Discovering our illustrators: Minasmoke

I don’t have the best memory, but I think it’s safe to say that Minasmoke is the illustrator we’ve been working with longest.

The Iris d’O, Vénus, Monarque and Fleurs de thé tea caddies in this year’s collection reflect this special world.

Below you’ll also find some of the Minasmoke-illustrated tea caddies that are no longer available for sale.

We were lucky enough to get to know her when we lived in Rouen, so it’s a pleasure to introduce her to you in the few Q&A’s below.

– What drew you to illustration?
Like many illustrators, I think the pleasure of drawing began very early, in childhood. I used to reproduce drawings from my favorite books, and when I wasn’t satisfied with the end of the book, I’d draw the rest and slide the pages to the end of the book. I realized relatively late on that illustration could become a profession, but for me it was above all a means of expression. I’m secretive by nature and often find it hard to find the words to express my feelings, so for me drawing is above all a means of expressing what I’m feeling.

– Do you have a formal education, or are you self-taught?
I initially took a Baccalauréat L in visual arts, because painting is my first love. I wasn’t necessarily at ease with drawing. I was convinced that I wanted to continue in the artistic world, but I needed something concrete. So I decided to take a year’s preparatory course for the competitive entrance exams to the grandes écoles d’art, thinking I might try the Arts Décoratifs.
In the end, I fell in love with the school where I was doing my preparatory course. They offered a 3-year course in visual communications, with a focus on graphic design, illustration and multimedia. I immediately felt at home! It was in the second year, in contact with Séra, my illustration teacher and comic strip author, that I realized just how passionate I was about this profession. Nevertheless, I still wear two hats: graphic designer and illustrator.

– Your style, your universe, is distinctive and recognizable, but we all have our sources of inspiration. What are yours?
I’m fascinated by Symbolist painting and British illustrators such as Edmund DULAC or Arthur RACKHAM, but inspiration can also come from botanical drawings of yesteryear or photographers like Sarah MOON.

– Do you have a creative ritual you’d like to share?
I don’t know if you’d call it a ritual, but I only work in daylight. I’m lucky enough to have my work table in front of a bay window overlooking the garden. As soon as the sun goes down, I don’t feel like working at all. I also always listen to music, even a song on a loop when I’m drawing. It’s like the soundtrack of my creations. The titles of my illustrations are often a nod to a song I listened to while creating them.

– Are you currently working on one or more projects?
Unfortunately, there’s nothing concrete at the moment, as I’m a bit overwhelmed by my work as a graphic designer.
After a phase when I really lost inspiration, ideas are coming back, but I’m giving myself time. The period when I was working for publishers forced me to produce a lot, and in the end I had the impression of repeating myself without finding any pleasure in it. So I’m starting afresh, but not forcing things.

– Finally, can you give me a link to discover or rediscover your work?
It’s certainly on my Etsy store that most of my illustrations can be seen: www.etsy.com/shop/minasmoke
Also to follow my activity day by day: www.instagram.com/minasmoke

Minasmoke-illustrated boxes still available for sale