We now represent eight illustrators from France and although they’re not all based there, we have a growing contingent in Paris. Which is all the excuse we needed earlier this summer to down tools, jump on the Eurostar and go say hi.
Guillaume Kurkdjian
Tom Haugomat and Bruno Mangyoku
First stop, studio mates, friends and collaborators Tom Haugomat and Bruno Mangyoku who share a space tucked away, just across the Seine from The Louvre. Behind an unassuming door and after a ride in a tiny lift, we find their studio, an airy light roof space, home to six freelance artists, animators and image makers. The studio is littered with books and the artists’ work. An impressive collection of vintage consoles and video games dominate the communal area.
Up another flight of stairs and the studio’s best feature is revealed. A roof terrace that looks out across the Paris rooftops. If you know where to look and crane your neck enough, you can even see the top of the Eiffel Tower (we’re such tourists). Not a bad place to head for a coffee break when in need of inspiration.
Tom Haugomat and Bruno Mangyoku
Across town, in the lively 11th Arrondissement we find Guillaume Kurkdjian’s home studio on the top floor of an apartment block. High ceilings, parquet floors and a slightly terrifying balcony give this place its Parisian charm. As we sit and drink a strong coffee, a roar of approval floats up from the street below. We later learn it was the French greeting the scoring of their first World Cup goal.
A keen photographer, Guillaume show’s us his extensive collection of vintage cameras. Behind him, the illustrated portraits of two ‘bad guys’ which he tells us were liberated from the shooting gallery of an abandoned Eastern European police station. Across the room is his modest work station, a few prints on the walls and we’re happy to see the Handsome Frank Christmas card on display.
A quick beer or two in the street and the atmosphere is turning rapidly into a party. France’s ultimately successful World Cup campaign is off to a winning start as the beat of drums starts to fill the air. Tonight is music night in Paris we’re told and it looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun.
An hour later we’re London bound and wishing we’d planned a longer trip. We decide this is something we need to do more of though. Sometimes you need to get away from your desk. Get away from your emails. Travel to another city or another country and sit down and have a proper conversation with the people you work with.
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