Elodie, a Paris based illustrator creates amazingly trendy and realistic fashion and portraiture illustrations. Her passion for drawing and illustration has fetched her a huge fan-base. She works for some big names like French Cosmopolitan, La Marelle Editions, Sochic Magazine and Paulette Magazine.

All her illustrations are drawn by hand. With a fascination for 60's graphic design and fashion, she plays with different kinds of traditional and hand drawn techniques such as pigment liner, water color and pencil. Then they are digitally enriched by adding vintage, graphic elements and typography without loosing that 'handmade touch'.

Her work really captivated me and I could not resist contacting her for an interview to learn her story. She has been very kind to spare a few moments for us. Catch her interview below:

Elodie, lets start with a brief introduction of yours.

Hi ! I'm a French illustrator based in Paris specializing in fashion illustration and portraiture. I studied Garphics, Illustration and Animation in Bordeaux, France (E.C.V.) where I was graduated in 2005. Since then, I've worked for three years in the animation industry. Because illustration is my real passion,last summer I finally became a freelance illustrator. I have exhibited my work in America, Canada and France.

Your illustrations look great! Tell us more about your wonderful artwork.

Before becoming a freelance illustrator, I tried hard to find my own style. I like to draw characters in general, so I used to draw some cute characters before. But one day I figured out that what I like to draw the most are real woman and fashion. I like to consider each of my illustration like a real artwork. So that means, sometimes  I can spend a lot of time to finish it until the colors and details fit well together!

What do you love to illustrate the most? What are your preferred subjects to work on?

As I said, I've always been inspired by women in general. Some women inspire me a lot especially when you can feel a part of mystery inside them. I like to collect fashion photography I find interesting because of the posture or the look etc... And when I start a new illustration, I pick among them. In my collection you can find : Anna Selezneva, Magdalena Frackowiak, Kate Moss, Abbey Lee, Zoey Deschanel.

Did you take any formal training in Arts or is it something that has come naturally to you?

As long as I remember, I always held a pencil ! When I was a child I told everyone that I wanted to become a drawer ! But my parents answered me that it wasn't a real job :). Then after watching "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" making, I wanted to become a 2D cartoon animator. So I turned to a Graphic art school, E.C.V.(Ecole de communication visuelle) in Bordeaux where I studied Graphics, Illustration and Animation.

What was your first creation?

That's a pretty tough question. But I remember very well that when I was a kid I loved to create some presents for Mother's day! I put a lot of heart in them ! I guess that was the time I discovered a passion for creation!

Which creation of yours is the most special to you and why ?

Recently I created a new piece called "For Japan with love" that will be auctioned on 23th April via The Nucleus Gallery. It's very special to me because it's a way to raise some funds for Japanese people who really need some help right now.

That's a very noble thought! I loved the 'Portraits' illustrated by you! What motivates the artist within you?

Again, I always liked to draw characters, especially woman. I remember when I was around 14, I draw my idols such as Vanessa Paradis from picture and I loved that! I think I'm obsessed by eyes, that's why I always starts my illustration by drawing the eyes. They reflect an intense emotion, otherwise I'm not happy with my illustration and I start it again!

What do you dream to illustrate? Is there any dream project of yours ?

I would love to work with a fashion or a cosmetic brand or a clothes shop, to make some windows dressing with my illustration or a catalog where photos would be replaced by my illustrations.

Many other artists would draw inspiration from you. Do you have any message for them ?

Well...thank you ! As I said earlier, I spend a lot of time before finding the style of illustration I feel comfortable with. I think it's the most important, finding your own style, because then you can improve faster!

Elodie, thanks for sharing your story with us. It is really a sweet one. We wish you all the very best!

Visit her website at Elodie-Illustrations.net.


For inspiring interviews of artists like Elodie, you can subscribe to our RSS feeds. You can also choose to receive updates via emails. 


Do join us on Facebook as well: