What does TIPTOE look like through the eyes of an artist?
Constantly in search of inspiration, we gave carte blanche to artists to appropriate our pieces in their universe. What to mix two creative fields and discover TIPTOE under another glance. Meet Nicola an illustrator based in Milan who’s passion for graffiti inspired his unique, bright and colorful designs.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Nicola Laurora, aka Nico189, and I’m a freelance illustrator based in Milan. I was born in a small town in southern Italy where, in the late 90s, I started painting graffiti. I started my professional career in Milan as an art director for various agencies, gradually approaching the world of illustration, until I began collaborating with international brands and magazines in recent years.
How would you describe your creative world?
The passion for graffiti was fundamental for my personal journey. Graffiti has been a training ground; they broadened my outlook and gave me the courage to begin as a self-taught artist. Like many graffiti writers, at some point I tried to convey that same creativity inside my job, so I first became interested in graphics starting from lettering, then in infographics, until I reached illustration. My job and graffiti influenced one another.
Where do you get your daily inspiration from?
I am a curious observer, and I look for inspiration in everything around me. Some things I’ve read, a movie, or a walk often turn into a first sketch.
There is no magic formula, and I think that often inspiration comes from something unexpected and unpredictable; what is certain is that the bustling city remains the source of my greatest interest.
How important is your home to you? What does it say about you?
My home is the quintessential comfort zone. In my early years as a freelancer and during the various lockdowns I spent a lot of time there. It represents a creative environment and, despite sharing an office with other colleagues, sometimes I prefer to work from home. My books, posters and some selected objects definitely tell the story of my passions and my professional growth.
What is your vision of TIPTOE?
I really appreciate its aesthetic. Tiptoe products’ minimal and functional concept makes it possible to enhance any space with simplicity but, above all, to personalize it without the result being too loaded. Moreover, the sustainable approach is a fundamental quality for a brand that looks towards the future.
What inspired you to include our items in your world?
I love the concept of modularity, and the minimalist aesthetic perfectly matches my design idea.
A cool address to share with all Milan visitors?
After an obligatory visit to the Triennale museum, I recommend a stop at the Cascina Nascosta, inside Sempione Park.
photo by @cascina_nascosta
