Emilio Sansolini is a designer, but he has a researcher's soul. Lately, he has been following Neymar's novel, Mauro Icardi's last-minute arrival at PSG, and the River vs. Boca (0-0) match from last Sunday. He also attends to the requests that come to the Football Town brand.
So, his job is to visually and creatively present what happens in football or tennis. His art usually evokes feats, and by combining them with the figures of today's stars, he keeps the memory alive, for example, of Di Stéfano, Bochini, Cruyff, Pelé, or Maradona. Emilio is Argentine-Italian and works as a freelancer in Gibraltar.
"I do everything online," he anticipates in an email conversation with this newspaper. From that territory, on his computer, he creates for Nike, EA Sports, Puma, FIFA, La Liga de España, Premier League, Boca Juniors, Independiente de Avellaneda, and other clubs. His pieces stand out in AS newspaper and other digital media.
How does your inspiration for designing sports projects come about?
It arises precisely from combining two passions: design and football. Since I was a child, I have loved these two activities and I have merged them to make them my work. It was a natural process because I do what I like, it wasn't something I was looking for, but it happened that way.
What is your technique during the creative process?
No particular technique. Each project and piece are different and depend on the moment and the event. Normally everything arises from something to communicate through a fact that has happened. From there, I think about how to best visually tell it, normally I like to look at it in a creative way, from a different point of view without literally commenting on what has happened.
Why do you mostly choose football events?
I started with football because of a matter of taste, my passion for following this sport, and little by little it became my work. Whether they are clients or followers, they started to "demand" football pieces and it became routine.
Is there any influential designer in what you do?
Many designers and artists influence me, without a doubt. The internet allows you to constantly find new influences, and it is something that helps a lot in the work.
Did you do anything in particular to be contacted by the Premier League or Nike?
All of them have contacted me through the web, either by seeing my work on social media or on the web. This has helped me a lot, I have been able to reach the whole world thanks to the internet.
How do you participate in the creation of EA Sports' FIFA video game?
I design kits for FUT (FIFA Ultimate Team) since 2016. It is an incredible experience to be able to work with them and see that people all over the world use my designs.
How does that process work?
They explain to me what the kit should be like, and based on that, I create options and they choose one. Usually, I work in February, several months before the game is released.
Has working for EA Sports allowed you to meet the stars of the video game?
No, because I do everything remotely. EA is in Canada and I haven't been to their offices, I do all the work online. They do send me games, shirts, or signed cards; nothing else.
So do you attend FIFA, UEFA, and Conmebol international events?
When I can, I try to. I have been to the last two World Cups (Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018), and when I can, I try to watch a Champions League match. In any case, in recent years, I have gotten used to watching the matches at home and designing on my computer immediately.
How does the Football Town store work?
It is a clothing brand inspired by football. The factory is in Portugal and we ship worldwide. We sell online through footballtown.com. (D)