Red Cap Artist Spotlight: Francesca Montanari

July 16, 2013

We are so happy to have Francesca Montanari (aka “Frenchy”) in the Red Cap artists' spotlight today. We were first introduced to Frenchy's work years ago, when we saw the Devics “Secret Message to You” video below–directed by Marco Morandi–and fell in love with her simplistic, pure illustration.


After our initial crush on her illustration work, we met in 2007 and Frenchy became the first artist to collaborate with Red Cap Cards! A multi-talented artist, Francesca works in multiple mediums suh as illustration, fashion design and even designs show posters for musical artists!

francesca montanari

Where were you born and where do you live now?
I was born in Italy in a small town called Lugo where, after living in America and Berlin for many years, I came back to. I live in Lugo at the moment.

Did you know you were an artist at a young age?
Artist is not a word that I usually use or used. I consider myself a creative person who is experimenting with different tools to express my voice. I started as an illustrator, then I did graphic design, then I had a passion for hats and right now I'm making clothes and knitting.

tortoise by francesca montanari

Were you formally trained as an artist?
I went to Art College but I never really studied to become anything that I ended up doing. I've always been a self-taught.

Not only are you are you a talented illustrator but you are fashion designer. Do you have a preference between the two?
I've always preferred the thing that I was doing while I was doing it. Right now I'm a clothing designer and love it.

clothing by francesca montanari

I have always been a huge fan of your hats, they are so beautiful, especially on you. Where did the love for hat come from?
Thank you so much! I've always loved hats but I started to make them while I was leaving in LA in the 2000. I was invited at a fancy party and I wanted to wear a hat for the occasion so I made myself one. People at the party loved it and some of them wanted it so…one after the other I created my collection. It has been a very fun period of my life!

hats by francesca montanarihats by francesca montanari

Where is the most inspiring place you’ve ever been?
I would say that each place I've been to inspired me something different and gave me something unique and precious. All together is who I am today. But sure it's traveling and living in different places in the world that really opened my mind and taught me a lot of things, enriching my life and knowledge.

Do you have a favorite Children’s book?
mmm…I love so many that I can't think of one in particular. I'll think about it and I'll let you know 🙂

View Francesca's designs for Red Cap here on the Red Cap Cards website.

Thanks, Frenchy!