Here at Slowdown Studio, we love collaborating with emerging and established artists from around the world. We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Nantes-based French illustrator Thomas Gaudinet, the creative mind behind both the Barbosa and newly launched Guarena throw. Thomas is known for his expressive linework, playful compositions, and a unique ability to blend softness with boldness - his work feels like a pastel daydream with a punk soundtrack. We spoke to Thomas about the joy of watching his dog nap, his love of dark music and bright colors, and what it means to be patient with your creative process.
1. Who do you think is the most exciting emerging creative in your city?
The artist I'm thinking of directly isn't an emerging artist, but he's made a strong impression on me. He's an illustrator from my region called Jean Jullien. I love the way he draws and the wonderful ideas that come out of his mind. Some of his works are installed in my town and I love seeing them.
The artist I'm thinking of directly isn't an emerging artist, but he's made a strong impression on me. He's an illustrator from my region called Jean Jullien. I love the way he draws and the wonderful ideas that come out of his mind. Some of his works are installed in my town and I love seeing them.
Jean Jullien exhibition 'Sparks', France
2. Where are your favourite places to go in your Nantes, France?
I especially like walking in the city parks. I feel good with lots of space around me.
I especially like walking in the city parks. I feel good with lots of space around me.
3. What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself when you were starting out in art?
My most important advice would be to be patient and persistent, and not to be afraid of making mistakes. It takes time for good creations to emerge. You have to make mistakes, know how to go back, find another way. All this takes time, patience and a little stubbornness.
My most important advice would be to be patient and persistent, and not to be afraid of making mistakes. It takes time for good creations to emerge. You have to make mistakes, know how to go back, find another way. All this takes time, patience and a little stubbornness.
Barbosa Throw, designed by Thomas Gaudinet
7. What's the most memorable book you've read in the last few years?
A biography of Andy Warhol. It was extremely enriching!
4. What are you listening to in your studio at the moment?
A lot of Metal. My approach to music and pictorial art is quite the opposite. As much as I love paintings full of color and life and I love dark music.
La Nuit, Thomas Gaudinet
6. What's your favorite way to slow down?
To calm my mind, I particularly like to play the guitar, music is a total space of freedom for me. I also like to listen to my dog sleeping and snoring, it soothes me enormously.
5. What inspired your design for this latest blanket design for the Guarena Throw?
A sunny day, a green plant and a book on Jean Michel Basquiat.
Guarena Throw, designed by Thomas Gaudinet
8. What has been the happiest/most rewarding moment of your art career?
I don't have a particular moment, what gives me pleasure is sometimes succeeding in delighting people with my illustrations, that's what's most important to me.
9. How does living in your city influence your work?
Nantes is a very green city, with lots of parks. Nature is something that inspires me enormously. There are also a lot of cultural activities to do in Nantes, from exhibitions to concerts. It all feeds me a lot intellectually.
Instagram: @thomas_gaudinet
Website: https://thomasgaudinet5.wixsite.com/thomas-g?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadijsEgzZxVfMR6OY3ZE1as1st4MwZkHEPOpfnrYnTI3g5yK9_4zqOJZ8cmCg_aem_-mCykaUC5q_ipTr6Dkplgg
Website: https://thomasgaudinet5.wixsite.com/thomas-g?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadijsEgzZxVfMR6OY3ZE1as1st4MwZkHEPOpfnrYnTI3g5yK9_4zqOJZ8cmCg_aem_-mCykaUC5q_ipTr6Dkplgg
