Who am i ?
I often ask myself this question too.
So what can be said about me? My name is Luca, also known as Lumelonno, and at the time of writing this page I'm nearing 40. Full-stack developer by profession, I began my creative journey in 2018 as a complete beginner.
You could say I've always lived between two worlds: the rational, scientific one —where as a kid I knew everything (and I mean everything) about dinosaurs, constellations, and physical phenomena— and the more humanistic and artistic one. I got good grades in Italian writing, and decent results in art class. But what truly attracted me was comic-style drawing. I devoured every comic I could get my hands on —as a kid mostly Mickey Mouse and later PK (unknown abroad, but essentially Paperinik adventures in graphic novel form, with wonderful stories before it too hit a downward phase). And when I was old enough to buy them myself, I started reading Japanese manga. But although my entry into manga came around the age of 15, anime were a different story—they've been with me since always.
'He's born such a nerd...'
Prehistoric Influences
I was lucky enough to be born in the '80s, right during the golden age of Japanese anime on Italian TV. Many shows that made history aired during that time, and to say they shaped me is almost an understatement. Anime filled with dreams and meaning—like Galaxy Express 999 and Captain Harlock by Matsumoto, Tiger Mask, Fist of the North Star—with messages of kindness and hard work, deeply shaped my character and values. My biggest influences come from Japanese works.
The list is obviously much longer, too many to name, but I'd like to share a small anecdote: my first real approach to drawing, like many of us, was copying drawings from my favorite cartoons. In my case, it began when Sailor Moon first aired in Italy—I started by copying Sailor Jupiter. I already had very clear tastes back then...
Perversion is art's fuel
Even if this shows I had a natural inclination toward drawing, I never truly cultivated it. My attempts were scattered over the years, more of a pastime than a real passion—always years apart. What I needed was a catalyst to ignite and take root. That opportunity arrived in 2018, but we'll come back to that.
Since I started taking things seriously, I've encountered many incredible artists who've influenced me in various ways—too many to list. At this moment, I'll name just a few: Simone Grunewald, of course, for her way of shaping and sketching characters. I've supported her on Patreon for years and she's without a doubt one of my biggest artistic inspirations. Next, Thomas Pitilli, comic artist from whom I learned many traditional inking tricks. And HarrisIllustr, for how he uses contrast and—ahem—anatomy.
Kickstart My Bleeding Heart
A big thing can start from the most bizarre reasons
My passion for drawing lay dormant until 2018, as I mentioned. It needed the right conditions to resurface. And those conditions came— disguised as a broken heart.
Without diving into the drama of my youth, that year I experienced my most painful heartbreak. I was deeply depressed, which later morphed into a quiet fury when I realized just how badly I had been betrayed. I had to shift my mind away from those dark thoughts.
I don't remember exactly how, but I picked up a pencil again. Only this time, it was different. I had grown. I didn't want to just doodle stick figures—I wanted to make something more intricate, more meaningful. I started looking up drawing tutorials. That's when the bell of art rang out for me. I heard its call, loud and clear—and now I'm its prisoner.
Future Projects
Always looking forward
Besides becoming much better at drawing, my focus is on one clear goal: creating my own comics. I've already made a few early attempts. And there will be many more along the way. Because drawing alone isn't enough: I feel an unstoppable urge to tell stories.
That's why I already have a roster full of original characters waiting impatiently for the day I can fully bring them to life. If, through them, I can touch even just one person's life, I'd be the happiest man on earth. Until then, I'll work as hard as I can, keeping the faith that one day I'll succeed—and give you many wonderful characters in return. If you're reading these words, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And see you soon with more updates.
Just one year after I started, she was already crawling out of my pencil...