I think I expected art school to teach me everything, but I realized I also needed to do internships, to take on freelance projects for friends while in school. I guess my experience was unique because in my school there was no Bachelor degree per se, we had to do the Masters, so 5 years. I think it was easy to get comfortable, and I didn't expect that.
I was always into art and drawing, like a lot of kids, and decided to pursue it. My first year of art school was a foundation year where I could try everything, from product design to textile and printmaking. Immediately I really loved the way graphic design allowed me to do a bit of everything: image-making, layouts, typography, creating content, even self-publish. I felt like it opened a lot of doors, and I think I'll still love it in 50 years. Since graduation, I've done an internship and slowly started to freelance. I also have a few personal projects with friends (our collective Riso Sur Mer) on the side, that are more printmaking oriented.
In school I wish I had learnt about pragmatic admin things like how to get my first client, invoices, etc. I think the one thing that really made a difference was doing internships. I tried to do a different one every summer or so, and that's where I really experienced how a studio is run, day to day. Also, one thing I loved at school was taking classes outside of my major. Learning new techniques always informs your design practice in a good way.
I went to school in Paris but currently live in Glasgow, UK, and I love the DIY culture here. It's present in the art and music culture, and it's really refreshing. There's always an opening or a gig happening somewhere. We also have an amazing festival in the fall, Graphic Design Festival Scotland, run by Warriors Studio.
I'd love to be running my own studio, and still be collaborating with friends. I'm not in a rush though, I have a ton of things to learn and I'm happy freelancing right now. I also want to try new things, maybe more photography projects, maybe painting?
It only just began!
Website: eliserigollet.com
Instagram: @eliserigollet