A talk with Damien Florébert Cuypers

How did your passion for drawing develop and when did you realise you wanted to be an illustrator?

I’ve drawn since I was very little, I think it was a great way to get adults to leave me alone and sometimes eavesdrop on their conversations. I always knew I wanted to do something creative, but I didn’t know exactly what kind of activity it would have been. Perhaps, my fear of ending up doing a boring job in an office helped me seek the career I now have.

What’s the most enjoyable part of your job? And the most challenging one?

The balance between work and life is the best. I’m slowly trying to dismantle the conviction that productivity is strictly connected to human worth. The most challenging part is working with people who don’t know what they want. If a client gives you Carte Blanche it is usually not out of artistic respect, it’s because they have no clue what they’re doing.

How would you describe your personal style and approach to illustration?

This is always such a hard question. I guess I try to convey on paper what stimulates me and maybe emphasize it. I love colour, light, energy and I try to channel that in my work.

Is there a subject you particularly like to draw?

Drawing during Fashion Week is especially fun, though I’ve a love-hate relationship with the fashion industry. It’s wonderful and gross at the same time.

Do you remember the first time you got in touch with Mutina?

I do! It was five years ago now that we first started working together. I’m always happy and flattered when a company passionate about their product and quality reaches out, especially when it becomes a long partnership.

What strikes you the most about the company?

The care in the designs and how they are presented. Every detail is meticulously refined and it shows.

Do you have a favourite Mutina collection? Why?

I’m especially fond of Pico by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The texture reminds me of ‘50s concrete garage floors that somehow I affectionate.

If you were asked to design your own collection, what would you do?

I would want to make something with an interesting texture, while remaining soft to the touch. I recently experimented with the Kurinuki technique at my pottery class and I love the rough energy of it. And it would have to be absolutely easy to clean. I hate design that doesn’t anticipate this kind of basic daily requirements.