We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lily Jousson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lily below.

Hi Lily, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I previously worked in a very different field: finance.
The moment I decided to be brave, to quit and to invest fully into my art instead was the toughest, boldest and most joyful risk that I ever took in my life. It felt like a gamble. It felt terribly foolish.
Now 3 years later, I don’t regret a thing: yes, there are times of doubts and struggle, but I have never been happier in my entire existence.

Lily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Born and raised in Geneva from a Korean mother and Swiss father, my view of the world has been shaped by multiculturalism.

I often travel around, following my inner child’s passion: exploration. My inspiration comes from my adventures, nature, and whimsical stories.
I mainly work digitally as it is a flexible medium, although traditional techniques such as pen markers, watercolours, gouache, and pencils have a special place in my heart.

Working alongside clients to create rich and textured bespoke illustrations is one of my core joys. My favorite commissions to date are editorials, web icons, album covers and murals. I would love to collaborate on more creative projects like these ones.

In addition to commissions, I create cute and original gifts which have been sold in more than 20 countries, on 4 continents. Since the shop opened in 2018, it received consistent 5 stars reviews from across the globe.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

To the question “why did you leave a stable career to pursue an artistic path?”, I would respond that, while financial stability is always a primary need, striving to find joy and meaning to your daily activities is essential.
What is the point of life, otherwise?
Finding the very thing that makes your heart sing, doing it every day (even if it is just as a hobby) is one of the core things that will keep you moving. Bonus point if you can make a living out of it!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In a world where we’re constantly surrounded by harshness, violence and hate, I strive to remember others (and myself) about the sense of childlike wonder, the feeling of softness and maybe a little bit of poetry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.patattoune.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patattoune
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilyjousson

Image Credits

Patattoune