The Studio.

Who is behind the studio?

Alexandra Weppe

What is your background?

I have a bachelor's degree in visual identity (Strate school of design in Paris), I also did an exchange program in Lisbon, Portugal where I studied illustration. More recently, I worked in the wines and spirits industry. Then, I worked for 2 years as a designer in charge of the collections for home decoration.

Describe your style.

It's a tricky question because I'm always trying to renew myself. But I would say elegant and trendy. Because in the end, even if we love our job, we create above all for people, so it is essential to be in the trend.

What are your main inspirations / influences ?

I'm glad I travelled a lot (South Africa, Portugal, Scandinavia...) so this is my main source of inspiration, these trips have deeply marked me. But actually I use many different channels of inspiration: Fashion week, TV, modern art museums, Pinterest!

Which place inspires you the most?

Lisbon's streets are worth the detour with the azulejos everywhere and the painted walls, but above all there are many merchants of fabrics with various patterns and colors. Lisbon is really the city of colors no matter the season.

Your first print memories.

The flowery dresses of my grandmother.

Describe your creation process.

I always start by creating my own trend books (colors, materials, ideas, etc.) then I make sketches of my first ideas and finally I finalize those I like the most.

What is your favorite medium to work with and why?

The pencil because it allows to quickly sketch the first ideas and to adjust them if I want to.

While working, what do you listen?

Often film music when I need to be focused and pop music when I'm on pure drawing.

Seeing the first samples of the final product! It's so rewarding.

What type of product / sector do you mainly work for ?

The decoration sector mainly but I would love to work for the fashion sector too.

The biggest challenge you had to handle as a designer?

To leave a permanent job that was beginning to lean towards projects that no longer corresponded to my values in order to set up my own business and concentrate on projects that I really enjoy.

Have you seen the profession change?

Yes, digital and social networks impact our way of working. It's a profession that keeps evolving and where there is more and more competition.

Do you like or regret things about this change?

I think you have to see an opportunity in the change. For example, the development of networks gives a chance to be known.