The Studio.

Who is behind the studio?

Marlène IXART.

What is your background?

I am originally from Toulouse where I started by studying Fine Arts. I then moved to the North of France for my studies in Textile Design.

I did a BTS in Textile Fashion Design, and a DSAA in Textile Design at ESAAT in Roubaix. I have been working as a textile designer and illustrator for ten years now, and I have been a freelancer for two years now.

I have worked for different fashion and decoration companies in the North of France but also in London, Berlin and Brussels.

Describe your style.

It’s hard to describe my style as I try to renew it very often. I really like to create complex and delicate pattern inspired by nature. I like to create patterns with meaning and play with geometrical designs.

What are your main inspirations / influences ?

From nature. I also really like geometrical patterns.

Which place inspires you the most?

London or Berlin for the tumult, the effervescent life, the 100 per hour, the styles which are constantly renewed, the freedom...

but also Andalusia with its desert, its horizons and its heat.

What sets off your passion for prints?

I had no idea that this profession existed until I finished my studies in textiles. I started out loving the material, the structure of the fabrics,

all the applications and manipulations that could be done to it, and it seemed so endless and exciting that I wanted to continue exploring the craft.

Your first print memories.

During my studies I learnt silk-screen printing, and I immediately fell in love with it.

Describe your creation process.

I don't really have a defined process. Normally, I go out, look around, go to exhibitions, take notes. Then I first draw shapes that I like, color them and see what theme emerges to continue or not in this way. Color is also very important to me.

What is your favorite medium to work with and why?

I love to paint with gouache, to get transparency effects. I also love to create my own little stamps to have different textures, and have fun too. And I'm also working on an Ipad pro at the moment.

While working, what do you listen?

I like to play loud music, it helps me to keep motivated and focused. Rock, pop. Otherwise I also play podcasts to listen to stories or learn new things while I'm working.

What is your job's favorite part ?

I love it when I start putting elements together and feel like I'm onto something. I love being surprised and realize that I had never imagined doing this with these elements but it all works together so well.

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

Mainly for the home sector, but also for fashion. I also have clients in stationery.

On which fairs do you exhibit?

I usually exhibit my work at Premiere Vision, MOCO, and Bonnes Mines ;)

Your best fairs memories.

When my first booth was finalized and my first designs sold.....