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.
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.
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!
Where to find Élise Rigollet online.
Website: eliserigollet.com
Instagram: @eliserigollet
