The Studio.

Who is behind the studio?

Clémentine Achat, a french pattern designer

What is your background?

I graduated with a master's degree in graphic design. I’ve worked in sevral agencies as graphic designer then as a freelance. Step by step I moved towards illustration, and finally pattern design, which is a real passion for me.

Describe your style.

My style is graphic, feminine, and colorful. I love strong contrasts and deceptively simple shapes.

What are your main inspirations / influences ?

I like floral prints with bright colors, wax fabrics, and I don’t like shy patterns.

Which place inspires you the most?

Nature without a doubt, and more than ever since I live in a house with a garden. I just have to bend down to pick up the inspiration.

What sets off your passion for prints?

I’ve always collected images, I’ve always been fascinated by making colors vibrating wtith each other, so I think that my love for prints has always existed. It just has taken me time to understand that I could make it my job.

Your first print memories.

I had a dress with a very colorful floral print when I was little. I loved it so much that when it was too small I cut it into a top to continue to wear it.

Describe your creation process.

I collect hundreds of images, I organise them and look at them regularly. They feed my inspiration, motivate me, make me happy. If I have a precise brief, I collect images related to the theme, I look for inspirations, then I start drawing on a sketchbook or directly on my graphic tablet. When I find a shape that I like, I compose my print, in adding ad removing elements. When the result satisfies me I decline my pattern in several shades.

What is your favorite medium to work with and why?

My graphic tablet without a doubt because I can see very quickly if my ideas are convincing or not.

While working, what do you listen?

Everything but I always listen to music while working. Music calms me if I need to be focused or it energizes me when I am in a creative mood.

What is your job's favorite part ?

When the pattern comes to life and I play with colors.

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

I mainly work for home universe but also fashion.

On which fairs do you exhibit?

I plan to participate to my first Première Vision edition in February 2022

What do you want to accomplish in the future?

I’d like to work with brands which share my love for bright colors and bold prints.

The biggest challenge you had to handle as a designer?

To structure yourself when you have a creative mind is not always easy.

What advice would you like to give to new designers who are just starting out?

Pattern designer community is very benevolent, pattern designers support each other so I’d tell them not to hesitate to ask questions. Everything happens, you have to be patient and work.