The Studio.
Who is behind the studio?
My name is Agathe Parmentier.
What is your background?
I studied fashion design in Italy, at the Accademia Koefia in Rome. When I arrived in Paris, I wanted to specialize in textile design, so I did a 2-year work-study program and I had the opportunity to start as an assistant textile designer for the Junior and Children's collections. Then I became designer for the Junior, Young Adult and Accessory collections before starting to freelance !
Describe your style.
Eclectic, according to my desires. I would say that I tend towards a pop or indie universe.
What are your main inspirations / influences?
It can be very varied ! I collect flyers for exhibitions, concerts, etc. I'm interested in comic book illustrators, micro-publishing, drawing exhibitions, design, crafts. I follow fashion shows and my phone is also full of pictures taken on the spot, like that, in the street!
Which place inspires you the most?
In Paris, I always keep an eye on what's going on at the Museum of Modern Art, the Palais de Tokyo, the Gaité Lyrique, the Vuitton Fondation and the Galerie Glénat. Otherwise I'm scouring the internet ! As for cities, I would say Berlin for the underground side and Naples for the vibrant heat of the south.
What sets off your passion for prints?
During my studies in Fashion, I realized that I was very interested in what was happening on the garment, that it was very strong. Looking at the universes of the different designers, all the diversity of colors and patterns I liked a lot ! And since I loved to draw, this profession imposed itself to me.
Your first print memories.
I hesitate between my black and white striped biker or my navy, purple and forest green satchel with 2 huge yellow bus patches on the straps!
Describe your creation process.
Je récolte des images puis les arrange en créant de petits mood boards. Cela me permet de créer des mini collections de motifs après avoir tiré les idées de visuels que je vais mettre ensemble et les accompagner d'une technique de dessin et d'une gamme couleur.
Sinon, ça peut aussi être une envie singulière qui donnera vie un unique print !
What is your favorite medium to work with and why?
Photoshop, Illustrator and Procreate. I can combine, color and find the right assembly more easily and also test new things, it confirms me for a clean and square rendering. But I also draw from time to time with pen, colored pencils or markers, which I then rework in Photoshop.
While working, what do you listen?
From indie rock to pop and a touch of electro sometimes. My new motto, listen to the whole album without the shuffle!
What is your job's favorite part?
The drawing ! But I also love the research time, the novelty, seeing what's going on in the air is very stimulating. I also like to respond to client briefs, to the creative relationship I have with them.
What type of product / sector do you mainly work for?
For the junior and young adult mainly. I specialized with my studio for the male sector because I saw that I was called upon for this type of request and I liked it!
On which fairs do you exhibit?
I am exhibiting at La Trame's Print Days and would like to participate in Première Vision and Playtime.
Your best fairs memories.
As an illustrator before the creation of The Boy's Prints, it was the meeting with the public on creators' fairs. After having been in creation in a rather solitary way for a certain length of time, to be able to show one's work and to have a return, it is very pleasant and encouraging.
What do you want to accomplish in the future?
To meet an audience for The Boy's Prints for whom my work would fit and for whom I could create beautiful collections !
The biggest challenge you had to handle as a designer?
Launch this little studio!
What advice would you like to give to new designers who are just starting out?
To succeed in surrounding oneself to evolve while being accompanied.