We recently caught up with Stéphanie Bergeron & Marie-Andrée of Leonardo Design Studio and learn about Stéphanie's journey to finding her place (and the right role for her) in the industry; we discuss how they avoid stepping on each other's toes, and you might be asking, 'Why Leonardo?' —well, it's the result of a big brainstorm session and their unconditional love for DiCaprio.
Did you have a plan for graduation and what actually happened?
After graduating from Graphic Design at UQAM (and even before), I was 100% sure I didn’t want to be a graphic designer. Creation wasn’t my strength. I liked presenting my work, even if it sucked, getting feedback from my peers and debating. So after graduation, I went working as a sales representant, then as a business analyst, to finally come back in design by founding Leonardo. I found another way to work in the field I love.
Marie-Andrée had no plan after her internship at Sid Lee, so she went freelancing for 4 years in agencies and with direct clients. Thanks to that path, because that’s what allowed us to have some clients when we first started the studio. We then grew our own client pool with time (and work).
Give us the elevator pitch on what you do.
We think that we can create happiness by making each project a medium of well-being. Our creative approach has for mission to color the day of all those who linger there.
The culture of the beautiful is nothing superficial. It’s tangible, useful and inspiring. We aspire to leave this world a little more beautiful than it already is, nothing less. Some say we are a bit romantic, but it’s our nature to see the potential of faded flowers.
We think that beauty makes us happy, so let’s create happiness!
Why Leonardo? Because we’re fans of Titanic romance, that pizza rhymes with Ninja and that Renaissance is synonymous with creativity.
What’s your take on internships? (do you take interns now?)
Internships are something that we give a lot of importance to since the beginning of the studio. Each semester, we welcome a new graduate intern and give them a client project to work on. We always present our interns work to the client, it’s very important to us. Of course, every step is lead by us, but we have a lot of talent in Montreal and we have a responsibility to bring them to life.
Who’s on the team, what are their roles and why do you love them?
Our team is composed of Marie-Andree, art director, and I, account manager. Our roles are very clear and defined, we don’t step on each others foot. Marie-Andree is in charge of all creative and production aspects. I make sure that every project is lead to a good port. We like to brainstorm together at the beginning of the project and of course, I’m always there if Marie is stuck and she’s always there when I don’t know how to solve a problematic.
Recently we made a new addition to Leo, Alice, a past intern we had. She really brought something new and unique to our process, and she’s a great illustrator too ;)
We think that beauty makes us happy, so let’s create happiness!
If people wanted to know more about design in your city, what are the top blogs, organisations or events they can read up on?
Our favorite initiative in Montreal is MTL Design Club. It’s a monthly event series that present some of the best designers in Montreal. It provides an occasion to connect with peers and colleagues, and most of all to learn about the practice of other designers, their thought process, their vision. All of that while having a bite and a beer, what's more to say?
What's on the cards professionally and personally in the next 12 months?
We are working on a cool packaging project that will come out next year, can’t wait to hold what we are working on in our hands. We also are looking for an edition project, since we like print design so much, so I hope we will find a match. Other than that, we hope to build a little working community in the new office we are moving in. We would love to create a collaborative team we complementary skills. Is anyone interested?
2019 for you in a sentence.
It’s such a good vibrationnnnn - Marky Mark
Where to find Leonardo online.
Website: heyleonardo.com
Instagram: @heyheyleonardo
