We were lucky to catch up with Margaux De Penfentenyo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Margaux, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

It was back in 2015, during my first year working as an interior architect after graduating. I was 24 and employed as a junior designer at a renowned Paris-based firm. At the time, I was working on an ambitious ultra-luxury residential project in Dubai.

For the first couple of months, I was genuinely curious and enthusiastic about my role, diving into the job with full dedication. But it didn’t take long for me to feel a deep disconnect. My daily tasks—drafting lines and plans on a screen based on instructions—felt monotonous and devoid of meaning. My creativity felt completely stifled.

To cope, I started drawing during all my free time—weekends and evenings at home. I poured myself into a large ink-on-paper drawing, meticulously crafted with fine-tip markers. It was an enormous piece, 60 x 60 inches (150 x 150 cm), and I worked on it while sitting on the cold floor of my apartment. I remember feeling cold and using a hot water bottle to stay warm, with my knees aching from crouching for hours. The piece took me several months to complete.

One day, while having lunch with my boss, she mentioned needing a piece of art for the hallway of the model apartment. I showed her a photo of my drawing, and to my surprise, she said it was exactly what she was looking for. Shortly afterward, the client purchased it—for what was, to me at the time, a truly significant amount: around $4,000. That was almost two months of my salary back then !

Selling my first artwork not only validated my creative efforts but also gave me the courage to move forward. I left my job at the same moment. That first sale was, of course, a financial reward, but it was also a sign—it showed me that it was possible. It was possible to be an artist, to make a living by selling my artwork.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born in Paris in 1990, where I grew up until the age of 25. After completing five years of studies in interior architecture and design at the prestigious École Camondo, I naturally pursued a career in this field. I worked for a year as a junior interior architect at Sybille de Margerie’s agency, which specializes in luxury hospitality projects.

Then, I left Paris for Mexico, seeking a new adventure. It was a true turning point in my life. I became an independent creator, producing paintings for prestigious hotels around the world, including St. Regis, Raffles, Hermitage, and the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco. My works now adorn rooms, suites, spas, and other exceptional spaces.

At the same time, I designed my first pieces of furniture: chairs, tables, stools, and lamps. In 2020, I launched my first collection design pieces, blending art, craftsmanship, and design.

Since April 2024, I’ve been based in Miami, marking a new chapter in my journey defined by nomadism, multiculturalism, and adventure. These experiences have profoundly shaped my worldview and enriched my creativity. Every country and city I’ve lived in has revealed unique palettes of colors, lights, and materials. Mexico taught me color, Switzerland introduced me to wood, and Miami invites me to explore the ocean.

My artistic practice is multidisciplinary: painting, embroidery, weaving, woodworking, and tapestry are all techniques I incorporate into my creations. I craft unique pieces or small series designed to transcend the boundaries between art, craftsmanship, and design.

What also defines me is my relationship with color. I am a colorist. With a brush and a few basic tubes of paint, I can recreate any shade I observe. Composing palettes of colors in perfect harmony and balance is an immense joy and an essential part of my creative process.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

What I find most extraordinary about being an artist is the freedom. But let me be clear—this freedom, as invaluable as it is, isn’t always easy to manage, and it’s constantly being tested.

I have the freedom to organize my time, my days, and my appointments, and I rarely look at the clock. However, this freedom requires exemplary self-discipline. No one is waiting for me, no one tells me what to do. I’m the one who decides, plans, and motivates myself. I’m my own driving force. I fully understand that this level of autonomy isn’t for everyone, but for me, it’s absolutely priceless.

That freedom, as precious as it is, is also fragile. It requires a daily commitment—a conscious choice I make every morning when I wake up: to act in the way that feels right to me, regardless of what others might think or advise. It’s about listening to myself, trusting myself, and following my instincts, even when the path ahead isn’t perfectly clear. For me, being free means moving toward what deeply resonates within me, with courage and authenticity.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe that providing free artist studios is essential for supporting our development and creativity. These spaces give us a dedicated place for creation, foster connections with our peers, and allow us to showcase our work. The organizations offering these opportunities play a crucial role, but access to these studios is often difficult due to the high demand and limited availability. Making access easier, perhaps by facilitating a higher turnover, would be a significant improvement.

Additionally, art is still often seen as something inaccessible, and few people seriously consider acquiring it. However, there are many works available at very affordable prices. If this perception changed, and more people began to view purchasing a painting, a drawing, or a photograph in the same way they would purchase a vase, a watch, or a chair, artists would be able to live more comfortably from their creations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mdepenfentenyo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdepenfentenyo/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaux-de-penfentenyo-96907a3a

Image Credits

Credit Dominique Giannelli, Lidwine Rupp Gallery and Margaux de Penfentenyo