We recently connected with Pierre-Alain Auclair and have shared our conversation below.
Pierre-Alain, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I got introduced to the world of art through my scholarship in a design school in Paris. At first I considered myself as a designer more than an artist. After my graduation I started a year long experience in architecture, at one point I got frustrated to find that I had very little to say on the projects I was working on, and that my creativity was lost in the process. Not long after I decided to let loose my mind, I stopped the job I was working at and started my own business. Since then I can say that the way I keep my creativity alive is by trusting my instincts. Following what my heart tells me and trusting my judgement as well as the creative process.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Pierre-Alain, I’m a 25 y/o Designer, and I live in France next to Paris. A year ago I started my own business of creating unique pieces of furniture, Studio RELCO! I create lamps, vinyl stands, mirors and much more. Aware of todays world challenges, it is important for me to think of more substainble ways of working, thats why all of the wood I’m using comes from substainably manages forests in France, I make all the objects myself, and the packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable. Thanks to my background in Design and Architecture, I try to make my objects as unique and funky as possible, I get my inspirations from all sorts of places! The 60-70-80s era, sovietic architecture, Japanese designs and a lot more!
A month and a half ago, I launched a new project : “Jeudi RELCO”, the RELCO Thursdays! Each week I create a new piece of furniture that post on my Instagram page (@studio_relco) and sell on my website (studiorelco.com)!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three most important qualities or skills for me are : Passion. Starting a business is a lot of work, no one is going to push you, so if you can’t do it yourself, you’re not going to go anywhere. If you are not passionate enough about what you’re doing, it’s going to be hard to do those extra hours. And if you love what you do, it will not seam like work anymore!
Patience. Its going to take some time. Growing a community doesn’t happen in a day, nor does visibility (except if you’re lucky!) So i try to take things step by step and not skip them. Even if it doesn’t work out I’ll have learned a lot of stuff!
Creativity. For me this is the key. People are going to want to find something unique. And often what makes something unique is who did it. If people love your work, it is because you made it. If you try to be someone or something else, it will show. So I try to stay true to myself through my creativity.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
They trusted me. This works for parents as well as girlfriend/boyfrien, wife/husband. Starting a new business is challenging. Working extra hours, not being on the same time schedule as the people you are living with, not making a lot or making no money at all in the begining, even though you’re working hard. Because of all these challenges, it is really important to have people that believe and support you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studiorelco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_relco/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89991619/admin/feed/posts/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.fr/studiorelco/ https://www.tiktok.com/@studio_relco
Image Credits
Pierre-Alain AUCLAIR Studio RELCO
