Concept Artist
Every once in a while, you stumble across an artist whose work makes you stop mid-scroll — the kind that feels like a dream you can’t quite explain, but don’t want to wake up from. That’s what it’s like diving into the surreal, cinematic world of @robertamoscarella.
In this Q&A, we didn’t just talk tools and techniques (though we definitely got into that). We talked flow states, childhood nostalgia, music-fueled magic, and the quiet moments behind every big visual story. So grab a coffee — this one’s worth a slow read.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got into concept art?
“I’ve always had a big imagination,” Roberta says, smiling. “As a kid, I’d draw scenes inspired by the films I watched or the stories I imagined while reading. I was that child who got lost in the illustrations of books.”
There was a pause. “I did stop for a while, though. Life happens. But eventually, I found my way back to it—by doing what felt most natural: creating fantastical worlds.”
2. What inspires your dreamy and surreal visual style?
“It’s everything, really,” she laughs. “Films, books, random conversations, music I can’t stop listening to… it all blends together. My work is like a personal mixtape—stories, sounds, and visuals layered into one.”
3. What tools or mediums do you usually work with?
“I’m a Photoshop person through and through. It’s like home base for me—especially when it comes to photo composition and manipulation. That’s where the worlds start coming to life.”
If you want to improve your own Photoshop skills, don’t miss our 10 Lessons to Improve Your Photoshop Skills.
4. Is there a specific piece in your portfolio that holds special meaning to you?
“Pirate Sae. Definitely that one,” she says without hesitation.
“It was one of those ideas that just wouldn’t leave me alone. I had a song playing on loop—I still remember it—and I just started working. Hours passed. I didn’t notice. I was in it. That’s rare, and it’s kind of magical when it happens.”
Concept image by: Concept Artist Roberta Moscarella
5. What does your creative process typically look like—from concept to execution?
“Honestly? It starts like a whisper. I see a story forming in my head—like a scene from a film. Then I try to figure out which single moment captures that story best.”
She pauses. “Music plays a huge role. I need the right soundtrack to tap into the emotion. Otherwise, it’s just pixels.”
6. How do you balance emotion and aesthetics in your work?
She leans back for a second. “I think the pieces that stay with me the longest are the ones that still make me feel something when I revisit them later.”
“Sure, you can make something beautiful. But if it doesn’t move you? It’s just an exercise. And that’s okay too—those moments are still part of growing. But the magic? That’s in the emotion.”
7. What are the biggest challenges you face in visual storytelling?
“Getting the emotion right. That’s the hardest part. Concept art doesn’t always give you a script—it hints at something bigger.”
“I want people to stop, look again, and think: Wait, what’s the story here? What just happened? If I can trigger that curiosity, I’ve done my job.”
8. Any artists or styles that influence your work?
“Oh wow—so many. Japanese manga has been huge for me, especially CLAMP. They taught me how to build scenes cinematically.”
“I also love Junji Ito’s eerie atmospheres, and Miyazaki? Don’t get me started—I could write a thesis.”
“And in design? David Carson. Always David Carson.”
9. If you could collaborate with any brand or creator, who would it be and why?
“It’s less about who, and more about what. I’d love to work on a film or a game—something story-driven, something with layers. If the project speaks to me emotionally, I’m all in.”
10. What advice would you give to someone starting out in concept art or visual design?
She nods thoughtfully. “I’m still learning too, honestly. But here’s what I’d say:
Don’t lose your voice in the noise.
Take advice, learn, be open—but stay anchored to who you are. There’s too much pressure to blend in. And let’s be real—we already have AI for that.”
Until the Next Chapter…
Roberta’s work doesn’t scream for attention. It whispers, pulls you in, and makes you feel. And in a world that often prizes noise over nuance, that’s something worth celebrating.
If you’re as inspired as we are, be sure to follow @robertamoscarella on Instagram and explore more of her dreamlike visual storytelling. Her work is a reminder that imagination knows no bounds—and every image has a story waiting to be discovered.
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Thanks Roberta! Great concepts