Malika Favre on her first jobs and the art of working at lightning speed
For this week’s podcast, we visited artist and illustrator Malika Favre at her home studio in east London. Malika's work is recognisable for its deceptively simple forms, controlled colour palettes and striking use of shadows and negative space, and has made her one of the most sought-after illustrators working today. We caught up on agents, favourite clients and super-tight deadlines.
Malika Favre
Job Title
Artist and Illustrator
Selected Clients
Vogue, BAFTA, Penguin Books, The New Yorker, Montreux Jazz Festival
Previous Employment
Web and Digital Designer, Unit9, 2005–2006
Designer and Illustrator at Airside, 2006–2011
Education
BA in Visual Communication, ENSAAMA
BA in Digital Media, University for the Creative Arts, Farnham
Social Media
twitter.com/malikafavre
instagram.com/malikafavre/
Website
From editorial to advertising, Malika has worked for the likes of Vogue, BAFTA, Penguin Books and her favourite client – The New Yorker, for whom she has just designed her fifth cover. Working to a fluctuating timescale that can range from a couple of hours for a last-minute cover, to two weeks for a pre-planned theme, it’s fair to say that she’s mastered the art of working at lightning speed.
Originally from Paris, Malika grew up in a creative family, but her career started out on a distinctly different path – studying physics and maths. Soon realising it wasn’t for her, she went on to complete a BA in graphic design before moving to London. Ahead of her new show ‘Le Crazy’ at the Outline Editions Gallery, we hear how the Parisian-born, London-based illustrator set up on her own terms.
Mention Malika Favre
Mention The New Yorker
Mention Unit 9
Mention Handsome Frank