We recently connected with Pauline Leveque and have shared our conversation below.

Pauline, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

My father is a very talented and renowned artist. He paints trees, fields, and birds. I grew up in his studio, scribbling on his empty canvases and playing with his oil paint tubes. I remember the scent of his art.

When I was 10 years old, I vividly recall telling him that I also wanted to become an artist. He cautioned me not to pursue this challenging and insecure career path. So, I became a journalist. Drawing became my secret garden. I never stopped drawing, painting, and creating, but just for fun. I never thought I would ever share any of my modest work.

It was when I was pregnant with my son that I felt the need to create something for him. I decided to write and illustrate the adventures of a funny and witty red car. Since the adventures of “Beep Beep” turned into four books, three of which are bilingual in French, they continue to bring joy to children.

After that, during my second pregnancy with my daughter, I illustrated a charming and fun parenting guide. Now, I am a full-time artist. I enjoy working directly with clients, whether corporate or individual, to create custom drawings. I exhibit my work in Paris and New York.

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

I’m a French artist based in New York, where I’ve been living for 15 years. This city serves as a constant source of inspiration for me. Although I grew up in the countryside in France, just an hour from Paris, I have a deep fascination with cities. Despite suffering from vertigo, I have a profound love for heights. I’m not entirely sure where this fascination comes from, but lines and perspective have always intrigued me. Whether it’s a street, a towering skyscraper, a grand building, a quaint house, or even just a rooftop, I am drawn to the structure and composition of a city.

I love to envision that there’s no end to it, that the city’s horizon is a dynamic tapestry of bustling, uneven, and rough elements. Yet, amidst the chaos, you can still find room to dream.

My inspiration derives from the world around me. I relish observing the lives that unfold on the streets, through a window, or in the metro. I’m particularly influenced by the works of artists such as Sempé, Pierre Le-Tan, and Edward Hopper.

On a daily basis, I enjoy collaborating with brands like Ladurée or Ba&sh, as well as illustrating novels and books. However, I also find great joy in drawing just for myself, whether it’s for future exhibitions or simply to let my creativity flow and liberate my mind.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

When I draw, I’m not thinking about the person who will eventually purchase my artwork. Thus, the idea that someone can appreciate, admire, buy, and then hang something I’ve created on their wall is truly rewarding. Furthermore, when this appreciation serves a noble cause, it becomes even more encouraging.

I am a regular participant in the LP4Y (Life Project 4 Youth) art fair, which benefits displaced youth living in extreme poverty. Additionally, I serve on the board of Doctors of the World USA, an international organization dedicated to health and human rights. Every time I participate in an art show, I commit to donating a percentage of my proceeds to these organizations.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to bridge my passion for art with a meaningful cause, allowing me to make a positive impact on the world.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I believe it’s important to educate yourself about emerging technologies and the market continually. Staying up-to-date with industry developments and being open to evolving viewpoints is crucial as the NFT space continues to evolve. I’m curious and enjoy discovering new tools.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paulineleveque.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulinelevequelevy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pauline.leveque.56
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauline-lévêque-6b627516/