The Studio.

Who is behind the studio?

Sarah Lerefait

What is your background?

My professional journey is characterized by my passion for creativity and design. I started eight years ago as a graphic designer, working both as a freelancer and as an employee. This period was filled with experiences that allowed me to develop my expertise in visual communication while exploring various aspects of design.

 Over time, I felt the need to return to working independently to nurture my creativity and explore new horizons. This is when I made the bold decision to redirect my career towards surface and textile design, driven by my passion for illustration and patterns. This shift provided the perfect opportunity to bring to life the passion that has always inspired me.

 Today, as a Textile & Surface Designer, I create unique patterns for fashion, stationery, home decor, and packaging, from my studio in Normandy.

Describe your style.

I love simple lines and graphic designs. I enjoy experimenting with different techniques, playing with a variety of colors and textures to create unique designs that evoke emotions and inspire those who see them.

What are your main inspirations / influences ?

What inspires me the most are travels, nature, and everyday life. Travels expose me to new cultures and exciting landscapes, nature captivates me with its organic shapes and rich colors, and everyday life provides me with a constant source of emotions and experiences that are reflected in my creations.

What sets off your passion for prints?

My passion for prints originates from my grandfather's paintings, which awakened my artistic sensibility from my childhood. Over time, my interest expanded from drawing to prints. I especially love how repeating a pattern can add a special touch to objects, tell stories, and evoke emotions.

Describe your creation process.

I begin with exploration and seeking inspiration. I gather images and search for sources of inspiration to build harmonious and aesthetic worlds.

 Next, I move on to the actual design phase. I use my iPad to individually draw each element of the pattern. Once the elements are ready, I assemble and shape them using software such as Photoshop or Illustrator. This is where the pattern takes form.

 I enjoy creating mini-collections of patterns that harmonize with each other. This allows me to play with the diversity of patterns while ensuring that they complement each other to create visually appealing and cohesive sets.

What is your favorite medium to work with and why?

The Apple Pencil. It allows me to blend the freedom of hand drawing with the advantages of digital technology. It offers exceptional precision and a variety of tools and color options, enabling me to explore my creativity in a smoother and more efficient way.

While working, what do you listen?

I enjoy listening to podcasts while I work. I often turn to podcasts on subjects such as motherhood, personal development, entrepreneurship, and inspiring life journeys.

What is your job's favorite part ?

The part I enjoy the most in my job is, of course, drawing. That's where I can unleash my creativity and bring my ideas to life. However, I also appreciate all the other aspects related to managing the business. It's rewarding to see the whole of my business run smoothly, and it complements my love for drawing perfectly.

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

I primarily work in the fields of women's and children's fashion, stationery, home decor, and packaging.

What do you want to accomplish in the future?

My goal for the future is to continue to see my designs come to life and progress in my career as a designer. I also aspire to exhibit my creations at trade shows to further share my work.