Visual interview with an animator Anna Budanova

Anna is a talented animator from Yekaterinburg. She is working on her new project in Paris now. I fell under the spell of the mystery atmosphere of her previous film “Among The Black Waves“ and was interested to talk with her about sources of inspirations and learn more about her upcoming project.

Why did you choose animation as your profession? 

I used to draw a lot when I was a kid. In the kindergarten when all the kids were gone for a walk, I would stay inside with a huge piece of paper and I’d draw different personnages and scenes of life. Later I was fond of anime and Disney. 

I studied at the Architectural Academy of Yekaterinburg, where a new animation department was opened. At first it was very difficult. I did not understand the physics of movement and how it is even possible to create the illusion of movement on a flat paper sheet, frame by frame. I had never seen an author's animation before and all the arthouse films seemed strange and poorly drawn to me. The assignments were also unusual. For example, once, the teacher asked us to go outside and talk to the trees. It was all strange at first, but then I really got into it and met a lot of interesting people.

What are the stages to create an animation movie?

First, an idea or a picture appears in your head. You think about it. Then you start making sketches, putting together a story like a puzzle. If you are a lucky director who has found a great screenwriter, then you discuss the idea with him. If not, you can brainstorm with your colleagues or friends who can throw in some ideas.

Next, you are searching for the ideas how the environment, setting and characters will look like. In what technique you want to make a film (3D, 2D, dolls, object animation). Then you draw the storyboard of the movie. It's like a comic book showing the story scene by scene.

From the storyboard, an animatic is made. It’s a slideshow, where you can see the first cut and the duration of the film.

Then you start drawing animation with other animators involved in the process. Afterwards it’s time for editing - a sound engineer and a composer join the team. This is my favorite moment, because the most difficult part is over, and now you are watching how your film is being brought to life by other talented people.

Share, please, what is your new project about? 

This is a parable about two twin sisters and one man, let’s say a love triangle.

Aesthetically, I was inspired by the Japanese Butoh dance. When I lived in Tokyo, I was amazed by the movements of the dancers, they differ a lot from other styles. I saw something wild and natural in them, and I got the idea to create animation.

It was only by the end of working on the film I realized that the top class is to achieve the sensation of dance only via means of rhythm and editing, without showing the dance itself on the screen.

What films of other animators would you recommend to see?

My favorites: 

Boris Labbé “Rhizome” 

Adrien Merigeau “Genius Loci”

Tomek Popakul “Acid Rain”

Alison Schulnik “Mound”

Tell me the story of you getting to the film set of a new Wes Anderson's movie?

I used to live in the small French town of Angoulême, where Wes Anderson began shooting his new film, The French Dispatch. 

One day I was walking down the street from the supermarket with a baguette under my arm, when his agent stopped me and started to take pictures of me. A week later, I received a message asking to come to the fitting. 

It was an amazing experience - the set seemed to me like a huge factory with lots of costumes continuously being sewn and make-up artists waving their tassels. They combed a huge cocoon on my head and put on me a red leather dress.

Due to the pandemic, the premiere has been postponed, but I still hope to see my five seconds of fame, if they were not cut out during the editing. 

What do you like about Paris?

In Paris I like the wild mix of everything. Each district has its own atmosphere, you can just cross the road and get into a completely different world. I love watching local characters, I think I have never seen such a variety of faces from urban madmen to super stylish bohemia. Everything is mixed, and I really enjoy it.

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Anna’s films

Anna’s Instagram

Photography & Interview by Alina Sepp

Visual interview with a dance teacher Sofia Gracheva

Sofia invited me to her dance class at Sergei Rachmaninov Conservatory. As I love dancing I was happy to join. The class was full of positive vibes and good energy. We talked with Sofia about the role of dancing in her life and how it all started.

Tell me please how you got into dancing?

At the age of 6 my parents enrolled me in the school of the Olympic reserve in artistic gymnastics. My mother always accompanied me to classes and tournaments, but once my dad came to see one of the competitions. Among the participants there were girls much older than me - 15-17 years old. Dad looked at their specific figures (broad shoulders and wide backs) and asked if his daughter was expecting such a transformation over time. When he received an affirmative answer, he demanded to transfer me to “gentle sport”. So my parents decided to change my classes in gymnastics to ballroom dancing.

After the first competition, where I saw adult dancers in beautiful ball dresses gracefully raising to the podium, I got a dream to become a real dancer.

What dance means to you? What role does it play in your life?

For a very long time, I saw dance only as athletic goals and the achievements. Endless training was a way to become stronger than your rivals, to rise higher in results and classification. This vision of dancing took 12 years of my life, helped me develop endurance, discipline, strength of character and the habit of never giving up.

And only after moving to France, when my environment, goals and way of life changed, I began to see dance in a different light. Now it is primarily a pleasure: getting ready for training, moving your body to favorite music, expressing your emotions without words, interacting with a partner. This is no longer about the race for results, but about creativity and self-expression.

And recently it has also became my full time profession. I’m so thankful to myself for taking the risk and starting from scratch in Paris.

What is the most difficult part in teaching others how to dance?

I would say it is students' perfectionism and impatience with themselves. Sometimes it’s hard to see a girl get upset or angry when she’s unable to dance a particular movement, or if it doesn’t look “perfect” to her. I always try to find the right words to show the beauty of the learning process and the magic of training - today nothing turns out, tomorrow it turns out awkwardly, and a week later we already forget that we had some difficulties before. It is important to enjoy every moment of the class and be patient with your body.

Can anyone learn to dance?

Absolutely everyone! The main things are the intention to learn dancing, patience, the ability to listen and hear your body. And a lot of hard work if we are talking about achieving some specific sports goals.

Please share with me your favorite dance music.

I have a lot of favorite singers and compositions, depending on the dance, but they have one thing in common - they are all in Spanish or Portuguese.

Rumba that gives me goosebumps: José Feliciano Cuando pienso en ti

Favorite Samba: Kaoma Danca Tago Mago

Cha-cha-cha: Miguel Sàez Mala mujer

Jive: Elvis Presley All shook up.

Where are you from and how did you end up in Paris?

I was born and raised in St. Petersburg. At the age of 9, I started to learn French because my dad was studying it at that time. In general, French culture has been present in my life since childhood: love for French language, my first trip abroad at the age of 8 was to Paris, and I literally grew up watching films with Louis de Funes, Pierre Richard, Jean Renault and listening to the music of Joe Dassin.

After university I dreamed of going to live abroad for a short time (I was choosing between Europe and Latin America). For family reasons, the trip to Argentina on the volunteer program did not happen, but a week later, thanks to my friend, I learned about the « vacances & travail » program in France. Straight after passing state exams and getting my diploma, I took a one-way ticket to Paris with two of my friends.

After the end of one year visa, I returned to St. Petersburg, where I had to « return to normal life ». Only then I realised that my « normal life » was in Paris. 2 weeks later, I registered on the au-pair program and a couple of days later I signed a contract to get back to Paris.

I understood that I want to stay in Paris so I passed the French TCF exam, entered the university and found my first part-time job.

What are your favorite places in Paris?

It’s definitely Place de la Republique and canal Saint Martin. I fell in love with this place immediately for its unique atmosphere and the melting pot audience. This is not a typical Paris - it’s some kind of crazy mix of cultures, styles, moods. My favorite cafes and bakeries are located right here: for me the best thing to do is to have coffee and a bun take away and read a book by the canal.

I love the Boulinier bookstore on Bonne Nouvelle - I can spend over an hour there choosing books, and every time I leave with a full bag!

And since this January, Sergei Rachmaninov Conservatory next to the Alma Bridge with its inspiring energy, wonderful people, breathtaking views from the windows and a Russian restaurant. Getting here, I am transferred to my St Petersburg, which I miss a lot.

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Solo Latina & Ballroom dance by Sofia: @ballroom.dance.paris

Photography & Interview by Alina Sepp

Visual interview with an illustrator Katya Uspenskaya

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I saw Katya’s illustrations on Instagram and fell in love with her work. Her sketches are charming and subtle.

Katya is an illustrator from Moscow who has been living in Paris for several years now. We met at her place in 14th district next to the street Rue des Artistes. Over the cup of tea and the pastries from the boulangèrie Katya told me what brought her to Paris, what is the most important thing in her work as an illustrator, and described her dream project.

Tell me please how you became an illustrator?

I started drawing when I was a kid. I always loved to craft. My parents took me to the architectural studio in Moscow, where I pasted paper models of buildings and cities, did illustrations, I was taught color science and even did some of animation. My teacher there, seeing the potential in me, advised me to apply for an art lycee. It was an important step in my professional growth, I completely immerse myself in drawing. Then I was studying in a faculty of graphic design, where I realised that illustration is my thing. 

I love the process of diving into the magical world when I think of creating an illustration. I love the feel of touch with paper and materials. That’s why I always prefer drawing on paper over the computer. 

Since my childhood I was surrounded by books. My grandfather and great-grandfather were both bibliophiles and collectors of bookplates (known as ex-libris - a decorative label pasted into a book to indicate ownership). I even drew a couple of bookplates for their collection. 

Who are your clients? 

I collaborate with brands, various magazines and publishing houses. Sometimes I work for private clients and, of course, I do projects with my friends. 

Chanel, Lancôme, Mosfilm are among my clients. I did illustrations for the web-edition of The Blueprint, Harper’s Bazaar, Theory & Practice, Büro 24/7, Esquire. I work on regular basis for my friends from the patisserie Lamm’s, I did the postcards for the charity foundation « Vera » and so on.

What brought you to Paris? How this city and the new way of life affected your work?

I never dreamed of leaving Moscow, but France was present in my life in some ways. For example, I worked in the company called « Mon Bon » which produces the famous macarons or I had a project with French bakery in Moscow « Michel’s bakery ». 

I ended up in Paris because of love. One hot Moscow summer I met a wonderful person, who is now my husband, Al. We moved to Paris together. Al showed me the real Parisian life far from I imagined as a tourist. I got so inspired! And once in a bookshop I saw these fantastic French children books. At that moment I knew that it’s exactly what I want to do. 

I’m a big fan of your Paris series of characters. Tell us please how they came about.

I was walking in Paris with my favorite Muji sketchbook doing sketches of interesting Parisians. But only in the moments when I was away travelling back to Moscow, the characters and their stories began to be born in my imagination. And the pure magic thing is when I get back I met some of my characters in Parisian streets, parks and cafes. 

What Parisian brands would you like to work with?

I’d love to work with perfume brand Diptyque. First I heard about this brand when my husband bought a perfume there and I liked the illustration on the bottle. When we went with my husband to their very first boutique situated on 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain, I learned that the brand was founded by artists, and there are always collaborations with different creative illustrators. Each time I get in touch with this brand, I feel the magic and strong creative energy that it radiates. And, of course, these are my favorite perfumes!

What is the most important thing for an illustrator?

I believe the most important thing in any creative job is to stay open and curious, constantly posing questions to yourself and the world. It’s crucial not to lose touch with your inner child, not to forget how to dream and always be surrounded by beauty and good people. And, of course, you have to draw every single day. As Picasso used to say: «Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working».  

Can you describe your typical working day?

As many creatives I’m most productive in the evening and even at night. The silence that evokes when city is falling asleep inspires me. These moments I feel peaceful and focused. I love lighting candles and making myself my favorite mint tea with honey and lemon and dive deep into my magical world. I often watch favorite movies or listen to music and podcasts while working. And sometimes I draw in complete silence, when the only noise is the rustling of pencils on paper.

What is your special place in Paris?

I love Luxembourg Gardens and especially Medici fountain. This is the fantastic intimate place I fell in love with at first sight. It’s beautiful there in every season. I love coming there,  sit comfortably on the olive chair and look at the ducks in a fountain or read a book or just enjoy the moment. 

And of course I feel good in my district, 14th. I live next to the street Rue des Artistes, which became my symbol of going the right way. 

https://katyauspenskaya.com/

@katyauspenskaya

Photography & interview by Alina Sepp

Julia Labet, a beautiful frame of mind

Photography: Alina Sepp

Interview: Lena Taraskina

Our metro stop is “Rome”, but outside it’s the real Paris: no sights of interest, just the everyday life. Office workers stubbing out the last cigarette of the day. Fast-food restaurants, whose achingly bright banners have crept into the grey-beige landscape. An empty espresso cup and some cents left as a token tip. 

The most interesting fact about this area is its collection of streets, which carry the names of famous European cities: Turin, Saint-Petersburg, Bucharest. We head south on Moscow street, to meet Julia, who runs her framing workshop in house number 32. A master of her metier, Julia has been framing art of all forms for the past seventeen years, offering her clientele an exquisite choice and her refined taste.

The attention to the tiniest of details is evident from the storefront. On the little display, a careful selection of miniature frames and mirrors. Between them is a tasteful placement of dried flowers and a large, decorative metal key. The relatively small space contrasts with the few large items of vintage furniture: an archive cupboard and a large minister style desk destined for receiving customers. 

Your parents are professional antique dealers. Did their work impact your childhood in any way?

They both did a professional reconversion, entering this field of activity as novices, driven by their passion for objects with a story. I remember our endless trips: we drove around frequently and far. Most of the time, it was me in the trunk and a new trophy item on our roof. This was the 80’s, and such road behaviour was still tolerated.

Except the trips - did the rest feel like a regular childhood?

Regular - no. My home had a special kind of atmosphere. I grew up surrounded by all sorts of incredible things, and I think that’s what helped me to train an eye for aesthetics and develop my own sense of style. I remember a funny episode when we visited a store of my dad’s friend. I must have been around seven or eight. And I immediately spotted “the” painting that would complement my dad’s collection. He bought it on my advice and today it hangs in my apartment. Of course the trips set a certain rhythm. I think there must have been times when I wanted to slow down, have it like everyone else. But the truth is that I never asked myself these questions. It was more of a realisation I would have when I would be in someone else’s company and it would hit me - my life isn’t like that of my classmate.

What was that painting that you spotted for your dad?

It was a portrait in profile of a young woman, with a high hair-do and bare shoulders. She had a Brigitte Bardot vibe about her. 

Tell us how you got into the metier of framing? 

It started with an acquaintance sharing her plans of applying to the parisian school of applied arts - La Bonne Graine (editor’s note: the school was founded in 1866 by professional artisans, who wanted to pass down their expertise on various techniques).

I was considering gilding, but that was before I discovered the richness of the framing metier. Imagine the number of options one can play with when working with all the different elements: matboards, filets, glazing options, and the frames themselves!

How were the courses structured?

After deciding on the metier, you had to find a professional, with whom you could complete your apprenticeship. We split our time between theory and practice: one week in school, three weeks of apprentice work. 

Were your parents happy with your choice?

A university degree was never an end goal my parents envisioned for me. They always supported all my decisions, fueling my confidence, be it professional or personal choices.

Do you ever feel a pang of jealousy that your work is not the focal point of appreciation?

When we look at a piece of art, we focus on that, not the frame surrounding it. 

We shouldn’t confuse the profession of an artisan with that of an artist. We don’t generate the idea - we follow the persona of the artist. But it’s undeniable that a framer plays an important role in the life of a piece of art. A well chosen frame can perfect the presentation and reveal a whole new dimension to what’s on display. We are the invisible hand, without which an artist’s masterpiece could not be finished. 

What is a well chosen frame in your opinion?

It’s a frame, which adapts itself to the piece of art on display and matches its historical era. A frame should carry a secondary role. It’s beautiful when we forget about it.

Who are your clients?

Collectors, art dealers, gallery owners, decorators, but also individuals searching for something unique.

Name something you dislike about your job.

I don’t think I can! I enjoy it all - from the moment I first meet the client to when I find the perfect frame for a given project. 

How do you see the evolution of your metier?

When I was starting out, artisans weren’t really looked up to - people were aiming for stable jobs within the financial sector, for example. I was never ashamed of my profession, even if at one point we were considered to be the poor, artsy bunch. The older generations have the same opinion: if you weren’t excellent at school, people immediately recommended for you to sign up for a technical college and skip a university degree. What we see now is a revival of artisanal crafts. People feel the need to move to something more simple and tangible. They crave the chance to do something with their own hands. That feeling is very gratifying - at the end of my working day I know what I have achieved.

What’s the style in your own home like?

Eclectic!

We can tell it’s the house of a framing master?

Yes (laughs), even though I try not to exaggerate with mural decoration. One can also tell it’s the home of someone who loves to hunt down vintage treasures. 

Can we spot you at IKEA?

Yes, I go there for practical items like kitchenware and things for my son’s room. But there are furniture items, which I can no longer buy from IKEA. Things like tables and buffets. Their story is important for me.  

What are your favourite places in Paris?

I have my favourite museums: Orsay, Gustave Moreau, Museum of the Romantics. I do have a thing for art of the 19th century even if I prefer the interior design styles of the 20th. I also love to visit art galleries. My favourites are Mathieu Neouze Art and Galerie Laura Pecheur. 

If you didn’t get into framing, what could you imagine yourself as?

An actress in a theatre.

To visit Julia, please book an appointment in advance. Contact details can be found on her website.

www.atelier-julialabet.com

Visual interview with an artist Fantine Reucha

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Fantine is an artist working with words and illustrations. A dreamer that Fantine is, she always needs to find a way to express her creativity and to live with a sense of great freedom to enjoy herself.

What did you study?

After graduating from high school with major in literature and a considerable amount of art classes, I went to a photography school that is now shut down. My first university year was amazing and particularly satisfying because we mostly did film photography and film development. I still think it was one of the most influential years in my journey as a creator. At some point, however, studio work and retouching has taken me away from my creative identity, and I felt the need to find myself. I started to draw on my own, in an imperfect and free manner.

What is your professional path – have you always been a freelancer or did you work in an office? If so, do you think of returning there one day?

I’ve never been an employee in my life and I don’t think I could ever be one... I need to set up my routine with freedom and fantasy.

What do you think are the pros and cons of working on your own?

It is only the matter of your personal preferences really, and there is no magic recipe – the way you work should suit your own needs and desires in order to define your unique path. The main advantage is the freedom to manage your time and to reinvent your own craft, whereas the disadvantages are the necessary discipline, learning to self-organise (which is a big deal for a daydreamer like me!) and accepting the uncertainty that every tomorrow brings.

What is the most difficult part of your work?

The administrative part of course! It’s all Greek to me, and I don’t understand a single thing about la Maison des artistes, the association of artists in France.

Tell us about your atelier

My little studio consists of all the things that I love: objects I found on flea markets during my walks through Paris, each of them being chosen for what it made me feel or think of. The books you can find here are just as much nurturing as they are encouraging. I found my blue armchairs second hand – fell crazy in love with this blue that changes depending on the light. I was also looking for a pink armchair, and when I received this one after ordering it I discovered it wasn’t pink at all – rather a shade of venetian red – and ended up keeping it. My atelier is ‘a room of one’s own’, an ode to creativity where I have collected everything that I love and that inspires me.

What is your daily routine?

The thing that rarely changes through my days is the way they begin. I’m a morning person, and every day I wake up as early as possible – I need to start the day with my morning rituals that can take a while. Those are journaling, meditating and reading a couple of pages that would inspire and guide me through the day. After that I have breakfast, get myself ready and leave for my atelier around nine o’clock. These 30 minutes of walking there are important for me because they allow me to ponder what I would like to do and set my intentions for the day. Once I arrive, I have a cup of tea and sit right down at my dest to make sure I’m not tempted to procrastinate for hours. I work on my orders or other ongoing projects until one o’clock. Then I go out to Jardin du Palais Royal behind my atelier where I take my time to wander and eventually have lunch. Sometimes I have meetings in the afternoon, otherwise I get back to whatever I was working on previously. I’m usually no longer productive after 17-18 o’clock, and that’s when I let myself to daydream, read – and tidy. There is always a day in a week that I dedicate to getting inspired. I stroll around Paris, visit a museum, discover cute shops, read and draw in a café. This precious day allows me to keep the balance by distracting myself and turning my attention outward.

What words of encouragement would you address to someone who would like to start working on freelance as an artist?

Doing something you love is the most precious commitment. There is always a path that will unravel under your feet, step by step.

Could you share some of your favourite places in Paris?

Le Jardin du Palais Royal for wandering, Passages Jouffroy or Passage du Grand Cerf to shop vintage books, ceramics atelier of my friends Corentin Brison, Théo Tourne and Tom & Folks at 21 Avenue Claude Vellefaux in the 10th arrondissement for making clay dreams come true. And finally, chez Homade on rue Jacques Louvel Tessier at for having one of the best parisian brunches in peace and quiet.

fantinereucha.com / @fantinereucha

All images © Alina Sepp

Text translation and editing by Katya Ulitina

This story originally appeared in Paris With Me blog.

Visual interview with a coffee illustrator Anna Gorvits

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Anna Gorvits is a creator: she studied cinema and photography, and now combines her passion for good coffee and painting in coffee illustration. Anna told us the story of her artistic journey and shared her favourite coffee places in Paris.

Fifteen years ago, the first of January, Anna came to Paris. She learned French from scratch and got accepted to a cinema school. She started speaking French immediately – out of panic rather than confidence. Anna wasn’t planning on staying in Paris afterwards – it just sort of happened. After the cinema school, she graduated from two photography schools and worked as an extreme sport photographer. In 2011, she gave birth to a daughter Elise, Dusya for short.

Back in her Moscow childhood, Anna attended an architecture course in «Start» studio and, according to her parents’ expectations, would have to be accepted to Moscow Architectural Institute. Which means, she drew, and she drew a lot. Since she never went to MArchI, she has stopped drawing for – what a terrifying number! – twenty years.

Turned out, her desire to paint and her experience in visual arts persisted. Once after Dusya’s classes – she was five back then – mother and daughter stopped by The Café Suédois. Dusya found a brush under the chair and immediately wanted to draw something. Anna obviously had no paint with her, so she handed to Dusya her cup of coffee – here you go! Ten minutes later, they were both painting with coffee, and Anna started to realise what a brilliant idea it was.

A devoted coffee gourmand that Anna is, she has tried all sorts of coffee on the paper. She collaborates with coffee shops, manufacturers and roasters, journalists and coffee-related businesses. This year, she exhibited her artwork twice and participated in two coffee festivals. At the moment Anna is working on a book about coffeeshops in Paris that will be illustrated with coffee paintings. She organises workshops on coffee sketching around the globe.

Obviously, Anna doesn’t exclusively paints with coffee: it is just icing on the cake. She also creates illustrations for a book of Polina Sanaeva «Black Polo Neck» that will be published in Moscow in November. For the sake of enjoyment, Anna works as a private tour guide in Paris and shares her favourite local nooks with the guests visiting the city. She has been teaching cinema, photography and illustration in Junio-R Art and Science summer camp in Bulgaria for  – what a terrifying number once again! – twenty years. She adores her daughter, Paris and good black coffee!

Anna is persuaded that almost every coffeeshop in Paris has a special vibe, lovely baristas and great coffee. That is why it is so difficult to say which ones are the best. Here are those where you are more likely to meet Anna at:

Ten Belles

Back in Black

Beans on Fire

The Hood

KB coffeeshop

La Fontaine de Belleville

Arabica

Kitsune

@drawing_paris

All images © Alina Sepp / Written by Katya Ulitina

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Maya Dorsey, local guide

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Maya is a California-bred, adopted Parisienne and proud citizen of the world. She runs La Vie Locale - an online resource for people visiting or planning a move to Paris. Maya truly enjoys sharing her knowledge to help make people’s experience in Paris unforgettable.

Maya generously shared with us her favourite spots in Montmartre and her recommendations for unique experiences in Paris.

What makes Montmartre so special?

I’ve lived in several neighbourhoods during my time in Paris and Montmartre is by far one of my favourites. Montmartre used to be considered a village outside of Paris in the 18th and 19th century, so it is cool to walk around the streets today and still feel some of the countryside charm. It is a great place to visit in Paris that is a bit removed from central Paris but has a lot to offer such as: the Sacré-Coeur, museums, quaint cobblestone streets, artist studios. It also neighbours lovely areas like Pigalle (where you can find the Moulin Rouge), La Goutte D’or (Little Africa).

What’s your personal fave stop in Montmartre?

Besides going for random walks, I really enjoy the view all the way from the top of Basilica Sacré-Coeur. Most people take in the view from the steps, or visit the church, but there is also an entrance to visit the Dome of the beautiful basilica. After walking up 300 plus steps in a narrow staircase it leads you to a beautiful 360 panoramic view of Paris, which is hands down one of my favourite.

Can you recommend a cosy place for a romantic evening in the area?

L’Esquisse - perfect place for a ‘dîner en tête-à-tête’.

Le Grand 8 - great quality food and wine, with a view of Parisian rooftops.

Hôtel Particulier Montmatre - cosy hotel hidden in a garden alleyway of Montmartre.

How about a wine bar for an apéro with friends?

Terrass hotel - wonderful 7th-floor rooftop bar with a great view of the Eiffel Tower.

Le Nizar- nice place to grab a cocktail to two on the terrace.

Gisou - lovely wine and tapas bar.

Maya is an awesome resource for all things Paris, and through her trip planning consulting business, she helps people coming to Paris organise their trips to get a more local experience beyond the classic monuments. Maya has shared with us three unique experiences you can enjoy during your next trip to Paris:

Taste french wines at Galeries Lafayette 

Did you know that Galeries Lafayette has more to offer than shopping? They also offer a 1.5-hour wine tasting class every Friday where you travel through different regions of France through 6 different wines. I was surprised to find a cute apartment set up amongst the showroom floors of the store, where we tasted a nice selection of niche wine.

Make your own perfume 

Musée du Parfum – Fragonard offers free visits of their museum where you can learn about the perfume making process. If you would like to go home with a special souvenir from your trip and create your own fragrance, everyday Saturday they offer Perfume making workshops.

Explore a local neighbourhood

Canal St. Martin is one of my favourites. When in the area make sure to stop by Du Pain et Des Idées, the best bakery in town only open weekdays, grab a bite to eat at Holybelly, walk along the Canal, take a coffee at your choice of specialty cafes like Ten Belles, Caoua, Radiodays, or a drink at Le Comptoir Général, and check out Artazart, a concept bookstore great for souvenirs.

@lavielocale / La Vie Locale

All images © Alina Sepp / Written by Katya Ulitina

Oraz Tokaev, digital manager of fragrances

Oraz came to Paris from windy Turkmenistan. He has always wanted to travel the world, and to make his dream come true, he decided to study foreign languages. French is the one that has now become an integral part of his everyday life.

Language skills ​​helped Oraz to visit different countries and to get to know himself from unexpected perspective. He discovered that every part of the world as well as every person has its unique scent. Oraz started to search for the accords that could emphasise his own mood and personality.

While working at L’Oréal, Oraz fully emerged himself into the world of perfumes. His journey began with the classic fragrances of the leading perfume brands, but by now he has learnt to appreciate the special charm of niche fragrances with concentrated oils and perfumed body care products from small boutiques.

Oraz shared with us his recent findings among the perfumery shops in Paris and four of his favourite fragrances.

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Parisian boutiques

Paris has become a source of perfume luxury for me. When walking down the streets of Marais, you can easily find a little unknown brand with magnificent products. My recent discoveries are Officine Universelle Buly 1803 on 6 Rue Bonaparte and L’Eau de Cassis, two small worlds with their treasures. Buly 1803 charmed me with the natural ingredients and touching story of the brand. The boutique looks like a sophisticated 19th-century pharmacy with miraculous oils and creams in porcelain bowls. I liked the Damask rose body lotion that leaves a light floral tone on the skin for a long time. L’Eau de Cassis captivated me with its simple but bright concept of the Southern France. The son of the perfumer lives in Paris. He works in a boutique in Marais, can introduce you to the wide range of scents and suggest which perfumery ritual suits you best.

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Four special perfumes

Niche perfume 6 Place Saint Sulpice by Yves Saint Laurent is perfect for dank days. The fragrance opens with a light bouquet of lavender and bergamot, accented by distinct yet intriguing notes of saffron, leather and oriental spices.

Take a look at L’Artisan Parfumeur which enchants me with its elegant packaging and amazing combination of notes. I got stroked by Noir Exquis: its deep base embodies the embrace of coffee and dried fruit. This scent will please those who prefer the unusual sweet fragrances.

Next scent to introduce is a fragrance for every day by one of my favourite brands Diptyque. Floral L’Ombre Dans L’eau deepens into a sensuous heart of juicy notes of currant and rose.

Yves Saint Laurent’s Opium is familiar to many, but a lot of people still avoid vintage perfumes. I think they shouldn’t, because their skin can react quite differently to the fragrance, and there is a chance that several notes will unravel themselves throughout the day. At first the perfume unfurls with warm incense, and in an hour — with gentle mandarin in the oriental framing.

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Oraz recommends

My recommendation for beginners in the perfume world is to explore your preferences, your nose and your body. This can be a long, but adventurous journey of self-discovery. For the doubtful ones, there are always places to get a piece of advice: go to the popular Nose boutique, test perfumes with an expert and select your individual product line. That is a worthwhile investment, I promise!

@tokaevoraz

All images © Alina Sepp / Written by Katya Ulitina

Rudy Lauer, founder of The Parisian Man blog

Charming influencer and founder of The Parisian Man blog, Rudy Lauer unveiled for us the world of men's fashion blogs.

How did the blog story begin?

When I was twelve, my parents held a kiosk in the south of France, and I enjoyed looking through the fashion magazines. I was fascinated by the combination of colours and textures! The hobby turned into an addiction, an addiction turned into a career. 

For fifteen years I have been working as a commercial director in pret-à-porter. I have learnt how to select clothes and work with silhouettes. At some point, I started to take photos of interesting looks with my phone and post them on Instagram. And then, I realised that the picture with the associated well-written text would turn into a mini fashion guide. So the blog was born: the transition seemed really natural.

What was the world of fashion blogs like when you started out seven years ago?

At that time, the world of male blogs was empty, there were no more than two or three good ones. I saw that there was a demand for fashion bloggers, people in Instagram were getting interested in where I found clothes for my pictures.

And how is this world changing today?

Nowadays, men's fashion blogs doubled, the new generation is pretty efficient, ideally organised and well-coordinated. Today's bloggers are better diversifying, they cover different themes from street-style to hi-tech.

"I was fascinated by the combination of colours and textures.

The hobby turned into an addiction, an addiction turned into a career".

What are the main differences between male and female blogging?

The very first difference is in the content itself. Female bloggers often write personal, almost intimate posts: about makeup, romantic trips, underwear. Male bloggers, on the contrary, do not cover the subject of underwear at all. In men's blogs beauty products tips remain quite niche. Travelling is our common point, but hi-tech, cars and music are still the prerogative of men's blogs. Secondly, the relations between male bloggers remain very friendly and respectful, without subjective criticism, while competitive spirit prevails between female bloggers. Also, female bloggers normally write longer posts than male ones, they have a better frequency of posts as well.

Can this be explained by the rivalry?

Good question ... I do not even know. I would say that a woman's blog is initially similar to a diary, where she shares her secrets of beauty and writes about something more personal. A male blogger writes about things he likes from the "outer" world: there is a great car, these are great headphones.

You explore different styles on your blog. And which is your favourite one?

At the moment I am keen on Scandinavian style, the minimalism and the symmetry. I started to be drawn to simplicity with captivating details. Beneath the colours, I prefer grey, black, deep blue, pastel pink.

What trends do you think will blow up the men's fashion this season?

Pale pink colour! This puddly pink has already been appearing for two seasons in men's collections of luxury brands, and it clearly starts to seep into the mass market. I recently did a collaboration with Asos wearing an interesting pink velour bomber! 

Oversize clothes and the light nostalgia for the eighties will also be on trend, with large logos, like Tommy Jeans, Balenciaga or Louis Vuitton that made a collaboration with Supreme around this tendency.

What are the important details in the male looks to pay more attention to?

A very common mistake: men choose clothes of a wrong size. Some think that they will feel more comfortable in jeans two sizes larger than their own, others are embarrassed to accentuate their shapes. And, of course, it is crucial to experiment with accessories: scarves, colour accents, cool socks or wallet!

What is a typical blogger day like?

Today I spend the morning at the hotel. I review them through photos and articles, share my impressions on the rooms and the service. Often that is where I organise photo shoots or interviews. I look through new collections and new tendencies, I arrange meetings and business dinners. And, of course, a lot of Instagram: I upload a photo, usually in the morning, and I try to answer as many comments as I can. 

However, I never work in the evening, this is my principle. Influencer work is very energy-consuming: the whole life revolves around blogging, and it's hard not to get lost in virtual reality. 

The blogger does not have time to live in the real world: you need to take pictures of it! That is why I find it much important to find time to see friends and live the present moment.

@theparisianman

All images © Alina Sepp / Written by Katya Ulitina

Hervé Palmieri, chef and creator of "Hervé Cuisine"

Hervé Palmieri is a chef and a creator of the Hervé Cuisine channel about the art of simple and delicious meals.

How did you realise that cooking was your calling?

I have been cooking since I was a little boy: my parents encouraged me to bake pastries and prepare simple dishes. When I started to live separately from my parents, I simply did not have any choice but to cook for myself. I enjoyed buying cookbooks, I cut out recipes from magazines, and I also had a thick notebook with my mom's ones at home. 

At some point, I began to reunite my university friends at home to cook together. We cooked pies, tarts, carbonara paste, all kind of various simple student dishes, and my friends really loved it! And then I realised how the cooking process can bring people together, and how a good meal can make a party much better.

How did an idea of a food blog come up? 

While working full-time in marketing I did not have time to do anything else. I thought that I needed an activity for myself besides work. So I decided to start a food blog as it was something that I could do really well. 

So one day I came home from work and chose a simple chocolate fondant recipe. I had a small camera, which I put on a washing machine and started filming myself. It was terrible - I was embarrassed, shy, such a nightmare! But in the end, I made a video with the recipe of the fondant and put it on Youtube. 

I discovered the world of blogs, I learnt how to edit videos and create blog pages with HTML code - that time there were no simple platforms for site creations. I especially liked the technical side of the process, and as I progressed, I bought different devices for shooting, lighting and sound, switched to an HD camera and so on. 

Today it is already a small company that I manage, with contracts, companies and all the rest of it. In parallel, I have always worked in marketing, and I still do. I try not to turn my blog into a routine, to keep enthusiasm and inspiration.

What distinguish you from the other food bloggers?

I am one of the rare «broad-format» chefs. There are very simple recipes from three ingredients, but also complex multilayer cakes. There are meals from all over the world on my channel. You can find Thai, French, African and Maghreb cuisine on it. There are both vegan recipes and recipes with meat.

So I'm an expert in a wide culinary profile in all senses! I try to embrace everything, try everything. The only thing I try to avoid is the fast food recipes. Fast food does not fit in my lifestyle, I try to eat well.

Cooking is your job. Do you still have time to cook for yourself and your loved ones?

There are different periods in my life. Sometimes I don’t feel like cooking, so I dine out - this happens to me as well! 

Now there is a period when I cook for myself a lot. Recently, I mostly enjoy baking seasonal vegetables: I buy different kinds of cabbage, parsnips, carrots, beets ... I put them sprinkled with olive oil and spices in the oven at 180°C. In an hour I сome back from the gym, and the perfect dinner is ready! Quick and simply delicious.

What are your favourite restaurants in Paris?

I am really fond of 11th and 20th arrondissements of Paris - there are so many interesting restaurants there. I like Mme Shawn, a Thai restaurant in Upper Marais, near Marché des Enfants Rouges. 

I am also keen on the three Korean food restaurants by Pierre Sang on the Oberkampf street. Pierre Sang, the chef, opened three restaurants one next to another, and when you dine there, you do not know what’s on your plate. While eating, you need to concentrate on your sensations and try to guess what the ingredients are. Before you are served with the next the next dish, the chef tells you what the composition of the dish was. Such an unusual experience! 

I also like bento Nanashi because of its relaxed atmosphere and healthy products. 

When I want a delicious couscous, I go to L'homme bleu on Jean-Pierre Thimbaud street. This is a real traditional cuisine - as if you get away to Morocco for one night! 

Finally, I enjoy eating out in the Italian and French restaurants on Montorgueuil street.

What is it, a typical dinner of French cuisine - a starter, a main course, a dessert?

If we had a three-course meal today, I would make a dinner with all the seasonal food. For a starter, I would cook a salad with roasted asparagus, egg and olive oil. I would choose Beef bourguignon with some tasty Camargue rice. Of course, a cheese plate with a crispy baguette - we are in France, after all! I would also serve different leaves of salad with spices to the cheese plate like we do it in the South. And for dessert I think I'd make a lemon pie with meringues - a classic French dessert! The delicate balance between sour and sweet, with a gentle meringue at the top - simply perfect.

Could you please share some quick and healthy recipes for breakfast or snack - for those on who are always in a rush?

Among my recipes, there are lemon muffins that have little fat and sugar. If you store them in food film, they will remain soft for several days or can even be frozen.

 Another excellent option is homemade granola with oatmeal, dried fruits and nuts. You will need to chop dried fruits and nuts, mix them with oatmeal, honey or agave syrup and put it in the oven. You can take them with you when planning an interview on a rainy day! 

For breakfast, I like low-fat pancakes, it's especially good to make them with whole-grain flour, so that there are a lot of fibres. 

There is one interesting recipe for a chocolate cake with stevia instead of sugar, and with a peeled zucchini instead of butter! You can not taste the zucchini at all, the cake has a rich chocolate flavour.

" I am one of the rare «broad-format» chefs.

There are very simple recipes from three ingredients, but also complex multilayer cakes.

You can find Thai, French, African and Maghreb cuisine on my channel.

So I'm an expert in a wide culinary profile in all senses! I try to embrace everything."

@hervecuisine

All images © Alina Sepp / Written by Katya Ulitina

Helene Lacombe, architect and illustrator

Hélène Lacombe studies and exercices architecture in Paris and spent a year as an exchange student in Helsinki. She creates sophisticated, finely drawn architectural illustrations.

When and how exactly did you know that architecture and illustration was your thing?

My dad is an architect, and when he spoke to me about architecture, there were sparkles in his eyes. He also draws a lot, and me too, I started sketching when I was a little girl. 

I truly want to become an architect, but at the same time it is vital for me to continue making illustrations. Now I am finishing my Master’s final project, I work as an architect and as an illustrator, and since October I also draw on shop windows.

Are Hélène the Illustrator and Hélène the Architect the same person? Do these activities demand same personal qualities?

Both require a lot of patience and perseverance. One illustration takes an average of 6 to 15 hours, so you need to stay as concentrated as possible. I can only say that the illustration is less stressful. When I draw, I feel self-confident, whereas in architecture school teachers constantly try to destabilise you and to make out question your own work. But I think they do it on purpose: the architect is an emotionally exhausting profession, so they try to prepare for hard reality. 

Most of your illustrations are drawings of architectural monuments. Why is that?

Because even if I lived in Paris, I got a feeling I didn’t have the opportunity to see it that often. But when I was drawing a Parisian building, I got to know every column and statue by heart. When you draw architecture, you understand it more profoundly. I like drawing ancient churches and cathedrals with many exquisite details. However, making illustrations with modern buildings is also great! For example, I recently drew the Marseille apartment unit of Le Corbusier and the Pompidou Center.

Can you name some illustrators that inspire you?

Thibo Rassa (@thibautrassat), an architect and illustrator, his works are very lively; Mark Puglia (@markpoulierart), an Australian illustrator who daily uploads drawings of train window views. There is a French version of it, it is called @ attention_à_la_marche6; this guy sketches people in the subway, and for each sketch, he puts a background of the colour of the metro line he drew it on! I love both the idea and the style.

So Instagram is you work platform only?

Yes, and it is a source of inspiration as well. Without Instagram, I probably would not become an illustrator and I would not meet so many interesting people from all over the world. But Instagram has this kind of false, fraudulent side that I don’t like. Before children used to dream of becoming scientists and movie stars, and now they only want to be influencers on Instagram. I try to protect myself from the toxic influence of social networks and the false values they impose. 

Do you have the lack of inspiration sometimes? How do you tackle that?

    Yeah, sometimes I don’t feel like drawing, or I draw less. Then I try to take my mind off the work and do something else; it helps to relax and to find fresh ideas. We shouldn’t push ourselves all the time: otherwise, you can simply burn out. This happened to me in Helsinki: I drew illustrations for clients non-stop one by one, and at some point, I didn’t enjoy the very process. We must give ourselves time. 

Your three places to visit absolutely?

First of all, it’s Svalbard, this is my ultimate dream! Such a lost Arctic treasure on the edge of the world. Secondly, Iceland, I guess. And finally, I only was in St. Petersburg among Russian cities, three times though, and am genuinely looking forward to seeing Moscow and other Russia’s regions. What can I say: I adore the North!

What do you like and dislike the most in Paris as an architect?

Many people and even my friends from the architecture school constantly criticise new Parisian architecture. They believe that Paris is the Baron Haussmann’s ancient buildings. Friends sometimes point me out the modern architecture saying: «Don’t you build such a thing, Hélène!» - but I will! Architects can’t keep designing old stone mansions anymore; architecture must evolve. 

Parisians are not very open to new approaches, new technologies in construction. 

For example, Renzo Piano is actually designing a project of the Palais de Justice - such an incredible project! But many of my friends think it is too defiant and not representing the spirit of Paris. And I just hate to hear such arguments! 

At the same time, I adore the ancient architecture in Paris. Every day I walk on the Pont des Arts and take a picture of the Seine, and I am still charmed even if it has been six years I am nearby. No matter how long you live here, Paris will always be inspiring.

Do you think creativity is something innate or something that can be developed?

I believe that there are some initial skills you have when you are a child that help to understand which direction to follow, like the sense of proportion, the sense of perspective. But talent ... There are certainly little boys and girls who play symphonies on the piano since they are tree or something,  and they are undoubtedly gifted. Anyway, even if the talent exists, it means nothing without effort and striving to achieve the perfection. Drawing is like sport, seriously!

-Monmartre or le Marais?

Montmartre.

-The Left bank or the Right bank?

The Right bank!

-Croissant or Pain au chocolat?

Croissant.

- Disneyland or Versailles?

None of the two! Can I choose that?

- Subway or bicycle?

Subway!

-Quish or Swedish meatballs?

Oh! Meatballs!

-Normandy or Brittany?

Normandy.

- Red wine or White wine?

White wine!

- Ski station or the beach?

Skiing!

Interview published on pariswithme.com / Helene’s instagram @helenelacombe

All images © Alina Sepp / Written by Katya Ulitina