The studio

Who is behind the studio?

Zoé Amemaka, a person passionate about adventure and creative experiences.

Tell us about your background.

My background began with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Arts, followed by a Bachelor's degree in Textile Design at the higher education institution ENSAV La Cambre. In this school, I discovered different creation techniques, learned to design patterns, and print them onto textiles. I also worked on projects in collaboration with companies and creators, which allowed me to become familiar with the creation process.

Describe your style.

I would say that my style is characterized by an intensive use of color, with a preference for abstract patterns and texture effects. I draw inspiration from various media to create my patterns, such as drawings, photos, or textures that I create myself. For each project, I try to develop a unique style that reflects my own tastes and sources of inspiration, while meeting the specific objectives of the project. My favorite colors, patterns, and textures are often influenced by my travels, my encounters with other artists, and my experiences of everyday life. I love exploring bold color combinations, complex patterns, and intriguing textures to create designs that, hopefully, stand out and are aesthetically appealing.

What are your main inspirations/influences?

My inspirations and influences are very diverse and can come from many sources. However, I would say that my travels are one of my main sources of inspiration. I love discovering new cultures, meeting people from different backgrounds, and exploring unique landscapes. The colors, patterns, and textures that I encounter during my travels are often incorporated into my designs. I am also influenced by other artists and designers, whether through exhibitions, books, or social media. I like studying their approach to creation and using it to develop my own techniques. Finally, I also enjoy drawing inspiration from nature and the elements that surround me in daily life, such as organic shapes, changing sky colors, or the textures of natural materials. All these influences combine to create a unique and inspired style that is my own.

What is the place that inspires you the most?

Imagine this small artisanal village, hidden somewhere between hills and valleys, full of priceless treasures. It is this type of place that inspires me the most. I like to draw my inspiration from these places rich in history and with a special atmosphere. These are places where artisanal traditions have been preserved for generations, and where one can discover unique manufacturing techniques and traditional patterns. Visiting these places, I discover beauties that are still unknown to me. The small dirt or paved roads, the colorful houses, and the natural landscapes that surround them are also a source of inspiration for me. I am fascinated by the details, colors, and shapes that can be found in these places where everything is worked in simplicity but with passion and dedication.

Your first printed memory.

My first printed memory dates back to my childhood when I discovered the beautiful colorful patterns of the African Boubou that my mother wore. As my father was of African origin, I had the chance to grow up surrounded by wax fabrics with bright colors and complex patterns. This unique print marked my mind and amazed me from a very young age.

Describe your creative process.

My creative process begins with exploring my environment through my travels and capturing images and drawings. Then, I create a mood board by combining my finds with current trends. I then play with colors, shapes, and textures to create a unique pattern that reflects my environment and ideas. This process can be long, but it is rewarding and stimulating on an artistic level.

What is your favorite medium to work with and why?

Being a very versatile person, I like to use different tools and mediums for my creative work. However, if I'm on the go, I have two favorite choices for working. The first is to use a sketchbook and oil pastels. I enjoy this option because it allows me to quickly draw shapes and get an instant texture in my drawings. The second choice is to use my iPad if I want to work on a repetitive drawing idea. I like the flexibility of the iPad because it allows me to work on my drawings digitally and easily edit them if needed. Ultimately, my choice of medium depends on the goal of my project and where I am.

What is your favorite part of your job?

When I'm simply creating!

Have you seen the job change?

Although I'm new to this field, I have already noticed significant changes in our industry. We are becoming increasingly aware of the ecological impact of our work, considering the material we use to print our patterns and the purpose of our creations. In addition, new technologies like artificial intelligence have and will also bring great changes to our profession. Although these developments can be scary, it's essential to embrace them to continue progressing.

Do you appreciate or regret anything about these changes?

I'm quite excited about the new technologies because they offer incredible possibilities to develop and perfect our creative process. Although these changes can be intimidating, I'm convinced that traditions and innovations can be combined to create something new and beautiful