The Studio.

Who is behind the studio?

My name is Marion Rousseau!

What is your background?

I wanted to study fashion design, but during my first year at Duperré I discovered textile design and a whole new world appeared! I graduated after 4 years at this school and worked in a few small companies. I realised that small, simpler structures worked better for me and decided to start my own small studio.

Describe your style.

Always fun and colourful, graphic and often full of flowers. I need bold contrasts and intense colours.

What are your main inspirations / influences ?

60s and 70s fashion and design, pop culture, nature and anything that is colourful and catches my eye.

Which place inspires you the most?

Every time I visit the US I am struck by the diversity of landscapes and the ongoing feeling of living in a movie. But England and its sweet craziness have my heart and inspire me indefinitely. Also, whenever I am visiting a new place I go to the local botanical garden, market and supermarkets.

What sets off your passion for prints?

I think it is the obsession I have for keeping and collecting bits and bobs. I started as a kid, and I now have collections of papers, fabrics, plastic flowers, stamps, vintage crockery and many more that are always inspiring.

Your first print memories.

A handkerchief from the 70s, with big flowers in orange, brown and green. The beginning of my passion for kitsch!

Describe your creation process.

It always starts with at least paper and a pen/pencil/paintbrush or scissors. Then I scan my sketch, clean it up and start to assemble the items until I feel it works. Then, colours!

While working, what do you listen?

I like listening to stories and tales, so I listen to the radio and podcasts a lot. And when my brain needs a rest, I switch to rock (Beatles forever!), indie and 90s rap.

What is your job's favorite part ?

When searching for the right composition of the pattern, there is a click, something that says "it's good, it's working!" and it always makes me smile and excited. And also the colour research. And of course when I discover the final use of a print that I sold.

What do you want to accomplish in the future?

Being able to make a living out of this amazing and fascinating job.

The biggest challenge you had to handle as a designer?

Once I had to work on an event about cancer : brains, lungs, blood cells, syringes, which are not as easy as the flowers I am used to draw. But I really liked the challenge.