Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raphaëlle Taccone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Raphaëlle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Since adolescence, I have always had the desire to follow a creative path. However, I was aware that the job market (illustration sector) was saturated and that it would be difficult to find a place. So I decided to study art history, another of my passions. I persevered and specialized in medieval history. After extensive studies, I became a medieval historian.
The years passed but I never stopped drawing, I even perfected my techniques.
Today, I went from dream to reality. I gave a new reality to my drawings by marketing them.
Raphaëlle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am Raphaëlle Taccone, I am a medieval historian and artist. Since my childhood, I have been fascinated by art, history, literature and artistic creation. I studied medieval art history at the University of Burgundy in France and, in December 2012, I obtained a doctorate in medieval history at the University of Avignon (France).
I became a medieval historian. Today, I work on medieval manuscripts, most often with universities, cultural institutions, etc. I meet passionate and erudite people. In 2023, I wrote an unpublished biography on the life of Philippote of Burgundy, the bastard of the Duke of Burgundy John the Fearless at Éditions L’Harmattan in Paris. Philippote of Burgundy lived in the fifteenth century. She was a member of the ducal family of Burgundy. She had an astonishing life, she became the lady-in-waiting of several duchesses of Burgundy and all her children worked for the ducal family of Burgundy (France). I currently have other projects underway in the publishing field. I would like to talk to you about it next time.
In December 2018, I created Effervescences Médiévales, a social network for medievalists and enthusiasts of the Middle Ages. Every day, I try to post a publication on medieval art, it’s a real success. Many artists follow my social networks. Indeed, Effervescences Médiévales is a source of inspiration and knowledge intended for a wide audience.
I have been drawing since childhood and, since July 2023, I created a company to sell my artistic creations. My company is called Flamboyances Médiévales. It is located in France, I mainly sell posters and stationery. I practice digital painting and traditional drawing. In my art, I explore the themes of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the sources of inspiration are inexhaustible. I really love the precious and intriguing atmosphere of this period, legends and wonders.
For me, Effervescences Médiévales was the catalyst for creating Flamboyances Médiévales. Without the enthusiasm of this social network, I would not have had the courage to found my business. It’s important to feel supported by a community but also by your family and friends.
I’m just starting out… and the beginnings are promising. I hope to grow Flamboyances Médiévales because I have a lot of ideas to bring to fruition. I hope to achieve this by taking the time to offer products that I really like.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me art is universal and sources of inspiration are everywhere. If I focus my art on the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, I am not restricted to these periods.
Indeed, I like to observe the work of other illustrators. I like discovering how they work (watercolor, pencil, ink, etc.) and especially their world. Having an artistic universe is essential, it’s like a signature. Some illustrators have incredible worlds like the Frenchman Benjamin Lacombe or the Italian illustrators Beatrice Penco Sechi and Barbara Canepa. Photography is also important to me but I don’t practice it. Animated cinema is also a great source of inspiration.
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom to create, it is a constant and unlimited exploration. There is also pride in the work accomplished. When I look at my finished products, I have a lot of joy and I have this desire to start again and never stop.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, I would like my art to reach as many people as possible and for it to travel around the world. I think we all need to dream a little and if my art can accomplish this mission, it would be personally satisfying.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.effervescencesmedievales.fr/ https://www.flamboyancesmedievales.fr
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flamboyancesmedievalesart https://www.instagram.com/effervescencesmedievales
- Other: https://raphaelletaccone.wixsite.com/raphaelletaccone
Image Credits
Credits : Raphaelle Taccone