Élise Rigollet

A big congrats to Élise Rigollet (@eliserigollet), one of our 30 TDK Awards winners' for 2019. A École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs graduate from Glasgow, their work was chosen by Chris Cooper from Studio Band (@studioband) in Adelaide, AUS: "I don’t usually gravitate towards graphic design that bleeds into the area of visual art but this really caught my attention. There is a beautiful balance of intensity and restraint. It’s evident that a great deal of consideration, craft and care has gone into every element. The playful yet structured typography creates a fantastic energy. I especially like the University of Oregon posters, would happily have any one of them hanging on my wall, a great example of contemporary graphic design that is enduring. Really great work!" We asked Élise to answer a few questions for next years TDK Awards hopefuls.

What do you wish you’d known now when you started your design course?

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.

What originally lead you in to design, and how has that changed - what do you want to do/are doing now?

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.

Design work by Élise Rigollet The Design Kids interviews Élise Rigollet work-2

Any hot tips for getting ahead at uni?

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.

What do you love about the design scene in your city and what companies are on your dream list to work or collaborate with?

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.

Design work by Élise Rigollet The Design Kids interviews Élise Rigollet work-4
Design work by Élise Rigollet The Design Kids interviews Élise Rigollet work-4

Where do you see your career in 5 years?

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?

2019 for you in a sentence

It only just began!

Design work by Élise Rigollet The Design Kids interviews Élise Rigollet work-6
Design work by Élise Rigollet The Design Kids interviews Élise Rigollet work-6

Where to find Élise Rigollet online.

Website: eliserigollet.com

Instagram: @eliserigollet

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