Janelle Burger

It wouldn’t be fair to showcase artists and not highlight one of my favourites –  Janelle Burger. She does fabulous fashion illustrations, stationery, iPhone cases and even shirts. Check out her online store. I was lucky that she was able to do illustrations and the cover for my own book, The Love List.

Located in Paris, I had the opportunity to meet up with her early this year and visit one of her favourite places, Le Bon Marche. It was fantastic!

Don’t forget to follow her on twitter: janelleburgers and instagram: janelleburger  (ps: that’s not her real name:)

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Janelle Burger

I had the unique opportunity to finally meet this talented artist whose CV includes Net-A-Porter! Here is my short interview with the illustrator for The Love List, Janelle Burger!

5 minutes/5 questions with Janelle Burger…

1) How long have you lived in Paris?

I have lived in Paris for 5 years and 5 months and 5 days! (no joke) 

2) What is your favourite thing to eat in Paris?

French butter, sounds weird but the dairy here is so so creamy and delicious. I think the secret ingredient in French cooking must be the butter.

3) When did you start illustrating/drawing?

I’ve always been drawing a painting since I was a little kid, I took it on as a job when I moved over to Paris. I got here just after the financial crisis and jobs were hard to come by, still are too. So I worked for an agency for 2 years then went full time freelance and never looked back.

4) Is there anywhere particular where do you draw your fabulous illustrations?

I do everything at my desk in my bedroom. If I’m watching tv in the other room I’ll relocate everything to my kitchen table. One of these days I’ll have a studio!

5) Name three characteristics (in no particular order) on your Love List?

I love a sane, stable funny man.

ELENA;)

A day in Paris

A Janelle Burger original.

I finally met up with my Parisian illustrator friend Janelle. She drew all the artwork, including the cover that you see in The Love List. And thankfully, she has agreed for an interview!

Our day started out the Le Bon Marche where we ate at the Rose bakery. Then we carried on through the store shopping and chatting away. We then made our way to the Madeline area on foot searching for this speciality mustard store (which we couldn’t find – it’s La Maison Maille).  We were so hungry by the end we settled on some random restaurant.  There are so many speciality stores – I can’t wait to go back to the Madeline area.

By the end of it, i had a giant Kenzo bag in my hand filled with other finds. Yay pour soldes (for sales)!

ELENA:)

Inspiration Inventory

So my friend pointed out i’ve been slipping on my blog and haven’t been updating as much as i should. Of course, due to my book/school/work I haven’t quite dedicated time to tumblr as much as instagram and twitter. So now I will make it up in my inspiration update…..

School is out for the summer. I have 2 papers and one last presentation until actual convocation in the fall. Can’t wait.

The book is in it’s final stages and I’m collaborating with some fantastic talented friends. Some old, some new. A good friend Derek connected me to Janelle who illustrated my entire book including the cover. Such amazing work. The illustrations alone get me excited!

I must say. It’s take a while for this book to come together. And what better way to celebrate – then with a super book launch. I’m lucky to know Serendipity Planners and The Experience who are willing to help me create something memorable.

Knowing all these creative individuals and being able to collaborate with them has definitely rejuvenated my inspiration inventory.

I feel that the common denominator between all of them is their willingness to play and not get bogged down by semantics and logistics.

So invigorating in a world bound by rules and constructs.

ELENA:)