I am a versatile illustrator and visual artist with a deeply multidisciplinary background. Over the years, I have developed a diverse set of skills that bridges the gap between master-level traditional painting—ranging from fresco and oil painting to high-end decorative restoration—and modern digital workflows using Photoshop, Procreate, and Toon Boom. My continuous stylistic exploration has led me to a mature visual synthesis. I specialize in creating an 'hybrid' language where the rich, tactile texture of classical painting (with the canvas grain intentionally visible) merges seamlessly with minimalist digital character design. This creates a compelling visual contrast tailored for storytelling. My professional experience includes working as a Concept Artist, Background, and Character Designer for the animation feature film 'Lo stato delle anime' (Capetown Film Srl), alongside years of editorial illustration. Certified in Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro, I am fully equipped to bring worlds to life from pre-production to the final frame. Whether you need textured, painterly background art that tells a story or clean, expressive character concepts, I bring a unique blend of classical mastery and digital synthesis to every project. Let’s collaborate!

Federico Putzulu

PRO

I am a versatile illustrator and visual artist with a deeply multidisciplinary background. Over the years, I have developed a diverse set of skills that bridges the gap between master-level traditional painting—ranging from fresco and oil painting to high-end decorative restoration—and modern digital workflows using Photoshop, Procreate, and Toon Boom. My continuous stylistic exploration has led me to a mature visual synthesis. I specialize in creating an 'hybrid' language where the rich, tactile texture of classical painting (with the canvas grain intentionally visible) merges seamlessly with minimalist digital character design. This creates a compelling visual contrast tailored for storytelling. My professional experience includes working as a Concept Artist, Background, and Character Designer for the animation feature film 'Lo stato delle anime' (Capetown Film Srl), alongside years of editorial illustration. Certified in Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro, I am fully equipped to bring worlds to life from pre-production to the final frame. Whether you need textured, painterly background art that tells a story or clean, expressive character concepts, I bring a unique blend of classical mastery and digital synthesis to every project. Let’s collaborate!

Available to hire

I am a versatile illustrator and visual artist with a deeply multidisciplinary background. Over the years, I have developed a diverse set of skills that bridges the gap between master-level traditional painting—ranging from fresco and oil painting to high-end decorative restoration—and modern digital workflows using Photoshop, Procreate, and Toon Boom.

My continuous stylistic exploration has led me to a mature visual synthesis. I specialize in creating an ‘hybrid’ language where the rich, tactile texture of classical painting (with the canvas grain intentionally visible) merges seamlessly with minimalist digital character design. This creates a compelling visual contrast tailored for storytelling.

My professional experience includes working as a Concept Artist, Background, and Character Designer for the animation feature film ‘Lo stato delle anime’ (Capetown Film Srl), alongside years of editorial illustration. Certified in Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro, I am fully equipped to bring worlds to life from pre-production to the final frame.

Whether you need textured, painterly background art that tells a story or clean, expressive character concepts, I bring a unique blend of classical mastery and digital synthesis to every project. Let’s collaborate!

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Language

Italian
Fluent
English
Advanced
French
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Concept Artist, Backgrounds and Character Designer at Capetown Film Srl, Rome, Italy
September 21, 2021 - September 11, 2025
Study and research of an original style for the backgrounds of an animation movie
Illustrator at Carlo Delfino Editore & Co, Sassari, Italy
November 1, 2018 - September 11, 2025
Publishing; illustrated works for the publishing house
Concept Artist at Capetown Film Srl
July 21, 2021 - September 21, 2021
Developed original styles for backgrounds in animated films, collaborating with a team to create engaging visual narratives.

Education

Laurea Magistrale interclasse in Beni Culturali e Spettacolo at Università degli Studi di Cagliari (UniCa)
September 1, 2022 - September 6, 2025
Diploma in pittura decorativa per scenografie (Istituto Superiore di Pittura Van Der Kelen - Logelain) at Institut Superieur de Peinture Van Der Kelen - Logelain
October 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
Background & Concept Artist / Character Design (tirocinio) at Sardegna Film Commission
January 16, 2021 - July 15, 2021
Corso di animazione 2D Toon Boom Harmony (certificazione Toon Boom Harmony e Storyboard Pro) at Sardegna Film Commission
September 14, 2020 - January 15, 2021
Corso di animazione 2D Toon Boom Harmony (certificazione Toon Boom Harmony e Storyboard Pro) at Sardegna Film Commission
September 14, 2020 - January 15, 2021
Corso di mosaico romanico e bizantino; Certificato di conoscenza delle tecniche musive at Nella Scuola di Mosaico di Tessere, Narni
January 1, 2020 - January 31, 2020
Masterclass di affresco; Certificato di conoscenza delle tecniche di affresco at Accademia Mariani Affreschi, Brescia
February 1, 2018 - February 28, 2018
Studio/Lezioni private sull'incisione; Tecniche incisione at Studio d'arte di Enrico Piras, Sassari
January 1, 2016 - March 31, 2019
Auditor di Storia dell'arte moderna e Pittura contemporanea at Accademia di Belle Arti Mario Sironi, Sassari
October 1, 2015 - May 31, 2016
Corso di aerografo at Associazione Filomati Scuola di Pittura, Olbia
February 1, 2011 - February 28, 2011
Pittura e Disegno con diversificati stili pittorici at Associazione Filomati, Scuola di Pittura, Olbia
October 1, 2010 - July 31, 2013
Corso di disegno dal vero - nudo figurativo at Associazione Filomati, Totnes, Regno Unito
November 1, 2008 - February 28, 2009
Degree course in Cultural Heritage and Theater Entertainment at UniCa University of Cagliari
September 1, 2022 - September 11, 2025
Diploma at Institute Superieur de Peinture Van Der Kelen-Logelain
October 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
Pre-production trainee for two animated 2d feature film at Sardegna Film Commission
January 16, 2021 - July 15, 2021
Certificate of knowledge of Romanesque and Byzantine mosaic techniques at In Tessere Mosaic School
January 1, 2020 - January 31, 2020
Fresco masterclass at Mariani Affreschi a Fresco Academy
February 1, 2018 - April 30, 2018
Etching technique training at Art Studio of Enrico Piras
January 1, 2016 - March 31, 2019
Auditor - History of Modern Art and Contemporary Painting; Certificate of fresco techniques at Academy of Fine Art Mario Sironi
October 1, 2015 - May 31, 2016
Collaborative internship in a professional Studio at Associazione Filomati Art Painting School
October 1, 2013 - November 30, 2015
Airbrush course; Certificate of knowledge of the airbrush technique at Associazione Filomati Art Painting School
February 1, 2011 - February 28, 2011
Painting and Drawing course; Certificate of knowledge of the acrylic painting technique at Associazione Filomati, Art painting school
October 1, 2010 - July 31, 2013
Life drawing class - nude figure at Totnes Life Drawing Class
November 1, 2008 - February 28, 2009
Degree in Cultural Heritage and Entertainment at University of Cagliari (UniCa)
September 1, 2022 - September 11, 2025
Diploma in Decorative and Classical Painting Techniques at Institute Superieur de Peinture Van Der Kelen - Logelain
October 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
Trainee – 2D Animation Pre-production at Sardegna Film Commission
January 16, 2021 - July 15, 2021
2D Animation Technician at Sardegna Film Commission
September 14, 2020 - January 15, 2021
Certificate of knowledge of Romanesque and Byzantine mosaic techniques at In Tessere Mosaic School, Narni
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020
Fresco Masterclass at Mariani Affreschi, Brescia
February 1, 2018 - April 1, 2018
Auditor – History of Modern Art and Contemporary Painting at Academy of Fine Art Mario Sironi, Sassari
January 1, 2015 - March 1, 2019
Certificate of Artistic Anatomy Technique at Florence Classical Art Academy, Rome
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2015
Degree course enrollment in Cultural Heritage and Theater Entertainment at UniCa University of Cagliari
September 1, 2022 - September 11, 2025
Diploma at Institute Superieur de Peinture Van Der Kelen - Logelain
October 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
Internship in pre-production for two animated 2D feature film at Sardegna Film Commission
January 16, 2021 - July 15, 2021
International professional certification “Working Knowledge of Toon Boom Harmony Premium and Storyboard Pro” at Sardegna Film Commission
September 14, 2020 - January 15, 2021
Certificate of knowledge of Romanesque and Byzantine mosaic techniques at In Tessere Mosaic School, Narni
January 1, 2020 - January 31, 2020
Fresco masterclass at Mariani Affreschi a Fresco Academy, Brescia
February 1, 2018 - April 1, 2018
Etching techniques (Private lessons) at Art Studio of Enrico Piras, Sassari
January 1, 2016 - March 1, 2019
Auditor – History of Modern Art and Contemporary Painting; fresco techniques at Academy of Fine Art Mario Sironi, Sassari
October 1, 2015 - May 1, 2016
Workshop of Artistic Anatomy at Florence Classical Art Academy, Rome
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2015
Collaborative internship in a professional Studio (Art Painting) at Associazione Filomati Art Painting School, Olbia
October 1, 2013 - November 1, 2015
Airbrush course; Certificate of knowledge of the airbrush technique at Associazione Filomati Art Painting School, Olbia
February 1, 2011 - February 28, 2011
Painting and Drawing course; Certificate of knowledge of the acrylic painting technique at Associazione Filomati, Art painting school, Olbia
October 1, 2010 - July 1, 2013
Life drawing class - nude figure at Totnes, United Kingdom
November 1, 2008 - February 1, 2009
Master's Degree in Cultural Heritage and Performing Arts at University of Cagliari
September 1, 2022 - May 28, 2026
Diploma in Decorative Painting at Institut Superieur de Peinture Van Der Kelen-Logelain
October 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
Certification in 2D Animation at Sardegna Film Commission
September 14, 2020 - January 15, 2021

Qualifications

Medaglia di Bronzo - Istituto Superiore di Pittura Van Der Kelen Longelain (Bruxelles)
January 11, 2030 - September 6, 2025
Borsa di studio per frequentare il corso di animazione 2D Toon Boom Harmony e Storyboard Pro (Sardegna Film Commission)
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Certificato di conoscenza delle tecniche musive romaniche e bizantine
January 1, 2020 - September 6, 2025
Certificato di conoscenza delle tecniche di affresco
February 1, 2018 - February 28, 2018
Certificazione internazionale Toon Boom Harmony Premium e Storyboard Pro
September 14, 2020 - January 15, 2021
Certificato di aerografo
February 1, 2011 - February 28, 2011
Masterclass di affresco
February 1, 2018 - February 28, 2018
Bronze Medal
January 1, 2022 - September 11, 2025
Scholarship for 2D Animation course with Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro
January 1, 2020 - September 11, 2025
1st Prize Illustration – Andrà Tutto Bene
January 1, 2020 - September 11, 2025
Art House Online Gallery – 1st Place with drawing 'Andrà Tutto Bene'
January 1, 2020 - September 11, 2025
2nd Prize, 19th Extemporary Art Painting, Olbia
January 1, 2014 - September 11, 2025
4th Prize, 18th Extemporary Art Painting, Olbia
January 1, 2013 - September 11, 2025
Diploma in Decorative and Classical Painting Techniques
October 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
Trainee – 2D Animation Pre-production
January 16, 2021 - July 15, 2021
2D Animation Technician
September 14, 2020 - January 15, 2021
Working Knowledge of Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro
September 14, 2020 - January 15, 2021
Certificate of knowledge of Romanesque and Byzantine mosaic techniques
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020
Certificate of Artistic Anatomy Technique
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2015
Auditor – History of Modern Art and Contemporary Painting
January 1, 2015 - March 1, 2019
Diploma
October 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
Working Knowledge of Toon Boom Harmony Premium and Storyboard Pro – International professional certification
September 14, 2020 - January 15, 2021
Certificate of knowledge of Romanesque and Byzantine mosaic techniques
January 1, 2020 - September 11, 2025
Fresco masterclass
February 1, 2018 - April 1, 2018
Etching techniques – Private lessons
January 1, 2016 - March 1, 2019
Auditor – History of Modern Art and Contemporary Painting; fresco techniques
October 1, 2015 - May 1, 2016
Art Anatomy workshop
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2015
Collaborative internship in a professional Studio (Art Painting)
October 1, 2013 - November 1, 2015
Airbrush course; certificate
February 1, 2011 - February 28, 2011
Acrylic painting technique – certificate
October 1, 2010 - July 1, 2013
Life drawing – nude figure
November 1, 2008 - February 1, 2009
Certificate in Mosaics
January 1, 2020 - May 28, 2026
Bronze Medal in Decorative Painting
January 1, 2022 - May 28, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other, Manufacturing
    Short animation project
    My visual research stems from experimenting with various traditional artistic techniques, a journey that has led me to develop a 'hybrid' illustrative language. This style blends the rich texture of classical painting oil on canvases with the graphic synthesis of digital art, using Photoshop and Procreate. The pieces included in this portfolio are part of a personal project that I plan to develop in the future as an animated short film. Visually, the project thrives on contrast: the backgrounds, characterized by a strong painterly approach where the texture of the canvas is intentionally left visible, stand in stark contrast to the characters. Defined by a rough charcoal outline, the characters are colored digitally with a minimalist pastel effect, limited to a maximum of two tones to preserve their simplicity and expressiveness.
    Illustrations
    This section of my portfolio features a variety of illustration styles, reflecting the diverse commissions I have worked on. The majority of these pieces are entirely original concepts. To see my illustrations has to be downloads, thank you.
    Showreel
    Here are a few examples of my work, including paintings, illustrations, animations, and etchings