Meeting with Aline / Aline Imagine

Oct 21 2024

Aline is a painter and illustrator in watercolor. Our meeting took place on Instagram , where I was immediately captivated by its dreamlike world, filled with softness and vibrant colors.

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a designer?

I worked as an architect for several years before turning definitively to the passionate profession of painter. I specialize in watercolor, I really enjoy myself with a much larger share of creativity and a very flexible schedule. Leaving a salaried job is a step to take, I was able to do it because I was lucky to be supported by my partner. It is a life choice that I try to combine with time for my children.

What are your sources of inspiration and how do you maintain your creativity over time?

My sources of inspiration are really emotions from my life, experiences specific to me. I draw ideas from what I like, from my hobbies, from my vacations... I ultimately draw little inspiration from what others do, I don't like to reproduce. What interests me is everything that comes out of my imagination, this part of invention that motivates me to create. My daily challenge is to paint subjects that you don't see elsewhere and to bring my own sensitivity to them.

Do you have a creative process, from the initial idea to the final realization?

I often start with an initial idea, it is this that will motivate me to pick up the brushes. It can be a specific subject, an image in my head, a composition of colors... From there, I get started straight away. I put the composition down in pencil and then move on to watercolor. Sometimes there is no sketching stage, I go straight to the brushes. I like to succeed on the first try, I rarely do drafts and tests... That is to say, I never do the same painting 10 times!

What is the most unexpected or surprising thing that has inspired you in your creative process?

I really like finding inspiration in the semi-abstract, which is more surprising in the world of watercolor. Traditionally we expect seascapes, flowers, animals... I feed my creative process with more abstract ideas.

Which creation, among all those you have made, is the most meaningful to you, and what personal story is hidden behind it?

My signature is enchanted castles. They are small semi-abstract worlds, all unique. I make them to measure. The first one I did was in acrylic, before watercolor. I wanted to represent a castle that I had really seen in a dream. A white castle, in the mists in a very mystical atmosphere, where we do not know if evil or good reigns. Today, I have evolved my technique, they are often more colorful!

How do you imagine your creations will evolve in the next ten years, and what new areas or media would you like to explore?

Everything is possible. Professionally, I don't think I'll change media for the moment. The evolution is also done a lot in parallel with the requests, the orders that we have... I also have a rather blurred border with the field of illustration that could please me. In leisure, I have already tested a lot of things: origami, fimo clay, pencil... I would like to test other areas, but I don't have time! I like to follow knitting or pottery creations.

Can you describe a particular project or creation that represented a turning point in your career and why?

My books published by Vigot editions , it really gives credibility to my work. It's really a pride to know that people can buy my books in any bookstore and follow my advice and techniques in watercolor. Writing a book is a long project of more than a year, all the recognition behind it is good for morale. The first book was translated into Japanese, it seems really crazy to me!

I would also say my presence on Instagram which allowed me to find a beautiful community around watercolor. Showing your work on the networks is another way of working, it is also a turning point in the way of sharing my creations.

What are the main challenges you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge, like all creators I think, is to succeed in selling your works to make a living from it. It is a profession in its own right. The work of creation remains quite relative compared to the work of communication.

Also realize that what you like to paint is not necessarily what sells best.

Setting prices is also a challenge, especially in art.