Featured Artist: Sibylline

Tell us a little about your career. Why have you chosen illustration?
I’ve always drawn, I grew up in a very artistic environment since my father makes comics. Drawing has always been part of me, that’s how I express myself. I have always been a shy person and I think illustration helps me to communicate with people, to share what I love, what inspires me, what I want to say without necessarily speaking aloud.

Your works often depict women in a very feminine and vintage style. What inspires you?

I admire women, they are my main source of inspiration and motivation. I also love the atmosphere of the 50s, 60s and 70s, pastel colors, patterns, clothing, the decor of those times …

We really love the work Redbubble French Superhero, tell us about the creative process.

I really enjoyed working with Redbubble, they were so welcoming and kind. First I talked with the team, who had loved my female Marvel and DC super heroes. The starting point was this idea of representing a French female superhero straight out from the 60s, looking a little like Brigitte Bardot at that time. She is strong, has good taste and loves art in all its forms. While doing research, I came across an old paper doll of Wonder Woman, and I thought it would be nice to do the same for the site. So I drew one that represents the spirit of Redbubble, a paper doll of the same female hero, with all her things and fun French clichés.

What is your favorite tool and why?

I love working on the computer because the possibilities are endless. We can imitate the oil painting, gouache, watercolor in no time, without waiting for the paint to dry, and alter the result as you want. But I think the pencil will always be my favorite tool because the feeling when scribbling on paper is a feeling that we will never have with a tablet screen. I am very nostalgic and I love to paint with watercolors. The drawing on paper is more “real” than drawing on Photoshop, less smooth, less perfect, more authentic. And I love that!

What was the most defining moment in your career as an artist?

I would say it was two years ago, when BOOM! Studios (a US publisher) contacted me to illustrate a Garfield comic, and a cover of a Bravest Warriors comic book. Thanks to that, I was able to exhibit my work in Los Angeles, and I now have some contacts there. There was also my collaboration with Netflix last year, which opened a few doors. And today I have the chance to work with Redbubble!

What advice would you give to someone starting a career as an illustrator?

I’d advise them to work every day, draw every day, even when not “motivated” or uninspired. I think that “waiting for inspiration to come” does not exist in this business… Also, always have a notebook and a pencil with you, either to draw or write. Observing people and things around us helps a lot, it is a very interesting exercise to understand how things are done (the human body, trees, buildings, mountains…). Above all, the ultimate advice is to never give up because no one contacts you to work, or because you had only two likes on your last post on Facebook. The secret is to not want at all costs to have 10,000 subscribers in a week, it does not exist. Work for yourself and things will happen on their own!

Imagine not having any limits or restrictions. What would be your dream project?

I think it would be to have my own comic! It would be in several volumes, and I could tell all the stories I have in mind… it would then be adapted into a cartoon. Why not?

Stop by Sibylline’s shop and choose a few products for the female superhero in your life.