Website : https://www.marie-illustration.fr/
Etsy shop : https://www.etsy.com/fr/shop/Marieillustratrice
The book “Animals of the forest” : https://www.bod.fr/librairie/les-animals-de-la-foret-marie-duburque-9782322449866
Instagram account : https://www.instagram.com/ariel.is.dead/
Facebook account : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064165055157
Email : marie.duburque@gmail.com
Telephone : +33 6-61-25-65-50
Behind “Marie illustratrice” we find Marie. She lives in Troyes in the Grand Est [France]. She makes custom illustrations around the theme of sweetness. In life, her passions are painting, animals and nature.
OJL : Hello Marie
Marie : Hello.
OJL : Four quick questions before getting to the heart of the matter.
As you live in Troyes, can you tell us what your favourite café is there ? And what do you like to take there ?
Marie : I like going to “Troyes Petits Chats”. It’s a cute cat bar where you can spend time in the company of cats up for adoption. And I usually take there a hot chocolate !
OJL : And what is your favourite park or place ?
Marie : I would say the “Parc du Moulin à tan” in Sens (my hometown). I have good memories there with my family and friends…
OJL : Next, what was the last book you read? And the last song you listened to ?
Marie : _About the book: “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green.
_About the song: “Through the valley” by Shawn James.
OJL : Finally, do you have a quote and/or proverb that you like ?
Marie : “Explore – learn – act” by Mike Horn. I love nature and surpassing oneself… He’s an adventurer that I admire a lot…
OJL : Let’s talk a little about you now. How could you introduce yourself ?
Marie : I am a simple person and very dreamy. I retrained in 2017 to become an illustrator and to reconnect with the drawing. I have always been creative with a good imagination ! I always have a new idea and new projects in mind (laughs).
OJL : Who are the professionals who shaped you ? Who struck you down ? In a few names and why.
Marie : I will choose three very different ones :
_ Hayao Miyazaki : his films are my childhood and beyond that, I love his endearing characters and his breathtaking landscapes.
_ Luke Pearson : he’s a comic book illustrator whose style I really like, his characters are rounded and cute and his world is peaceful and full of imagination.
_ Frida Kahlo : I love the strength and sensitivity her paintings exude. I love this artist (smile).
OJL: How did you choose your pseudonym ?
Marie : “Marie Illustratrice” is my main pseudonym. I chose it quite simply because it evokes my name (Mary) and my profession (illustrator). Plus, I think it sounds good when you pronounce it !
OJL : Let’s talk a little about your work now. What do you create ?
Marie : I create postcards, bookmarks, posters, coasters, etc… Often with watercolour and black felt-tip pen. The patterns I make the most are animals in geometric lines and colourful flowers. My postcards are all accompanied by calligraphy that I do with great care. Above all, I want to bring gentleness, sharing and love through each of my creations !
OJL : How can you define your style ?
Marie : I would say that my style is rather colourful and poetic, a bit minimalist and… cute! (laughs)
OJL : What do you think about the Kawai culture and chibis ?
Marie : I would say that I like it. When it comes to cute characters and animals. Bright colours and adorable accessories, I find that it bring joy to those around.
OJL : You made a book for young children. Can you tell us about it ?
Marie : “Forest Animals” is a bilingual picture book for learning your first words in English. It is accessible from the age of one year. I wanted this picture book to be playful and fun. Especially since animals are very popular with children (smile). Each page represents a forest animal accompanied by its name and its translation into English. It can be purchased over here : https://www.bod.fr/librairie/les-animals-de-la-foret-marie-duburque-9782322449866
OJL : What is your last achievement ?
Marie : I participated in a collaborative and charitable work called “Les contes du vent d’ici”. It brings together 48 authors and illustrators. All profits will be given to the association “Soleil des orphelins”. It is a great pride for me to have illustrated a story there !
OJL : What techniques do you use ?
Marie : I generally use watercolour or digital for my creations. That said, I also dabble in acrylic painting on canvas. I like to diversify.
OJL : Can we place you a personalized order ?
Marie : Absolutely ! Feel free to ask it to me on Instagram or on my site. And on Etsy, I have a range of customizable products.
OJL : Can we subscribe to your newsletter ? Because social networks are a bit saturated…
Marie : Yes ! It is possible from my website, to receive all my news.
OJL : Do you have an anecdote about the creation of one of your products ? Or one of your sales ?
Marie : I was finishing a postcard and adding a touch of gold ink. The pen was worn out from many uses… And a big ink stain came out! It was beyond repair, I had to start all over again… Needless to say, I haven’t used it since and quickly replaced it!
OJL : Last question. You definitely have friends who are doing amazing things ! If you want to promote them a little, now is the time !
Marie : Between artists, we support each other ! I would like to highlight two people :
_ Soul (brk.line): she draws manga: https://www.instagram.com/brk.line/
And
_ Ama: illustrator and children’s author: https://ama-illustratrice.ultra-book.com/portfolio
OJL : Bravo for what you do. May Our Lady protects you.
Marie : Thank you.
Alpha Centauri
