Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/fr/shop/CalirionIllustration
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/calirion_illustration/
Email: calirion.illustration@gmail.com
Behind “Calirion illustration” we find Marion. She lives in Maurs in the Cantal [France] and she creates illustrations with the topic of the cats. You can find her illustrations on postcards and stickers. In her life, her passions are drawing but also reading, video games and Japan.
OJL : Hello Marion
Marion : Hello.
OJL : Four quick questions before getting to the heart of the matter.
As you live in Maurs, can you tell us what your favourite café is there ? And what do you like to take there ?
Marion : I don’t really have a favourite coffee because I live in a very small town… In general I prefer to stay at home, I am lucky to have a balcony with a view to the nature. And it remains my favourite place to have a mint tea between two illustrations.
OJL : And what is your favourite park or place ?
Marion : About 30 minutes from my house, there is a very pretty lake, “Le lac du Tolerme”. It is a very beautiful and calm place. You can go around the lake by foot. It makes some very nice walks.
OJL : Next, what was the last book you read ? And the last song you listened to ?
Marion : _Regarding to the book: “Ramsès – Volume 5 – Under the Western Acacia” by Christian Jacq.
I really like this series retracing the story of the Pharaoh Ramses II. I find this serie of books very inspiring. It is thanks to this serie that last year I released my collection of stickers on the theme of the Egyptian deities (including Isis and Anubis that your editorial team like a lot).
_Regarding to the song: “ミルク (Miruku)” by キズ (Kizu). This is a Visual Kei (Japanese rock) group. I really like their music, it helps me to stay focused when I draw.
OJL : Finally, do you have a quote and/or proverb that you like ?
Marion : “In life, everything is a sign” by Paulo Coelho – the Alchemist.
OJL : Let’s talk a little about you now. How could you introduce yourself ?
Marion : My name is Marion, I started the “Calirion Illustration” adventure in September 2020 after having obtained my Visual Arts degree. Basically, I don’t really have any knowledge on “digital drawing” or in the design of stationery products. So I learned a bit of everything on the job (laughing).
The main idea behind “Calirion Illustration” was to highlight the great family of cats that I had by my side when I was younger and especially Calinette.
This cat has been by my side for 16 years. She unfortunately left us in July 2021… It was a little thanks to her and all her “Chat-pitreries”(clowning) that she was able to do that “Calirion Illustration” was born.
OJL : “Choupette” inspired Karl Lagerfeld. Here it is “Calinette” which inspired Calirion. Similar and wonderful.
Tell us who are the artists who shaped you ? Who struck you down ?
Marion : Hmmm… Difficult question… I really like the works of Hayao Miyazaki. Since I was little, I have been fascinated by his works and the themes he addresses.
OJL : How did you choose your pseudonym ?
Marion : For me it was obvious. Because the cat who inspired this project was called Calinette. And my name is Marion. So by mixing the two it gives… Calirion (laughs). I added “Illustration” so that it is easier to identify what I do.
OJL : Well done. Let’s talk a little about your work now. What are you creating ?
Marion : I create illustrations featuring cats in a lot of different situations and themes. These illustrations are then printed on cards (postal/greetings) via printers and on stickers. Since August 2022 I have been taking care of the production of these myself (printing, cutting).
OJL : Impressive… Congratulations ! How can you define your style ?
Marion : I have always had difficulty to define my style, I would perhaps say a little cartoonish (small laugh).
OJL : Why not. And what techniques do you use ?
Marion : I draw my illustrations on the “Clip Studio Paint” software with a “Wacom Intuos” tablet. But I always start by making a pencil sketch on a loose sheet of paper or in one of my many notebooks.
OJL : These notebooks must be fantastic ! Above all, keep them ! And can we place you a personalized order ?
Marion : At the moment no. But in the future I would very much like to offer my customers personalized stickers bearing the image of their cats. I hope to have this in place for 2024.
OJL : Fingers crossed ! And what project are you working on at the moment ?
Marion : Right now I’m working on my Christmas collection. Because every year it is this collection that requires the most work and organization from me. I’m planning to release an advent calendar. I hope I can get there…
OJL : Can we subscribe to your newsletter?
Marion : For the moment I’m not offering any but who knows… maybe one day (feline wink).
OJL : Do you have an anecdote about the creation of one of your products ? Or one of your sales ?
Marion : During the first months following the opening of my Esty store, a person living in Strasbourg ordered a batch of Halloween cards from me, a few minutes after ordering this person sent me a message to tell me that she was from my small town and that she was delighted to have stumbled across my work completely by chance. I found this coincidence adorable.
OJL : Last question. You definitely have friends who are doing amazing things ! If you want to promote them a little, now is the time !
Marion : Unfortunately I don’t have any friends in the creative field. But I say hello to them all because I know that some will come and see your post (smile).
OJL : Bravo for what you do. May Our Lady protects you.
Marion : Thank you.
Alpha Centauri
