An animation student from Paris, France @juliette_mercier

What was the situation in which this photo was taken?

I took this picture soon after shaving my head. When I saw it, I was like “wow this is so punk, I have to be trash!” and so I put lots of black eye shadow, a big choker…and then I do this strange face!

Could you tell us something about what you do?

I am an animation student in Paris. I do digital and traditional art. I create characters and universes, and I make them live and interact.

How did you first become interested in animation?

I always loved drawing. I draw since I’m 2 years old, and I thought I couldn’t do something else…Drawing is the only thing I want to do.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Seeing a character you created and giving him life, is like giving birth, it’s wonderful!

What are you working on at the moment?

I work on a short with two of my friends. Its a movie about survival and friendship.

What are the challenges in what you do, and how do you overcome them?

I work on computer and I’m not really comfortable with it. But I’m really enthusiastic and I love learning new methods.

Could you describe your personal style?

I feel like I’m not born in the right century…I have grunge, new wave and punk inspiration. I wish I could live in the 90s! The music, the fashion…it inspires me everyday.

What is your present state of mind?

Being happy, whatever happens to me!

What music are you listening to at the moment?

I am listening to new wave (Depeche mode, The Cure…), metal (Gojira, Ghost…), rock, grunge, witchouse and a lot of other things! I listen to all kinds of music if I like it.

Which artists or designers inspire you?

Moebius, Mignola, Die Antwoort, Bowie, Cappulo, Sfar, Kurt Cobain, Miyazaki…There are too many, I can’t remember all of them!

What is the purpose of art, in your view?

It has no real purpose, I think, and that’s why it’s so important.

How do you spend your free time?

Drawing!