003- Liorzh
Introducing "The 13th Hour" – our absorbing weekly interview series! Dive into the fascinating worlds of our talented artists as we explore their inspirations, dream projects, creative processes, and so much more.
In this week’s installment of our series, we delve into a captivating dialogue with Liorzh, one of the most sought-after creatives in the music industry. Our discussion spans a wide range of topics, including insights into his work with the Arctic Monkeys, his passion for geometric compositions, fascination with retro sci-fi art, a glimpse into his upcoming book project, and reflections on the influence of Salvador Dali, among many other intriguing topics.
1 - At 13am, we aim to celebrate and showcase a broad range of creative roles, disciplines and skillsets. How would you describe yourself and your role within the creative world to those unfamiliar with your work?
I'd describe myself as a freelance graphic designer and artist/illustrator. It's challenging for me to categorize my work with specific job titles since I didn't attend school to study art or design. However, if I had to articulate the nature of my creations, I would describe them as retro illustrations or geometric compositions inspired by the aesthetics of the 70s and 80s. My clientele primarily consists of customers from the music industry.
2 - Another aspect that sets 13am apart is our commitment to diversity and representation among our artists. Could you share a bit about your background and where you call home?
I was born in 2001 in coastal northwestern France, and I have been here ever since I was a child. The region of France where I grew up is called 'Brittany' (Bretagne). This is also the reason I use the name Liorzh, derived from the traditional language of Brittany, meaning 'garden.' I selected this name due to my background in landscape studies, which greatly influences my drawings, reflecting my passion for nature and the environment.
3 - How would you define your artistic style? Has it evolved or undergone any changes over time?
I believe that my artistic style has evolved since I started, but I've consistently employed dynamic and vibrant colors throughout. At one point, I experimented with designs heavily influenced by the 2000s but eventually decided to concentrate on my favorites. Now, I strive to maintain a consistent vibe—retro, and occasionally a bit psychedelic. Retro is the primary theme that ties together my illustrations, geometric compositions, and abstract shapes.
4 - Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you transform an idea into a tangible piece of work?
The creative process can vary depending on the client and the type of project I'm working on. It's challenging to outline one specific process because some clients prefer giving me complete creative freedom, while others may request raw sketches or ideas. For geometric compositions, I often find it easier to work without preliminary sketches, but for more intricate illustrations, sharing initial ideas can be beneficial. Natural inspiration plays a significant role in making the creative process smoother as well.
5 - In terms of inspiration, where do you go to find this? Who were your main influencers and inspirations as you were growing up?
My inspirations come from various sources, including memories from my childhood and discoveries on the internet. I developed a deep appreciation for artists from the past, such as Dalì and Magritte, a few years ago. Additionally, I fell in love with retro sci-fi art through 'Omni magazine' covers, becoming quite addicted to studying them. More recently, I've found inspiration in contemporary designers and artists like Robert Beatty, River Cousin, Aaron Lowell, Julia Fletcher, Max Löffler, and Josef Minor. Nostalgia, in particular, is a powerful muse for my creative process.
6 - What advice would you offer aspiring artists or illustrators looking to establish themselves in the industry?
It's a challenging question because there isn't a single approach, but I would suggest pushing your style further, staying in touch with other designers, believing in yourself, and finding joy in sharing your work with people.
7 - Creative roadblocks affect many individuals in our field. How do you unwind and revitalize your creative energy? Are there any hobbies or passions you pursue outside of your work?
I consider myself fortunate not to experience many creative blocks. I believe everyone is different in that regard. I make an effort to go outside regularly, spend time with friends, and strike a balance between being active and establishing routines. As for passions, music holds a special place for me. I enjoy listening to and discovering new music, attending gigs, and also spending time with my pets. Occasionally, I indulge in a bit of video gaming.
8 - Reflecting on your career, could you share a standout project or collaboration that you consider a highlight? How did the opportunity come about?
I would say that the posters I created for Arctic Monkeys' concerts are among the biggest highlights for me. This is not only because they are one of my favorite bands since I was young but also due to their widespread popularity. The opportunity to design these posters came to me through an email from their merchandising team!
9 - Can you provide a little insight into your current projects and any upcoming plans you have in the pipeline? Is there anything we should be looking out for in the not too distant future?
Regarding the future projects I have, there are upcoming assignments for show posters and album covers. Looking further ahead, I'm currently working on a project with two other French illustrators. It involves creating a book to collect artworks made using the same technique. Unfortunately, I can't reveal more about it yet—keeping it a bit of a mystery for now!
10 - What has your experience been like collaborating with 13am thus far, and what motivated you to join forces with us?
Everything went well with 13am. I had a lot of creative freedom, which made the experience enjoyable. Communication with the team was smooth, and I was thrilled to be part of the project. The team's motivation, along with the participation of artists from around the world, added to the excitement.
11 - Looking ahead, what would be your dream project or client to tackle in the future?
I would be very happy to collaborate with new bands and artists that I love! Additionally, I'm eager to explore opportunities to work with clothing brands.
12 - To conclude on a lighter note, imagine hosting a dinner party where you could invite four individuals, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
Hahaha, it would be a tough choice, but I'd invite Dalì, Philippe Katerine, Alex Turner, and Arthur Teboul.
13 - If you were granted the power of time travel, which historical event would you choose to witness firsthand, and what intrigues you about it?
Another tough question! While I'm highly attracted to the medieval spirit and era, I wouldn't want to live during that time. Instead, I'd love to experience the 80s as a young human and see how that era unfolded!
