Fresh creations from Jean Jullien
French-born, London-based graphic artist Jean Jullien has an iconic, inky illustration style.
Originally from Nantes, Jean Jullien studied for his degree in graphic design in Quimper, before moving to London to continue his studies first at Central Saint Martins and then the Royal College of Art. Since then, Jean has become prolific, internationally known for creating an impressive and ever-expanding portfolio of work.
Jean’s lengthly client list includes the likes of Channel 4, Tate, The New Yorker, Nike, It’s Nice That and BMW to name just a few. His success is now affording him with more creative freedom than many artists ever have the luxury of enjoying.
Some of Jean’s most exciting work has come in the form of illustrative sculptures. Earlier in the year his exhibition in Bangkok included a huge lightbulb-headed man, alongside a range of colourful murals. When speaking to Creative Review Jean is quoted as saying they’re the most challenging.
“I love working in public spaces because I find it to be the most militant way to do graphics. I’ve always thought that it was somehow a bit too comfortable to create art for the art knowledgable crowds only. Presenting work to a large audience is very challenging. You have to strip your work of certain characteristics and create something universal, without losing yourself in it.”
And this isn’t the only unusual project Jean has been a part of this year. Other commissions have included clothing and toys released in collaboration with NOUNOU, a range of quirky illustrated labels for Majestic Wines, and 8 steel sculptures exhibited in Berlin.
Collaboration is a theme throughout Jean’s career. In 2011, he co-founded movie making studio The Jullien Brothers with his brother Nicolas Jullien. Nicolas is a director, animator and electronic musician. Combining Jean’s iconic inky illustration style with Nicolas’s musical know-how, the pair tell intriguing stories through moving imagery.
Whether working collaboratively or on his own, Jean Jullien’s work always presents something fresh and enticing. From moving images on screens to (slightly more stationary) sculptures. As ever, we are looking forward to seeing what he conjures up next!