Writing by AVANTELIER, Photo by Mélanie Alpach, Christophe Decouland
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Paris, France – Mélanie Alpach, a distinguished Parisian art director, illustrator, and creator of cultural workshops, has made significant contributions to the visual arts and design landscape. From a young age, Mélanie exhibited a profound interest in the visual arts, which guided her educational and career path. She holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a master’s degree in graphic design, through which she honed her skills across various academic and personal projects.
Mélanie’s journey in the artistic field is marked by her versatility and passion. After establishing a robust foundation in graphic design and embarking on her career in a publishing house, she transitioned to independent artistry in 2017. Her work now encompasses a wide array of disciplines, including illustration, graphic design, and the creation of educational and engaging workshops. Mélanie’s dedication to art is evident in her ability to balance multiple roles while maintaining a high standard of creativity and innovation.
Q&A with Mélanie Alpach
AVANTELIER : What inspired you to pursue a career in art and design?
Mélanie: ” Building my career in the artistic field felt like an obvious choice. This discipline offers such richness and diversity that I was naturally drawn to it. Art can take so many different forms that I see it as an infinite playground. I have been fortunate to express my art in various forms: urban design, culinary, fashion, graphic, packaging, publishing, cultural workshops… So many fields already explored, yet so many more to discover. “
AVANTELIER : Can you share a memorable experience from one of your workshops?
Mélanie: “I’ve had so many memorable experiences thanks to my work. What I love most is seeing the reactions and emotions of people participating in my workshops. Whether it’s those who fully invest themselves in their creation or those who discover a previously unsuspected creativity within themselves, it’s always very rewarding. Receiving compliments from participants for the work accomplished fills me with immense pride and great happiness, as it means I have awakened something powerful within them. “
AVANTELIER : What challenges have you faced in your journey as an independent artist?
Mélanie: ” As an independent artist, I’ve faced many fears and obstacles along the way. I started my freelance career very young, without going through major agencies or having a solid network of contacts to begin with. I built my career without a safety net, little by little. I always knew I wanted to be independent, and I established my status while I was still a student. At that time, I juggled school, my job in a company (as part of my master’s program), and my freelance missions. After graduating, I was able to build a portfolio with real work.
Being an independent artist also means learning a multitude of skills on your own: accounting, sales, communication, all while staying creative and keeping up with new technologies that can sometimes overshadow us. The life of a freelancer is a daily challenge, as many of us want to make a living from our art. But that is part of the game if one wishes to continue in this way of life.”
Mélanie Alpach: Exploring Diverse Artistic Techniques
Mélanie Alpach finds great reward in experimenting with various artistic techniques, both professionally and personally. Her proficiency in drawing, photography, screen printing, and linocut is evident in her personal creations and showcased in various gallery exhibitions. This engagement with diverse techniques highlights her versatility and artistic talent, extending her influence beyond professional endeavours into her personal explorations in the applied arts.
Mélanie Alpach: Balancing Multiple Roles in the Arts
Mélanie Alpach adeptly balances her roles as an illustrator, art director, and workshop creator. Her notable collaborations with esteemed cultural institutions and schools, including the Fondation Louis Vuitton, the Louvre, the Musée des Arts Asiatiques – Guimet, and the Quai des Savoirs, reflect her commitment to raising awareness about artistic practices. Through these partnerships, she offers customised artistic workshops that captivate and educate participants, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the arts.
AVANTELIER : How do you integrate social and environmental themes into your artwork?
Mélanie: I always strive to bring diversity and inclusivity into all my work. Some of my projects aim to raise awareness about social and environmental causes, such as the #LESMAUXDETROP project I created in 2022 or the feminist collective WEAREIN I joined that same year. I integrate these values as much as possible into my work without necessarily proclaiming them, but by ensuring that everyone can identify with something and not feel excluded.
AVANTELIER : What motivates you to continue creating and teaching art?
Mélanie: “I have always had the desire to share something with as many people as possible. Art allows us to thrive, stimulate our curiosity, and awaken our senses. It is a true driving force that sustains me daily, and I am fortunate to experience it in both my personal and professional life.”
Mélanie Alpach’s work is a testament to her commitment to art and her ability to inspire and educate through her creative endeavors. Her journey from a young art enthusiast to a versatile and independent artist highlights her dedication, resilience, and passion. Mélanie’s efforts in integrating social and environmental themes into her work, along with her involvement in cultural workshops, reflect her broader vision of using art as a tool for positive change.
For those interested in exploring Mélanie’s work further, please visit her official website at melaniealpach.com or follow her on Instagram at @melaniealpach.
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Create Your Own Custom Tote Bag
with
Mélanie Alpach
Create Your Own Custom Tote Bag with Mélanie Alpach
Join Mélanie Alpach for a fun and creative workshop where you’ll design and engrave your own stamp to personalise a tote bag. In just 2 hours, you’ll learn the entire process from initial drawing to final engraving.
Schedule of the Workshop
15 mins: Introduction
90 mins: Workshop (tools usage introduction, sketching, making, printing)
15 mins: Presentation
Workshop fee includes
An 8Oz Eco Cotton Canvas (natural colour)
All necessary tools and ink
Bag Dimensions
H 40 x W 35 x D 9 cms
In the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to blend your designs with those of your team members, creating a unique narrative on your tote bag.
This mini and cozy workshop is limited to a maximum of 6 members per workshop slot, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. Bring your loved ones to share the experience and enjoy early bird tickets before July 25th. We look forward to seeing you in the workshop!
Booking Your Time
July 28: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
July 30: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
July 31: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Choose your preferred slot and secure your place in our creative workshop!