Don't stop until you drop. Caroline Andrieu talks drawing with Patrick Morgan

Studio shots

When did you first get into drawing?

As many creative people, I have always drawn and never stopped. During high school, I took night classes to draw as much as I could, and all Saturdays as well. After high school, I went to an art school and drew non stop. But there I mostly learn graphic design, so when I started to work I put on hold drawing for some time.

Why did you choose to make fashion part of your inspiration?

I worked for Condé Nast for 11 years. Starting as a web designer for Vogue Paris. At the time, the website wasn’t what it is now and there wasn’t any picture editing. I offer to illustrate some articles and the astrology section with some catwalk models. I didn’t think at the time it would draw attention to my work. I started a blog to post my illustrations almost daily.

"For over 10 years I had my full time job and the illustration commissions in parallel, so now that I do only illustration, I feel I have more time for myself."

What is your particular working day as a creative?

Every day is different. I wake up around 8:00 and can start working right away as I work from home. I draw rather fast so it’s rare for me to work all day long unless there is a short deadline commission. I try each day to read, watch a movie, see and art show, go swimming, and draw. In no particular order. For over 10 years I had my full time job and the illustration commissions in parallel, so now that I do only illustration, I feel I have more time for myself. Now that we are at home most of the time for a few months, I try to draw everyday but I don’t force anything, as it is a stressful situation enough.

 "I don’t do digital drawing, I did a while ago but I think I am bad at it and it gives me no satisfaction at all."

What tools do you use when creating your images?

I work mostly with coloUr pencils and watercoloUr. Sometimes both together. I used to draw with coloUred ink a lot also. 

I like to use as many tools as possible, they offer different vibes, textures… I usually try to discover new techniques, to experiment and not be satisfied with what I already know. I don’t do digital drawing, I did a while ago but I think I am bad at it and it gives me no satisfaction at all. I only use my computer to scan and clean the drawings when needed.

Who are what has influenced you over the years as an artist?

So many. I saw a lot of exhibitions when I was a little girl. My neighbors, who were fond of art, used to take me to museums very often. I remember a Matisse art show that struck me. My tastes are various I guess. I love Ingres, David Hockney, Georgia O-Keeffe, Elizabeth Peyton, Michael Borremans, Antonio Lopez, to name a few. I find inspiration in cinema also, and photography and fashion. I read many comics & graphic novels as well.

What advice do you have for younger artists looking to be part of this industry?

To work, show your work as much as possible (now it’s easier with social media), believe in yourself and work again.

"I am reading comic books by Shigeru Mizuki and Yoshiharu Tsuge, and a biography of David Lynch. At the moment, I am quite obsessed with Simone Rocha, I love all her silhouettes and the vibes that she creates."

What are you drawing today? Music are you listening to? Books that you are reading? Favourite artist/designer at the moment? 

I am waiting for a commission to be confirmed, so I can draw for myself today. Probably flowers or some landscape from my summer holidays. I am listening endlessly to the latest Róisín Murphy album. I am reading comic books by Shigeru Mizuki and Yoshiharu Tsuge, and a biography of David Lynch. At the moment, I am quite obsessed with Simone Rocha, I love all her silhouettes and the vibes that she creates. And Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons always.