DIVE INTO AN ENDLESS SUMMER
Born and raised in Marseille, French illustrator CéPé brings a world of shapes and colour to his pieces.
IN THE BASIN
CEPE
PAGAN HEAVEN
CEPE
WHEN DID YOU REALISE THAT YOU WANTED TO BE AN ILLUSTRATOR?
Since I was very young. I must have been around 4 or 5 years old! At this time what I wanted to do when I grew up was becoming a thief. But since my parents told me that that wasn't a job but a crime, I opted for becoming a designer instead. Definitely a better alternative to being a thief. This idea stuck with me whilst growing up. I was under the impression that somehow, the things that I drew belong to me on a way. I also understood that an artist was never satisfied with their art, and this will become their driving force.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE DOING TODAY IF YOU WEREN'T AN ILLUSTRATOR?
To be completely honest, I have no idea! I often asked myself this same question and never found an
answer.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY THE CHALLENGES OF BEING AN ILLUSTRATOR ARE NOWADAYS?
In my opinion, I think the biggest challenge is to accept yourself and remain true to who you are. To accept that we cannot please everyone and even so, being able to continue trusting your instincts and your work. I also find challenging to accept that we are only human and not machines and when there are periods when we create less, those periods are beneficial in the long term. We always need to navigate and grow what makes us unique.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY IN THE STUDIO LOOK LIKE?
I really don't have a routine at work and I don't think I want one either. The way that I organise myself and my day varies everyday. Even if I don't like routines, the only thing that will never change for me will be the start of my day. I feed my cat and have some cuddle time with him before thinking about the day ahead!
IN THE BASIN
CEPE
LOVE TRIO
CEPE
COULD YOU PLEASE TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGNING AND MAKING?
I always collect pictures. It can be pictures that I take myself, pictures from the internet, from books or even pictures that I take from tv (Yes, I know how it sounds I do take pictures of my tv!). I use these pictures as a base to find a colour pallet, a pattern, a look, a position or an object that inspires me.
Then when I am relaxing on my sofa or bed, I draw random sketches on the tablet. When I am happy with it, I finish by tracing the outlines. To create the final file, I go to my studio and I work on my computer using a big tactile screen. From a random sketch to an end.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO COMMUNICATE TO THE PERSON WHO PURCHASES ONE OF YOUR PIECES?
Happiness.
A MORE SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO US AND OUR CUSTOMERS. COULD YOU TELL US WHAT YOU DO TO APPROACH YOUR BUSINESS IN A MORE SUSTAINABLE WAY?
II have completely stopped using paper even for sketching. When I send my illustrations to my clients or suppliers, I never use plastique on the packaging. I also partner up with local printers for my art.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE ONLY ONE ILLUSTRATION THAT YOU MADE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOREVER, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?
It will always be the last work that I’ve made.
