Meet Paul Giraud, The Versatile Berlin Illustrator

CT: How did you become an illustrator?

Becoming an illustrator was not an easy process, and once you are an illustrator, it definitely doesn’t become easier. I grew up in France in a middle class family, which had nothing to do with the world of illustration or books. I have always liked to draw, but as a teenager I was thinking more about applying myself to scientific studies. I think, it was a quite hard time, and I was a little bit lost, so I decided to go to the University of Art in Bordeaux. I saw it as an open-minded choice, which give me the possibilities to later take a definitive decision in my life. I didn’t realize that it was already a kind of definitive decision.

After my studies, I lived in Rome, because I was fascinated by the antiques and the Rinascimento. It was here in my little room of Via Urbana, that I said to myself, “Hey man, you want to be an illustrator.” I really like to draw. I need it. And I like to tell stories. Illustration was made for me. I went back to France, and tried to find some projects which would hopefully bring me some money, but I mostly found projects which brought me experience, and some graphic design contracts. But with time and perseverance I finally made few books for children, for business etc., and exhibitions. Still nothing really big, but enough to get by.

CT: How would you characterize your style?

I don’t have only one style. I like to explore a lot of different arts to inspire my illustrations including the mediums of drawing and painting. But I really like to work with gouache. And at the end, all my pictures have something in common, something I cannot describe. I am always afraid of not making enough, so my work is always full of everything, sometimes too much. I like details, and each character has to say something, to have a particular story. An artist talking about his own work is a hard question for sure.
CT: From where do you draw your inspiration?

I really don’t know, from everywhere. I like culture. I like reading, watching movies, going to the museum. I have a classical education, and I think old paintings have a strong influence on my subconscious. From Illustration, I would say that the “modern cartoon” is a big influence, but it is not so obvious in my work. But I like the idea, that all the forms are free, simple, funny. I’d really like to drawn this way. And finally from my life, the people I meet or I see on the street when I am going somewhere. Berlin is a complex city, with a lot of different people, nationalities, and cultures: it is an incredible source of inspiration.

CT: Why did you come to Berlin? When?

I came to Berlin four years ago. I was living before in Marseille where I met a girl. She was going to Berlin. The idea of the city pleased me. I was never in Germany before. It was a new challenge, a new life. So I came. The girl didn’t end up working out, but the city did.
CT: What about the city appeals to you as an artist?

I would say something very prosaic. Berlin is cheap for an artist to live in, but carries a big artistic scene and big possibilities for artists. I don’t know if there is another place like this on earth. And I don’t know if it will stay like this long, but for now I am enjoying it. Because of the possibilities for artists, in addition to the sizable art scene, there is a big positive spontaneity in Berlin — a lot of people doing things, good, bad, everything, who cares? All of these factors make this place so particular and creative. After that I would say the light is also really beautiful (when there is light, not like now during the winter). It is a really bright, really soft light. And I like it. It is making me feel good.

CT: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Stop thinking, just make. Things don’t need to be perfect, they need to be made.
CT: How would you describe your art in 80 characters?

A lot of image, a lot of story, few words and if possible, not something boring.
Quick Fire:

Music or literature? Both, and often together.

London or Paris? Never been in London and Paris is not my cup of tea, but I am often here for visiting my family, so I guess Paris.

All inclusive or backpacking? Backpacking but not too seriously; I am getting old.

Savory or sweet? Savory first, and sweet for the dessert.

Hamburg or Munich? Hamburg, but Munich is nice too.

Apple or Android? Easy: Android. Of course Android.