How would you spend your perfect day off in Portugal?
I would spend it by the pool at Marqi, the little boutique hotel where I live, or on one of the nearby beaches, sunbathing. I also like to drive to a place I don't know yet and see the landscape change on the way. There are lots of possibilities whether it's city or nature around there. In all of these options, I like to take control of the music!
Songs on repeat?
I always listen to a lot of different things, so it's hard for me to restrict myself to a few sounds or even one style. I like to switch from one mood to another, sometimes radically opposite : every moment has its own musical atmosphere. At Marqi, the playlists are mostly soft melodies, vintage sounds, a mix of different eras. It's soothing and inspiring. On a daily basis, I've always had a preference for alternative rock, especially the iconic bands of the 90s, and I'm super happy to have been able to see Pearl Jam this summer, for example. But I also listen to more modern stuff like Parcels on repeat recently, or my essentials Phoenix and the Strokes. I've recently made a few playlists public on my Spotify profile.
I think it's also cool to listen to some iconic albums from start to finish, as they were originally designed. We tend to do it less and concentrate on the hits.
Something we must eat the next time we are in Portugal?
The cuisine in Portugal is very rich and diverse. What I like best here are the fresh products from the sea, like grilled fish or shrimps. With real olive oil and vegetables that have a true local taste. You feel you're treating yourself well. On the sweet side, my favorite here is Santini ice cream, an old Italian gelateria founded in the 50s. Many original flavors, amazing classics! In my opinion, the quality is second to none: not too much sugar, the real taste of fruit... It's addictive.
What do you love the most about Art Directing and being creative?
What I love most about art directing is telling a story visually, creating a whole universe from just a few starting elements. Thinking of an entity as a whole: defining a logo, selecting a typography, creating imagery, assigning a location, a palette, a sound... When the work is well done, it shines for its aesthetics without forgetting the meaning. It's like a fun game that's applied in the real world. I believe in the quest for beauty when it's combined with substance; the two must go hand in hand.
What is something you've learned about love over the years?
I'm a big romantic, if that's the kind of love that we’re talking about here. So much music, books and films on this complicated subject. Fascinating!
In my opinion, it all starts with this cliché catchphrase: you have to learn to love yourself. You don't have to like 100%, all the time, it's okay to have doubts and move forward little by little.
As we grow, we know ourselves and become more aware of our qualities and weaknesses. I try to work on myself and make adjustments in order to be proud of what I have to offer.
In time, select the person that feels right to you, someone who's worth the risk and give it your all. Being in love takes courage.
And unfortunately, sometimes it's just not the right piece of the puzzle and there's no point in forcing things. It’s always an interesting experience and we’re only humans. I know now that when two people really match, everything feels more natural despite the obstacles.
Anyway, keep your chin up and love life!