We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marcel Andre a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Marcel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
Embarking on the creative journey reveals a unique challenge – the demand to pour a piece of your soul into each project. It’s more than a job; it’s a personal commitment. While other professions grapple with physical hardships, the mental strain of being an artist is often overlooked, making it a solitary battle. As a production designer and fashion stylist, there’s no set path to follow. No rubric or formula guarantees success. Yes, I can meticulously craft mood boards and pitch decks, but when the final curtain rises, what you see is not just a project – it’s a piece of my heart and soul. And if it falls short, the weight of that failure rests squarely on my shoulders. The challenges are plenty – unfair producers, difficult talent, shoestring budgets – yet, few acknowledge the struggle. On set, the pressure is palpable. You either dazzle or leave a lasting impression of incompetence. The constant drive to prove your worth is relentless, especially when the odds are stacked against you. But here’s the thing I’ve learned to hold onto: artistic greatness is not an overnight feat. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and my journey as an artist is no different. It’s a series of trial and error, a journey of growth marked by sacrifices. It’s chipping away at pieces of myself with each new project, a toll that, though exhausting, contributes to my evolution. Overcoming the gnawing sense of not being good enough involves embracing the slow burn of progress. It’s a daily reminder that my craft is a work in perpetual motion. The focus shifts from self-doubt to the exhilarating challenge of consistently outdoing myself. Because in the end, it’s not just about creating art; it’s about pushing the boundaries of my own creativity and seeing how far I can go.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
In the realm of creative pursuits, my heart leans towards fashion, even though my mainstay is in production design and art direction. Unfortunately, these terms often elude understanding for those unfamiliar. Simply put, production design shapes everything visible on camera, excluding wardrobe, hair, and makeup. It’s the collaborative effort between the art department and the director to breathe life into the cinematic vision.
My personal style flirts with eccentricity and camp, a fusion of colors and props that tell a story silently. Amid the vast landscape of filmmaking, set design often slips into the shadows, yet it is a compelling form of storytelling. I see myself not just as a designer but as a storyteller, crafting worlds that offer a deeper understanding of characters and unfolding narratives.
The journey into this field unfolded unexpectedly, as is often the case. NYU Tisch School of the Arts became my unexpected destination, despite my previous indifference towards film and television. It encapsulated my interests at the time—acting, editing, and, most importantly, storytelling. So, I packed my dreams and ventured from Luxembourg to the vibrant canvas of New York City. Initially, I was an unnoticed figure, but as I started creating my own visual narratives, with a focus on aesthetics rather than technical finesse. Soon, recognition quietly trickled in as requests poured in for me to production design my fellow peer’s short films.
Reflecting on this journey, post-college years, and as my 25th birthday approaches, I can say that I am quite proud of where I am today. At 24, my artistry has found a place in four feature films, two of which I contributed to as a Production Designer. Collaborations with figures like Nicki Minaj and the embrace of Nike, one of my favorite fashion brands, stand as tangible milestones. The timid person who entered NYU Tisch, disregarded by many, now stands here, doing what I love—an acknowledgment of the ordinary yet extraordinary convergence of dreams and reality.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I recently came across a quote from Sally Singer, the former Vogue digital creative director, regarding fashion. She suggested that “if you want to learn about fashion, learn about anything but fashion.” These words resonate profoundly, not only in the realm of fashion but in the broader spectrum of art. Mastering any artistic form isn’t about replicating someone else’s work; it’s about drawing inspiration from the diverse facets of the world around us.
The palette of inspiration is vast—colors observed, nature’s wonders, patterns, shapes, sounds, memories, and even scents. Yet, it extends beyond mere sensory experiences; it involves staying informed about the contemporary world. To comprehend fashion and offer a meaningful commentary on it is to grasp the current political climate, delve into history, and understand how global events shape artistic expression. It’s a call to open our eyes, to look beyond the surface.
Learning about fashion isn’t merely a study of its history; it’s an exploration into the political landscape, the presidents in office, the presence or absence of wars, socio-economic classes, the symbolism of color, and the influence of music and other artists during a particular era. It’s a holistic perspective that intertwines fashion with the intricate threads of societal dynamics. Singer’s insight invites aspiring artists to embrace this brilliant outlook—to go beyond the canvas and immerse themselves in the richness of the world, where inspiration resides in the multifaceted layers of existence.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A pivotal lesson I’ve embraced centers around the significance of seeking help—an evolution spurred by a departure from my longstanding belief that I could navigate life’s journey in solitude. Growing up as an only child, I honed a self-reliant mindset, adept at crafting my own worlds and finding solace in playing alone. This background instilled in me the notion that I could tackle life’s challenges independently. The leap from Luxembourg to the bustling streets of New York City, taken solo, seemed a testament to this self-sufficiency.
For too long, I fortified walls around me, asserting that self-sufficiency was the path to success. The internal question lingered: “I’ve made it this far alone; why should I change course?” Yet, a stark reality emerged—my journey was more fulfilling when shared. Ascending the ladder alone might be possible, but the true value lies in the companionship waiting at the base, offering stability and support during rainy days. The realization dawned that seeking help isn’t a testament to weakness but an acknowledgment of the strength inherent in collaboration.
My foray into the arts shattered the illusion of solo triumph even further. It revealed that artistic endeavors thrive on collaboration, demanding a collective effort to illuminate the full brilliance of our creations. Accepting this reality proved a humbling transition.
As I moved from Luxembourg to the vibrant world of New York City, the pulse of collaboration became undeniable. Recognizing what I don’t know became a potent skill, transforming into a key that unlocked doors, creating connections, and fostering an exchange of talents. It’s an acknowledgment that seeking help doesn’t diminish individual artistic prowess but, rather, serves as a powerful tool to collectively build dreams. This collaborative ethos transforms the artistic journey into a shared experience where the strengths of individuals intertwine, creating a richer, more vibrant tapestry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lemarcelandre.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemarcelandre/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-andre-727713183/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lemarcelandre?lang=en
Image Credits
Oasis Short Film directed by Lucie Pottecher ‘Caught Red Handed’ Fashion Photoshoot shot by Justin Ayers 80s Prom Fashion Styling shot by Amber Asaly Nicki Minaj Tour Visuals directed by Vijat M Muse directed by Beccah Crabtree The Longest Night directed Alec Cohen-Schisler