Interview exclusive
Journalist: Hello Croq n’ Pop, thank you for having me. To begin, who are you?
Croq n' Pop : I’m a self-taught artist with a somewhat multifaceted personality… highly sensitive and shy, yet I can dive headfirst when an idea truly excites me. A dreamer and a music lover, I’m always tuned in to emotions and the little wonders of everyday life.
I’ve never let go of my childlike soul, and perhaps that’s what brings a touch of tenderness, curiosity, and whimsy to my illustrations...(smile)
Journalist: And your lifestyle—how would you describe it?
Croq n' Pop : Living in the south of France, I lead a somewhat nomadic life, taking each day as it comes. I’m always searching for my place, like a cat circling several times before finally settling down. I love traveling, finding myself in unusual situations, marveling at the world… and turning every moment into a little adventure. Me, sweet and dreamy on one side, adventurous on the other… it’s made for a pretty unconventional life, haha!
Journalist: Where does this unique pseudonym, Croq n’ Pop, come from?
Croq n' Pop : I chose a pseudonym that reflects who I am. ‘Croq’ comes from the French word croquis, which means ‘sketch’! the foundation of everything: every drawing is a starting point where my ideas come to life. ‘Pop!’ represents color and cheerfulness; it’s my little magic potion to make others smile… and to make myself smile. Drawing brings me a sense of well-being and makes me feel part of an imaginary community... (wink)
Journalist: “Could you tell us about your artistic world and your inspirations?
Croq n' Pop : My world is tender, feminine, with a touch of whimsy. I draw inspiration from emotions and the little things that make me smile, as well as the many facets of women: vulnerability and strength, freedom and solidarity. My art is a joyful mix where I love to experiment: pencil drawing, coloring with different mediums, cut paper, little animations, and digital work, which I explore with great pleasure. In short! a real homemade cocktail, shaken with love! (laughs)
Journalist: “Let’s go back to your journey! Can you tell us how you got started in this artistic adventure and when you felt that your path really started to take shape?
Croq n' Pop : Well, for as long as I can remember, drawing has always been my way of expressing myself, almost as if my ideas came to life before I even found the words. As a child, I would fill the margins of my notebooks and turn scraps of paper into little scenes of life… and that joy has never left me.
I grew up in a loving family, and I believe my roots really shaped who I am today. I admired my father and my uncle so much… they were both twins and incredibly talented… They sparked my desire to express myself artistically and taught me to see the world differently, to notice beauty in the smallest details, and to put my emotions into my art.
I never followed an academic path; I carved out my own way. And if I had to say when it all really began… (hmm…) I’d say in 2017, during a move to Los Angeles, far from home. That time was both adventurous and lonely… but that’s when I met Ron Pettie, an incredible art mentor. His classes quickly became a real refuge for me, a place where I started to discover what truly mattered to me… drawing! (nostalgic sigh)
Journalist: What do you hope for from your work and from those who discover your world?
Croq n' Pop : I find inspiration in the support of those who enjoy what I do, a reason to create, and the desire to share my creativity and sensitivity. I love to bring a little softness and joy through my work.
Journalist: “And to conclude, what is your philosophy?
Croq n' Pop : To stay free and true to myself. To create without filters, keeping my sensitivity intact. To maintain my originality in a world where everything tends to look the same. I believe technology can be a wonderful ally… as long as it serves human creativity. Here, I choose freedom, authenticity, and above all, the joy of creating in my own way... (smile)
Journalist: Thank you so much, Croq n’ Pop, for this time and for sharing your world with us!
Croq n’ Pop: Thank you, it was a real pleasure to share my world!