Artistic Expression: A Conversation With Agathe Marty

(Image courtesy of Agathe Marty.)

How do you break up monotony? Sometimes, life becomes repetitive as you perform the same tasks on different days. Whenever you can look on your phone, you scroll through social media. On any given platform, you see the same images, messages, or celebrations over and over again. So, where can you discover something original? Agathe Marty is a French freelance illustrator who creates work that imbues the viewer with Southern French flair artistique. I had the chance to speak with her to learn more about her artistic process.

(Image courtesy of Agathe Marty.)

1. What does art mean to you?

I didn't connect with art when I was growing up. It wasn't until my twenties that I really fell in love with it and started getting into artistic practices. Now, it's not just a passion but also my job. It's the primary way I express myself, and it opened up opportunities to work with clients and brands I never imagined I'd have a chance to collaborate with.

(Image courtesy of Agathe Marty.)

But what really gets me about art is the creativity and the whole process behind it. The journey, the intention, and the inspiration are the most fascinating parts for me when making art. - Agathe Marty

(Image courtesy of Agathe Marty.)

2. How have your works evolved since the beginning of your career?

My artistic style significantly changed since I first started, and it continues to evolve. I've noticed that shifts in my inspiration often correspond with changes in my style. Initially, women were a major source of inspiration for me, and I created numerous feminine portraits. However, for the past few years, my mind has been perpetually on vacation. The sun, the beach, palm trees, and the ocean have become my primary sources of inspiration, and consequently, they dominate my current body of work.

(Image courtesy of Agathe Marty.)

But my artistic style is constantly moving. I'm always exploring new styles, experimenting with colors, and rethinking compositions. Unlike the earlier stages of my artistic journey, I'm now less focused on details. Instead, I view my illustrations as a whole, always asking myself this question: 'Is this illustration pleasing to my eye and my mind?' If the answer is yes, then I consider my work complete.

(Image courtesy of Agathe Marty.)

3. How do you incorporate your mission and vision into your pieces?

At the moment, my artistic mission tends to be more lighthearted. My main goal is to evoke a sense of positivity in viewers when they look at my work, infusing a bit of sunshine into their everyday lives. Consequently, I don't typically share works about strong societal or political matters.

(Image courtesy of Agathe Marty.)

4. What advice would you give to students and young professionals who want to pursue a career in the arts?

The practical aspect is secondary for me. The crucial factor in pursuing art as a livelihood is one's mindset. If you believe you have talent or aspire to excel in an artistic discipline, you can learn and practice it.

(Image courtesy of Agathe Marty.)

However, in the long run, cultivating a resilient mindset is essential. Even though art may appear as a hobby, it is, in fact, a legitimate job. Patience and consistent practice are the keys.It's crucial not to give up, especially when progress seems slow. When faced with challenges—the moments when many may think, 'Maybe this isn't my calling'—perseverance is key. Experiment with new techniques, educate yourself on effective self-promotion and avoid negative thinking.

In today's digital age, we have access to so many free resources online, allowing us to learn pretty much any practice and showcase our work to a global audience. This is a huge opportunity. Consistency and dedication have made a significant difference for me, and continue to do so.

(Image courtesy of Agathe Marty.)