon looks easy and makes you want to try it, it is already a great merit. But beware: making something that hides a profound message look easy is far from simple!So if over the years someone looking at one of my cartoons has thought “I could do it too” and succeeded in inspiring them to try it…well that would be quite a satisfaction!”
La prima vignetta di Lele Corvi comparsa su Il Quotidiano del Lodigiano
Today, however, where do you publish your cartoons most?
“I publish cartoons both for sites and still in newspapers, although unfortunately the space has shrunk a lot. It used to be that each newspaper had its “in-house” cartoonists, and readers identified the cartoon with the newspaper. Today, however, news comes first on the Web, and newspapers often just chase after it. But I think an exclusive cartoon could still be a great added value.Over the years I have had the privilege of collaborating with many newspapers, from Manifesto to Avvenire, from Corriere della Sera to Eco di Bergamo. It’s been a good adventure, and I hope it continues…even if you have to scramble sometimes!”
How does one of your cartoons come about? Do you start from current events or do you follow the inspiration of the moment?
“It depends. For the strips, I like to start with a topical issue and then develop it in a more universal context, often drawing inspiration from everyday life or comments on social media (which are a mix of cynicism and unintentional comedy!).The cartoons, on the other hand, are more anchored in current events. Sometimes I look back at old cartoons and notice how relevant they still are. This is not due to me, but more to the fact that humanity never seems to learn from its mistakes and keeps repeating them–with some creativity, I must admit.”
What artists and cartoonists have you taken as a reference point in your artistic production?
“For strips, classics like Peanuts and Calvin & Hobbes were essential, but also Phill Krohn’s lesser-known Gummer Street, which always fascinated me. His simple style hid deep jokes that could bring a smile to your face and leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth.For cartoons, on the other hand, I have never had an author-guide. I am fascinated by different styles, from pictorial to minimalist. That’s the magic of the cartoon: a few strokes and a few words can sum up an entire story!”
Is there a cartoon, among those you have drawn, that you consider particularly significant or that marked an important moment in your career?
“If I have to choose one, I say the first cartoon published. It wasn’t a masterpiece, either graphically or from a satirical point of view, but it’s the one that started it all. Then I remember with pleasure the cartoons that won me satire awards, both in Italy (such as CartoonSEA and Humor in Gallarate) and abroad (World Press Cartoon). And, of course, the strips that got me into Comix diaries, which were a childhood dream!”
La vignetta menzionata al World Press Cartoon
What role do you think satire plays in society today? Is it still a tool for stimulating critical thinking or, as is often the case in the modern era, is it engulfed by the speed with which we move from one stimulus to another?
“Unfortunately, satire today has become a bit hit-and-miss. A cartoon is judged in a second, with a scroll, on the criteria of ‘does it make me laugh or not.’ It is difficult for anyone to stop and think about the message behind the image. Satire still has the potential to stimulate critical thinking, but it requires an audience that can take the time to look beyond the first impression.”
What advice would you give to a young cartoonist?
“Draw, draw, draw! And take advantage of all the opportunities the Internet gives you: from social to get your name out there, to graphics software, to – why not – artificial intelligence. It is not an enemy, but a tool to learn how to use. Of course, creativity and human talent will always remain at the heart of the business, but knowing how to use the tools well makes all the difference. Also, never stop observing the world. The best ideas are always there, all around us.”
La vignetta di Lele Corvi apparsa sull’ultimo numero cartaceo de IlNewyorkese
The article Lele Corvi, cartoonist of an entire generation tells his story comes from TheNewyorker.
