Can you tell us more about you and what you do?

Hey, I'm Marie, an illustrator from Nantes, France! My art revolves around women, depicted in diverse ways. I draw inspiration from nature's shapes, everyday moments, fashion, and feminism. Gouache is my go-to for its vivid colours and beautiful texture, but I'm always up for exploring new techniques!

Every artwork tells a story. What inspired your cover design, what narrative or message are you conveying through your cover design, and can you share the creative process that led to its final form?

For this cover, I was determined to paint a lush jungle bursting with vibrant colours and abundant plant life—a scene I adore. At its heart, a serene woman embodies peace and freedom amidst this natural beauty. My goal was to create a cover that uplifts and brings joy!

How does creativity connect to self-expression for you?

To me, creativity is pure self-expression. Whether it's through drawing, film, photography, or any medium, it inherently mirrors the creator's unique perspective and outlook on life.

How do you define your individuality as an artist, and in what ways does this uniqueness manifest in your creations?

Every artist is unique because they draw inspiration from a diverse array of sources. It's like filling a bag with various inspirations—no two bags are alike! For me, my uniqueness stems from feminism, portraying women, the beauty of everyday life in Nantes, and the vivid colours and shapes found in nature.

In your perspective, what role does creativity play in empowering individuals and communities, and how have you witnessed this power in action?

I represent big, hairy, diverse women. At the start, I didn't do it to make a statement, I just wanted to draw women who looked a bit more like me. Then, little by little, I got messages from women thanking me because they'd never seen drawings of women like them. I think it's magical to be able to create that feeling. So yes, I think art can really play a big role in our society and in our communities.

Have you faced any challenges in maintaining your individuality in your work, especially in the face of trends or external expectations? How did you overcome them?

I've had clients ask me to modify my characters to make them more in keeping with our society's standards of beauty, but fortunately I've managed to change their minds! It was a challenge, but it turned out well. The hardest thing, I think, is the codes of social networking and how, as artists, we sometimes have to bend to these codes in order to exist on the social medias and get visibility. That sometimes puts a lot of pressure on us. But I think you have to be yourself, and tell yourself that social networks can indeed be great tools, but that they don't do everything.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who are trying to find and express their individuality through their work?

I'd say you have to take the plunge, not be afraid of failure because there will be some, and be yourself!

What’s the one thing you want to accomplish this year?

This year, I'd like to find the balance between making great projects for clients, and great projects for myself!

Where can we see more of your work?

On my website: www.marieboiseau.com or my Instagram : www.instagram.com/marieboiseau