Angelo Ferrara Discusses Creative Philosophy and Career in PRINT Magazine Interview

Angelo Ferrara, Creative Director and Partner at Robilant Milan and former Design Director at Wolff Olins London, shared insights into his creative process and personal reflections in a PRINT Magazine interview. The designer, known for his Chinese Zodiac Paper Sculptures which have been recognized at Milan's ADCI Awards and the Venice Biennale, discussed his approach to creativity. Ferrara emphasized finding beauty in unplanned moments, describing a concept he calls 'from Imperfect to I'mperfect' where small human marks can transform work. He recalled an early creative memory at age ten when his uncle challenged him to paint, leading to an abstract piece called 'The Orange' that taught him creativity requires no permission. Ferrara expressed regret about prioritizing visual design over music, citing Ennio Morricone as an inspiration and maintaining a dream to compose film soundtracks. He described how his paper sculpture project was used with autistic children in Queens, New York, finding emotional resonance in their unfiltered creativity. The designer noted that professional satisfaction comes from the creative process rather than finished products, and that working with paper cutting techniques brings him particular joy. Ferrara also shared personal preferences including using 1980s dance music to overcome heartbreak, appreciating Italian aperitivo culture, and valuing humor in design. His work spans global branding, packaging, and multimedia projects, with his paper sculptures serving as educational tools internationally.