An Interview with Tristan & Zoe Designer: Alexandra Michiardi
Today I’m interviewing Alexandra Michiardi, the talented designer behind Tristan & Zoe. Alex creates bright, bold abstract designs that reflect her signature style. I always know immediately when I'm looking at her work, which we all know is a great thing. (hello branding!)I know you'll enjoy learning a bit about Alex and how she creates her art. Enjoy!
Meet Alex!
I’m Alex, a French designer living in a small village in Spain with my husband and our two children. I always knew I wanted to be an artist but got a degree in science. Ten years ago, I decided to pursue my passion for art, giving up my career and starting courses in painting. After two business attempts (teaching mixed media/scrapbooking, and owning a small online business with my own line of clear stamps), I finally found in surface design all I ever wanted.
I decided that 2018 would be the year I would take my dream seriously, so I signed up for Make It In Design (and actually won a scholarship through the program!). I am still completing the curriculum, doing the Ultimate Portfolio Builder at the moment. My big goal this year is to make my first sale!
Summer in Bali
This piece of art is titled ‘Summer in Bali’. Why is it one of your favorite designs?
This design is the second version of a design that was printed on cushions when I participated in a Wraptious competition. My son loved it and we bought a big cushion for his bedroom. It was a favourite among my friends as well. After recolouring it, I decided to use it on my business cards as it has every ingredient that defines my style: handmade look, bright colours, texture and an uplifting feeling.
What techniques did you use to create it?
The motifs were painted in black acrylic paint, then scanned and arranged in Photoshop.I added a pattern background (with big dots), layers, and then played with the blending mode until something pleasing appeared. Finally, I used one of my favourite textures on top (a texture I created by stamping lace on paper).
What was your inspiration for the piece?
I have no idea, ha! ha! I create a lot of one-off prints just for fun. Sometimes I have a technique I want to experiment with. Other times I start with a stored and scanned piece that I have not used before and start a design from scratch.
How does the work represent your style and approach to your work?
I am not a neat vector-looking kind of designer. I love painterly and expressive designs, and almost exclusively design in Photoshop. I love bright colours and textures. I love trying new techniques and creative ways to create something really unique.
How does it compare to your other work?
I don’t know really. Maybe my latest work is more cohesive and does not relate too much to this design anymore? But it still feels very “Tristan&Zoé” to me.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your creative journey and where it's going?
I am having a really hard time at the moment with (1) self-confidence and (2) where I would like my business to go, because I really want to contribute to the world positively. It’s such a difficult time for us all as consumers and citizens. I am a very conscious buyer and all my life decisions have involved a deep reflection on how I want to live. It’s important that my business is aligned with my values. But I still don’t have an answer to how to make it happen? Maybe by saying it loud over and over again, it will attract the right energy and right people. Let’s hope for the best!
