Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Julie and I am an illustrator under the name Julieetozzy. Ozzy is one of my two cats; he was next to me when I chose my Instagram username. I am also a comic book librarian alongside my work as an illustrator.
How would you describe your creative universe?
Very colorful, just like my interior or my wardrobe! What I prefer to illustrate are portraits and plants, flowers… cheerful illustrations with lots of patterns! I mainly work on my iPad, but I’ve been using gouache for a year now and I love it; I’m trying to develop my skills. I like to try new techniques to evolve my style; I find it very enriching and stimulating for creativity.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere! It could be someone I met on the street, a photo on the internet, or a scene from a movie… And a lot in books, it must be a deformation of my profession as a librarian! Last week, I stumbled upon the exhibition catalog of the painter Baya, and I loved her colorful and naive universe.
How important is your interior to you?
Very important! I keep telling my partner that I like to have objects that bring me joy when I see them. They’re not necessarily expensive objects, but they have to please me… even my dish towels! I spend a lot of time in my interior; I need to feel good there.
Why did you decide to represent these TIPTOE objects?
I have represented several TIPTOE objects, but what comes back in my choices is the color: the yellow legs of the bench, the coffee table, or the yellow chair, the pink legs of the stool, or the pink cushions of the sofa… I chose the colors first; for the outdoor illustration, I knew I wanted a colorful object, and this yellow chair is so cool!
What vision do you have of TIPTOE?
Functional and sturdy furniture made to last! I really like the concept of removable legs, being able to switch from a coffee table to a bench by changing the top. I also like their clean design but with a colorful and modern touch.
Any creative recommendations?
Books! In my recent inspiring reads, there’s Sofia Coppola’s photographic archive book, the exhibition catalog of Baya, “Femmes en leur jardin” and “L’Oracle fabuleux” by Emmanuelle Houdart. The illustrations on the cards are beautiful!
A place where you feel good?
In the countryside at my parents’ in the summer, it’s paradise! A hamlet with zero neighbors, trees as far as the eye can see… and in winter, my living room with my bookshelf, my cats, and a blanket within reach!
