Joël Liochon

Illustrator

©JoelLiochon

Exploration and wonder of illustrated worlds

Joël’s drawings reflect his imagination in great detail
His work is based on a subtle balance between traditional and digital techniques
He particularly enjoys meeting new artistic challenges

Joël Liochon is an illustrator specialising in the luxury sector. He thinks up exceptional pieces and stages them in poetic, dreamlike compositions. Now based in Geneva, his career began in New Zealand. After studying art and design, he joined a manufacturer in Wellington where he designed metal accessories and objects for the Lord of the Rings, Narnia and Avatar production studios. Driven by his insatiable desire to expand his knowledge, on his return to France Joël trained as a jewellery and watch designer at creative studios in Paris. Today, and since 2014, he is masterfully applying all these skills as a freelance illustrator. From illustration to graphic design and scenography, he works on many artistic projects, mainly for luxury labels.

Interview

©JoelLiochon

©JoelLiochon

What first inspired you to become an illustrator?: When I was a child, my mother used to paint religious icons. I would watch her prepare the pigments and apply the coating and gold leaf with great meticulousness. She taught me composition, colour harmony and a sense for detail. I loved the idea of being able to bring stories to life through drawing and painting.
Where do you draw your inspiration from today?: Nature, contemporary art and fashion are mines of inspiration that feed my imagination. I also like the idea of mixing different cultural and graphic languages and of creating bridges between different worlds. In the case of an objet d'art, inspiration often comes from the raw material and its constraints.
How do you approach and relate to tradition and innovation in your work?: Freehand drawing is always my starting point. I try to deepen my traditional skills such as gouache and sculpture as much as my mastery of graphics and 3D software. Keeping up-to-date with new technologies is essential, but I avoid tools that automate the creative process.
What do you enjoy most about your work?: There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a design come to life and become an objet d'art. I love the fact that I can draw on the expertise of other passionate craftspeople and work with brands committed to telling stories and creating exceptional pieces.

Joël Liochon is a master artisan: he began his career in 2014 and he started teaching in 2016