We continue our "Portraits de Petite" series with Marine, founder ofEncrerie Marine.
Marine is 1.58 m tall and is an art director and illustrator. Her colorful world is very close to nature, and her watercolors are magnificent.
Ever since I started school, I've always been "the" petite one. And it follows me! I accept it a little better today. I accept it even better now that I'm a freelancer. Because I'm forced to take responsibility for myself, to take responsibility for myself. And to go beyond certain limits. And when you do, you realize that you had the means to do it.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
My parents always encouraged me to be creative, and we did a lot of hobbies when I was petite. I was very introverted and drawing was a way of expressing myself. I've never been very good at speaking. I knew quite early on that I wanted to do something creative. So as soon as I finished secondary school, I went to a lycée in the applied arts (plastic arts, architecture, graphic design) and then went on to do my higher education in Lyon (I'm from 91 originally). I did a BTS in visual communications, specializing in graphic design, then a Master's degree in art direction. We worked with designers from different backgrounds on global design projects. At the time, I was already freelancing. After graduating, I had trouble finding a job. So I stayed on as a freelancer for a few years. Four years later, I took a position as art director in an agency specializing in brand creation (brand identity, brand territory...). I kept my freelance status during this time, however, and took the opportunity to launch Encrerie Marine. I missed the manual, more spontaneous side of things. I did it without thinking it would grow, I just needed something to balance out my agency work. Then, two years later, I quit my salaried job (that was at the end of 2017) to work full-time on Encrerie Marine.
How old are you?
I'm 28. I'll be 29 at the beginning of the year.
You don't just sell your creations. You also work with customers on graphic projects. Can you give us a few exampThe?
I sell my products to individuals and designer boutiques. I also do designer markets. I also offer graphic design and art direction services, often related to the world of Encrerie Marine. I work with brands on the creation of their brand, logo, identity and brand territory, as well as all related communication media (stationery, business cards, brochures, packaging). I also do illustration for brands.
I recently collaborated with the Carré Blanc brand. We worked on two bed sets that came out in September: one for children and one for adults. At first, we were only going to work on illustrations, but in the end, I also worked on the identity of the collaboration, the packaging and the communication of the project. I wanted this collaboration to have its own image. As a result, everything is wrapped in tissue paper bearing the effigy of our two brands, and there are lots of little details, including a pin with the children's set and a planting card with the adult set.
Otherwise, I get a lot of requests from individuals: I make wedding invitations and help a lot of petites designer brands get started.
Upcoming projects?
A kitchen collection (tea towel, apron, etc.) from my collaboration with Carré Blanc will be coming out soon. There will also be a new collection of 4 pins, on the theme of plants.
For the end of the year, I'm going to be doing quite a few Christmas markets, but it'll mostly be in-store saThe. So my plans are more for 2019. I'd like to continue developing collaborations with brands.
You're 1.58m tall. How do you live with it every day?
It's not easy. Ever since I started school, I've always been "the" petite one. And it follows me! I accept it a little better today. I accept it even better now that I'm freelance. Because I'm forced to take responsibility for myself, to take responsibility for myself. And to go beyond certain limits. And when you do, you realize that you could have done it, that you had the means to do it and that, in fact, you were getting ideas for nothing. It's not always easy to assert yourself in front of certain customers. For example, when I meet certain high-ranking customers, I wonder whether I'll manage to be credible enough and not come across as too young, which could jeopardize our future collaboration. But often, everything goes well!
When you're petite, you look young. So, depending on the situation and the date, I'm always wondering how I can make myself look a little older? How should I dress? Should I lie flat or not?
Do you have an anecdote to sharepetite us?
On public transport, it's unbearable. I'm up to people's armpits. And in everyday life, you're invisible. You feel invisible. You're crushed. You're passed in queues. And you just want to say: "I exist!"
Now let's talk fashion. How would you define your style?
I have no idea because I wear so many different things. When you're petite, you don't necessarily have a choice. You wear certain cuts because you know they're not going to constrict you too much.
I have lots of basics and dressy pieces. They're mostly straight-cut, flowing pieces. And I always add a petite offbeat rock touch.
What parts does your uniform consist of?
Otherwise, I wear a dress or skirt with tights. Or pants, wide and fluid, rather 7/8th (even a little shorter than 7/8th) and high-waisted.
It's a bit like a divided skirt?
Yes, that's right. Like a culotte skirt. And for tops, I like loose, flowing things (chunky sweaters, blouses). Always tucked into pants to emphasize the waist and play with volume. For shoes, I really like to wear derbies because they don't cut into the ankle.
Where do you buy your clothes?
I shop a lot on AsosPetite of course). I also have my pants altered a lot, even when I buy from Asos Petite. I think they're not necessarily cut for petites. I also really like the KoopThe. Of course, I have to have the length altered. And I buy my basics at Zara.
I have a jumpsuit from Asos Petite that is perfect for me. It feels so good to find clothes that fit perfectly!
What are yourpetite" tricks?
I often uncover my ankThe to give the impression of longer legs. I only wear high-waisted bottoms. And I really like jumpsuits too, I think one-pieces look great on petites.
I also wear a lot of straight, flowing clothes. I tuck T-shirts into pants and so on. And even though I'm petite, I don't wear many heels.
Do you prefer sneakers or pumps?
I wear a lot of derbies, so a bit in between. But I also have a lot of sneakers, and I also wear low boots.
And finally, what's your latest recommended reading?
The latest book I read is called "Power Patate" by Florence Servan Schreiber. It's a book on positive psychology, it's about getting to know yourself better so you can discover your superpowers. It's about self-discovery, knowing what you're good at and how you can use it. Both in your personal and professional life. It's really interesting! She had already written another book called "Trois kif par jour". It helps you to be positive about your day. I really liked it too.