Ëlodie

You may have seen Paris based illustrator Ëlodie’s work in The Washington Post, Marie-France, Madame Figaro, Cosmopolitan, Waldorf Astoria magazine. She has also worked with Stella McCartney,Nina Ricci, Ladurée, Desenio, Rochas, Rizzoli, Kate Spade, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann and Victoria's secret. Her illustrations are romantic, inspiring and full of joy for life.

Can you talk a little about your journey and your career?

How did you become an illustrator? What was the journey like?

Hi ! At first I didn't chose illustration as a career. Actually when I was a kid my dream was to work for Disney in the cartoon animation industry. I used to draw since I was a child and grew up watching vintage Disney shows and cartoons on TV and it was like evidence that I should work in this industry. So I started to study animation at school but mainly 3D animation on computer, which was far away from the life of drawing that I expected. Also I realised that working in animation involved working in a team and not being able to create everything from my own imagination which also was very different from my teenage dreams.

Anyway, after my degree I started to work in several companies as a cartoon animator then compositing artist for almost 5 years. In parallel, I kept drawing for myself and growing another dream: becoming an illustrator and drawing my own characters, my own universe in my own style.

Why illustration? Did you always see yourself drawing full time?

I just realised that working as a creative entrepreneur was the only way to convey my vision in art and being able to sustain myself doing what I love the most. At this time yes, my dream was definitely to draw full time, but then I fell in love with all aspects of becoming an entrepreneur too (developing your brand, your voice, etc.). As an illustrator, my days are filed by a lot of other things than drawing which is a good thing because it’s what keeps the passion alive.

What were some of the biggest challenges and rewards becoming a full time illustrator?

The biggest challenge to work as an illustrator full time is definitely loneliness. This past year was pretty hard for me—as it was for a lot of creative entrepreneurs I guess—because it made us lonelier than ever. I used to enjoy being alone, but sometimes it can be hard too. 

The biggest rewards? There are a lot for me! First, living from my creativity was my highest dream. Then, being my own boss and work in my owns terms is really a privilege. I can plan my holidays when I want, working from where I want (I often escape from Paris to Oleron island, the place where I grew up, to enjoy nature and catch up with family and friends). 

Also being an illustrator can be a lot of things and now more than ever there are a so many ways to earn money from your creativity. I love the fact that I can model my career based on my desires and expectations.

How has your artistic style changed over the years?  

Good question! It 's pretty hard to answer it myself, but first I changed the tools I use to draw over the years, so that definitely changed the way I draw. In 2010 when I started my career, I only drew with pigment liner in pointillism, but a few years later I got back to my first love: pencil, graphite which made my drawings dirtier and with more grain and textures which I'm really passionate about.

You’ve talked about the importance of always experimenting with your work; what helps you approach your day with creativity and no fear?

Creativity is a fragile thing. Especially when you have to be creative while you're also an entrepreneur and have very practical things in mind like sustaining yourself, working on your website,  building a strong portfolio, attracting new customers, growing your social media, etc.

If you don't take care of your creativity it's easy to lose it. That's why I deeply think it's important sometimes to create just for yourself without planning to share it on social media or on our portfolio. Being an illustrator is my job, but being creative is my core, my need as an artist, and I think it's important to make some room in our busy lives to express our creativity to keep growing as an artist and as a human being too.

Do you have a favorite subject or medium? What/who inspires you?

I'm definitely inspired by fragility especially when it's expressed through womens faces. I can be completely obsessed by a woman with the desire to draw her again and again. It's like my muses. I also love textures, graphite and  watercolor which is why I create my illustrations through an organic process combining multiple layers of handmade drawing and textures. My highest goal through my work is to highlight femininity in a poetic way.

”I'm definitely inspired by fragility especially when it's expressed through women faces.”

How do you start a new project? Do you have any daily practices that help you get into a creative mental space?

The process when I start a new commission is pretty different from when I draw for myself. For a client work, I have a well oiled process consisting of sketching for 2-4 hours, then when the sketch is approved by the client, I draw a clean illustration with pencil, scan it and colorize it in Photoshop. 

I'm always saving images (photos and illustrations) as references on Instagram and Pinterest; mostly things that inspire me. I also like to write in a journal my thoughts and experiments to stimulate my creative practice. When I create for myself, I'm way more open to new techniques, experimentation and processes.

Most often when I experiment for myself I fail and the piece is not great, but I learn new skills along the way that I can then inject in my usual process. Unfortunately, because of my other different activities (blogging, educator), I'm not able to draw everyday. But when I do, I try to block at least 3-4 hours in order to put myself in a creative mood. 

Is it important to give yourself personal projects in addition to your commissioned work?

Yes of course! As I said earlier, illustration is a job led by passion, but keeping a creative practice is essential to grow and to stay passionate and motivated. It's also important to keep your style evolving.

Best part about Illustration as a job?

Definitely freedom! The freedom to establish your working hours, to work where you want, being your own boss and working from your creativity! 

When do you feel your most inspired? Any advice on getting through creative blocks/fear?

I feel the most inspired after holidays when I'm well rested and that I could take a lot of times for myself. I understood that I need to leave some "margin" in my life in order to let my ideas and creativity flow freely. Best ideas never come from a busy time.

I actually wrote an article (in french) about how to get through creative blocks/fear : https://elodie-illustrations.net/motivation/

But another advice that I could give if you feel uninspired is to do some meditating activities. It could be anything that lets your ideas flow (walking in nature, cleaning, cooking) in order to let your creativity work in the background of your mind.

Best advice you’ve ever received? Worst advice?

The best advice I received is to enhance your customer experience as an illustrator by constantly refining your process and brand.

The worst advice I've been given is to adapt your style according to the client. I'm deeply convinced that a strong and cohesive style is the key to make it as an illustrator.

Have there been any challenges for your work during  COVID? How do you stay positive, creative and motivated?

It's not that easy! Actually I adopted my dog last year just before the lockdown in France and I think my life would have been a lot sadder without him. Lennon is definitely the perfect studio mate, but also having a dog made me go out more often and meet a lot of people in the streets (dog owners or just curious people) which was very good for my mental health. Otherwise, I have the possibility to escape to Oleron island when I feel the need which is really a big privilege.

I had rough times though, but I always try to prioritize my mental health by avoiding working too late and on weekends, and by resting, walking, and doing all the activities that bring me joy in general (like decluttering!)

Favorite music when drawing?

Usually I like very soft music when I draw and mainly women’s voices : Pomme, Billy Eilish, Juliette Armanet, Camilla Jordana, Yseult, Sia...

Is there anything you would like people to know about your work? Upcoming workshops/classes/merchandise/artworks?

Thank you for the opportunity to brag! My next Fine Art prints sale will be the 1st of April on my shop : www.elodiepapergoods.com.

Also, the doors of my digital course "Illustration, l'Atelier" for newbie illustrators will re-open in May! Feel free to join the waiting list to be notified at the right time! https://bit.ly/ia-wit

Find more of Ëlodie: https://elodie-illustrations.net