(September 11, 2017) Mr. Sketchmaze is a nice black and white man traveling around Italy and telling about culinary habits, history, typical games, celebrations and celebrities. Round-headed, adventurous spirit, ready to turn into ice cream maker, baker and fashion expert, or take the aspect of Michelangelo, Foscolo and Garibaldi, mr. Sketchmaze comes from an idea of Max Vellucci, a communications and training expert, and Fabio Leonardo’s pencil, journalist, radio and cartoonist, and takes on the “Italian style”, the first book of the Sketchmaze series published by MyLyfe. This is a new method that aims to encourage the eye and mind to learn effectively through a minimalist and minimalistic stylistic line. “Everything started from the idea of making a series of books with a preponderant visual part”, Vellucci says. “The inspiration comes from the Anglo-Saxon SketchBooks that simulate the artist’s notebook. We wanted to create a union between mental maps, infographics and sketchbooks and to bring about something that did not exist, both from a concept and graphics point of view. “And it was the choice of the graphics line that represented the most difficult challenge: “To sum up the line it took time – says Leonardi -, the job was to take out as many signs and lines as possible to get to a product easy to read. But we did not want it either was an exaggeratedly clean and straightforward design and so we intervened getting it a bit dirty, like an artist’s notebook”. “Less is more” also for the colors: the images are made with a sketch of gray pantone and black china with a single orange note. “We wanted to add something to the gray scale but without weighing the stroke,” Leonardi says. We did a series of tests with classical colors but they made the reading harder while orange, a bright color that gives the feeling of spatiality, worked fine”. After having “given birth” to mr. Sketchmaze, we had to decide what adventure to put him in and a we all agreed on a Grand Tour of Italy. “We chose Italy because it is the country we live in and we know better – says Vellucci. The mode is translatable in various languages since there is little text and the subject is easily exportable all over the world. ” And since ours is one of the most beloved countries abroad, a guide that explains the culture in a completely innovative way is destined to succeed in creating something totally unique. “Italian style” is available in two versions, Italian and English. “Initially we wrote in Italian for convenience, then the publisher advised us to publish it also in Italian,” says Vellucci. The reason? “It is true that an Italian won’t acquire more information than he already has, although some curiosities – such as ice cream history – are still unknown to many people, but in this case it is more a rediscovery, a way of ‘seeing’ in a new way. It’s another story for foreigners who, instead, want to get to know and get in touch with a culture that fascinates and amazes. The first findings are already there: “The book is used in schools that teach Italian to foreigners, both abroad and in Italy,” says Vellucci. And then there are Italians abroad, of the first or second generation: a growing community that needs to maintain a direct link with its country. “Italian style” is also for them: “Many Italians have donated the book to relatives or friends who live abroad, sending a piece of Italy around the world.” So the text, released in May, has many declinations and is aimed at everyone, with the ambition to give much information by writing little or nothing, but without pretending to replace guides or manuals. “The idea is to give a stimulus to deepen arguments, captivate and passionate the reader.” Not strictly classifiable as a book, but not even as a classic comic, “Italian style”, wants the “wow” effect. Indeed, the effect “Uhhhhhhhhh, how beautiful I want it. And I want another one”, jokes Leonardi. And “the next one will be even more beautiful”, promises Vellucci. What other adventure awaits mr. Sketchmaze? It’s a surprise, but it will come back to talk about Italy. Meanwhile, “Italian style” could be translated into other languages: “We obviously have to wait to see how the book’s sales are going, but with the publishing house we’re thinking of an international distribution in English-speaking countries, and if it’s going to be good Finally, there will be possibilities for other countries”, Vellucci points out, remembering that some parts of the book, such as the one explaining how to make coffee with a moka, “have been translated into Chinese for a project with Rome’s Airports.” We were not surprised, therefore, to find “Italian style” in the backpack of the many tourists who visit our country each year, next to the monuments guide and pocket dictionary. “The title has also remained in English in the Italian version because the project does not want to be conservative but open to all contamination, not to create barriers but to accommodate different cultures.” For those who want, there is also the e-book version, although “the book makes more sense if it is browsed”, admits Vellucci; “Enjoy Italy and …” is the title of the campaign launched for Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Vellucci and Leonardi are ready to organize meetings to present the Italian book and culture to foreigners too – why not – with a mini-tour that crosses Italy, perhaps aboard the legendary Fiat 500 or the historic Vespa Special, in perfect ” Italian style “. (Sip)
