You may already follow her on Instagram and you have surely seen her in our photos. Emmanuelle lives in London with her little tribe: Auguste 5 years old, Rose 3 years old and Eugène almost 1 year old. She tells us how her motherhood and her children influence her creativity.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Emmanuelle Loutte, I am a freelance graphic designer and art director between London and Paris. For some time now, I have specialized in illustration. I am a mother of 3 children. You can follow our adventures and my work on @_emma.and.co
Can you tell us your vision of motherhood?
It's an incredible adventure! The most beautiful that has ever happened to me and the most difficult too! Being a mother means loving with all your being, it means giving from the depths of yourself, it fills you with love and joy and sometimes it drains you of all energy. With my children I grew up, I learned patience, questioning, the essentials. I also learned to sleep a lot less! Today, I feel fulfilled and stronger.
What is the connection between motherhood and creativity? Does one influence the other?
Becoming a mother means creating life and I believe that my children are my most beautiful creations! I have always used nature as a source of inspiration. Becoming a mother has only strengthened this attraction. I like to draw soft and round shapes, plants and soft colors sometimes contrasted with black. The desire to write my illustrations in oval shapes like an egg perhaps comes from motherhood! For me, motherhood and creativity form a balance. I cannot feel fulfilled without one or the other. Creating is a real passion that helps me in my role as a mother. I also draw with my children. I like this idea of transmission.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I have a lot! So many sources of inspiration that my head sometimes spins! I have had masters since my adolescence like Picasso. I also like the incredible use of color by the Impressionists. Japanese culture and art fascinate me and at the moment, I like to follow the creations of Inès Longevial. I find my
inspiration in the little things of everyday life, at the bend of a pretty street with pastel houses in Notting Hill, in the romantic atmosphere of Kensington Gardens, strolling through Liberty, or leafing through the books in the famous Daunt Books bookstore.
What does babywearing mean to you?
For me, babywearing is essential. It is the continuation of the 9 months spent with your baby in the hollow of your belly. I love feeling him against me and for his part, he feels soothed by my warmth and the beating of my heart. It also allows me to put Eugène to sleep and free my hands to do a lot of things.
What are your essentials for going on a trip?
A dose of energy, a diaper bag with small snacks and drinks and... an umbrella because in London, you never know!
Your favorite travel destination?
It's hard to answer because we have traveled so much and loved all our adventures around the world. But I would say that the easiest to access and the most exotic remains Marrakech. Intoxicating, exhilarating and inspiring, I love its colors, from pink ochre to Majorelle blue. The intoxicating smell of spices, the calm and beauty of the Riads. The excitement of the souk, the generosity of the people and its cuisine of course.
The advice you will never forget?
I was 18, with my baccalaureate in my pocket and I was hesitating between following my passion for drawing or another more classic and safe path. A friend of my father who had chosen a different path than his passion and had been unhappy all his life, told me to follow my dreams and make my passion a job, that it would make me the happiest. He was right.
What is your recipe for happiness?
Lots of love, good humor, little pleasures, a hint of fantasy, a good dose of laughter, a pinch of carelessness and drawing, dreaming and traveling without moderation!
What is your mantra, the little phrase that never leaves you?
Become who you are or "Become yourself" and not try to look like someone else. Accept yourself as you are but also be able to improve yourself, and because in this mantra there is also the will to realize your desires and dreams.
The lucky charms that never leave your side?
My Gigi Closeau necklaces and bracelets and my Marceline Paris necklace with my children's names.
Thanks to Emmanuelle for her welcome and her answers! You may have seen her wearing our Easy Lover skin-to-skin headband.
Thanks to Marie-Laure Blanc Coco Photographer for the photos :)