Charles Desmarais
Canadian graphic designer Charles Desmarais creates projects based on consistent aspects of his life. To him, art does not have to always be extravagant, as long as it is authentic to your experiences. Gaining an interest in art through skateboarding around Montreal and immersing himself within the subculture, Charles expanded on this interest in a high school computer class. Taking upwards of 30 hours to complete a single piece, Charles prefers to refine his pieces and to curate his exact vision, as opposed to rushing his creative process. The future for this young designer holds many more projects whilst exploring neighboring branches of his craft.
How would you describe the art scene in Montreal? Do you enjoy living in Canada?
It’s really cool. Montreal is rather small, so everyone knows each other, which makes us all very humble and genuine. But the truth is everyone is super good at what they’re doing and passionate. I think there is a unique kind of energy here, which is probably due to being very close to the U.S, it allows us to be in the game without really being there at the same time.
Also, since we’re speaking French, we are very connected with France too and get inspired by what’s done there. It creates a unique culture you can really feel on the artistic scene. I listen to a lot of rap and Montreal rap is a good example of what I am trying to explain here. All this influence has come to create the Montreal vibe. Canada is truly incredible. We have big cities and lots of nature. In the province of Quebec, the equivalent of a state in the United States, we have 6 months of winter where the temperature can drop to -30 Celsius (-22°F). That means I stay at home and have more time to do artistic projects. Then, during the other 6 months, when it’s warmer, we’re all a little hyperactive and see our friends almost every day to catch up. I have friends whose families own a cabin, so on weekends, we usually try to get out of town and go into the woods. Make campfires and take a dive into the lake. We have endless maple syrup too!
Where do you draw inspiration from? Extraordinarily event or ordinary life?
I really like to start with an idea from ordinary life. Often, events related to my life. Like, if I’m always eating phở soup with my colleagues then I’m going to make a bowl of phở soup in 3D. The many artists I follow on Instagram inspire me a lot too. And I like to create funny and colorful things that will make people laugh.
Has art always been a part of your life?
Yes! It started when I was young and already drawing a lot. Growing up, I did a lot of skateboarding. I think it’s the skateboarding world that contributed to my developing curiosity for art. Cool skateboard and t-shirt designs, skateboard movie intros, that kind of stuff. I even wanted to start a skateboard company and make t-shirts with a friend when I was 12-13 years old. I even bought a cheap screen print kit to make sweaters... but it never really worked.
How did you get into graphic design? And what role would you say digital art plays in the world of art in today’s current time?
I did a high school computer class where I learned to use Flash MX, the after effect ancestor. It was there that the click happened when I saw the potential of vector art. It’s also because of my older cousin who was studying graphic design when I was in high school. I remember seeing him design a font in pipes for a plumbing company on one of the first iMacs, an old transparent and blue one, at a certain Christmas party. I thought it was nice. He had a certain influence on my choice to pursue my studies to study graphic design. My plan B was to become an electrician. I think digital art plays a huge role in our industry. Everyone is doing digital art now and those who stay with more traditional techniques, such as photography and painting, try to reproduce 3D renderings. But I think you have to keep in mind that computers are just a tool and that it’s easy to fall into the gimmicks of digital art. An experienced eye can discern the real artists from the fake ones who only apply a recipe. At the same time, everyone does what they want, I’m not here to judge or shame anyone. It’s more when there is money at stake that it bothers me.
How long does it typically take to complete a piece?
I would say that it takes me between 5 and 30 hours. If I have enough time, I will stretch the upload to Instagram as much as possible in order to allow me to take a step back and refine all the little details that bother me... but that nobody will end up seeing. On the other hand, I can work super fast when the deadline is short. In those cases though, I feel less joyful when I release it. It comes a month later when I look back at what I have been doing and I say to myself “I did good” haha.
What is one goal you wish to achieve in your life?
Woah big question! I sure would love to travel for work. I also want to buy a house, by a lake, surrounded by forest in the province of Quebec. I really enjoyed working with and learning from people I admire. I value the perspective and advice of a mentor. I want to visit Canada from coast to coast. I want to try all the typical fast food dishes in all the countries of the world.
What is next for Charles this year?
I really wish I could create the projections for a big musical artist’s show or tour. And I would like to make a video clip for an artist I love. Also, lots of road trips in small villages I never went to across Quebec. To work a lot and do as many projects as 24 hours a day allows me to. I want to refine my 3D textures and my realization skills and to work with people who are more skilled than me so they can transmit their knowledge to me and make me grow. Those are my 2020 goals.
courtesy CHARLES DESMARAIS
interview CHLOE CHENG
More to read
