Creative of the month: Anne-Julie Dudemaine
Each month, Mimi highlights a different creative and asks them a few questions. This October, we welcome Anne-Julie Dudemaine and her wonderfully colourful work. Go ahead and read more about her process, her work and what she loves!
1
If you had to start your creative journey all over again, what would be one thing you'd still do, one thing you'd avoid and one thing you didn't do that you now think would have been great to do?
I'd still quit my job as a project manager in advertising to become a full-time artist. I'd avoid overworking myself, putting so much unnecessary pressure on myself and comparing myself to others on social media. I'd step out of my comfort zone a little more, for example by experimenting with different mediums earlier on. That being said, it's easy to say in hindsight!
2
What is your favourite illustration you've ever done and why do you love it so much?
That's a tough one! I'd say my art print "Chat sur la chaise", inspired by my cat Totoro, who passed away earlier this year. I've always loved this illustration for its composition and color palette, but it has taken on a whole new meaning now.
3
Tell us about your dream commission. Who’s the client and what do you have to do?
I'd love to create an art installation: bringing my illustrations into 3D to build a whole immersive universe, just for the fun of it. A festival or a food brand would be a perfect client for this!
4
What's a tool you can't live without?
My iPad is definitely my most-used tool, even though lately I've really been enjoying playing with traditional mediums like collage. My notebook and to-do list are also key to keeping me on track with everything.
5
Who inspires you right now?
David Hockney has always been a big influence on me. I love that he was never afraid to try different styles and mediums. His bold color choices always make me happy, and he seems like a genuinely kind person. What I find most inspiring is that he started drawing on an iPad in his seventies, with the same curiosity and joy as someone just starting out. It reminds me that there's no age limit to experimenting and having fun with your work. Right now, I'm also really inspired by tiles. I've been experimenting with ceramics, and I love patterned tiles: their repetition, their graphic shapes and the way they can transform a whole space. It connects naturally with my work as a pattern designer, so it feels like a fun new playground for me.
Make sure to check out Anne-Julie’s work and get in touch to work with her!
