That sounds like a band I'd gladly overpay to see on a worldwide Reunion Tour. But instead of blasting off to some psychadelic rock music, start settling in for a quiet ride. Davide Bonazzi is the incredibly talented freelance illustrator behind the calming Day Trippers series. He calls Bologna (Italy) home and at 30 years old, his short list of clients already includes the Wall Street Journal, Paramount Pictures, Greenpeace and Fortune Mag among a long list of others. Having done a ton of work with several of the world's largest publications (full client list on his site), the Creative Quarterly Journal recognized Davide as one of the 25 top illustrators worldwide in 2013.

This 13-scene journey follows the rather tranquil day trip of an elderly couple through New York City.

Ben: What inspired the Day Trippers series?

Davide: First of all, I've been inspired by a trip to New York City I had last year. Also, I've always been fascinated by elderly people as subject of stories. Their slow, quiet way of living is all the opposite of the frenetic life most people live. By contrast, I tried to emphasize this quietness by setting the story in a big chaotic and crowded city, which could be NYC or another megalopolis. I wanted to illustrate the reactions of an elderly couple from a small town visiting the largest city of the country [America].

Arrival (#01)

Do you think they enjoy the silence?

I think an elderly couple could communicate without saying a word since both know each other very well. So, they are in silence just because they don't need to talk too much. Their silence is maybe part of a mute conversation, or more simply they want to stay relaxed with their own thinking, and they don't feel embarrassed for that.

Does the couple remind you of anyone specifically?

This couple reminds me of all the elderly couples of travelers I have seen in my life - including my grandparents. My grandpa especially. He still has a great ability of surprising himself by visiting new places even though he's nearly 90 years old. I wish I could reach his age with the same enthusiasm for life. 

Lost (#02)

These pieces are a year old or so. Why post them for sale now?

Many people asked me about these prints but recently, work made me so busy I couldn't find the time to do a print and send it by mail to the client in a short time. I heard about Society6 from some colleagues of mine and I thought this could be a good way to sell my prints and save time. Also, the possibility of having t-shirts and other stuff from these images really interested me. At the moment I'm speaking, Society6 is the only place where these prints are available.

You do a lot of illustrations for major publications - often based on a strong social commentary. Are you on a mission with your work?

My work is just a drop in the ocean. It's undeniable I feel very stimulated when I have the chance to do an illustration about a strong social issue, and I really do my best to measure up to the importance of the story. This is just part of being a good professional. If I had a purpose, this is stimulating reflections and doubts in people - making them ask questions of themselves rather than having answers. And putting a smile on someone's face if possible.

Waiting (#03)

Posing (#04)

Rest (#05)

Downpour (#06)

Taxi (#07)

Promenade (#08)

Aquarium (#09)

On the Beach (#10)

Diner (#11)

By Night (#12)

Back Home (#13)

Discover more Davide Bonazzi

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