Illustrator
Elfenn
Elfenn Manrot is a dreamer, she was born that way. In between daydreams, she set out in 2015 to share her graphic universe. Greatly inspired by Montreal, where she had just moved, she chose to start with postcards.
Her style, imbued with gentleness and originality, revealed itself. Trained in audiovisual post-production, Elfenn gradually moved from video to print, without ever leaving her favorite tool: Photoshop.
Based on her own photographs, she cuts, assembles, textures and colors to create her illustrations.
MEMBER SINCE 2016
Photo credit: Anthony McLean
In my work, I like to give free rein to my ideas and not force anything (because I've learned from experience that this is a waste of time and energy). I've sometimes started a new illustration and not managed to finish it, or not known how to use it afterwards. So I decide to forget about it and put it aside completely. A year later, a new "pop", I finish the illustration and in the process, a new collection is born, obvious. That's what I love most about my job - I'm never bored.
When I applied to become a member [of l'Empreinte], I had just started my own business, having recently moved to Montreal. So I wanted to get in touch with craftspeople who had experience, and therefore something to teach me. I also felt that L'Empreinte was not just a point of sale, but would become an anchor (and I was right!).
Lastly, the way the cooperative works is very much in line with my human and political values, because it's a democratic way of running a business (in the original sense of the word), the most democratic way there is! Every member has a vote, there's no hierarchy and all major decisions are taken collectively. What seemed utopian to me turned out to be possible...
What makes l'Empreinte Coopérative unique for me is the fact that it was created by and for artisans, and it's thanks to this that it's thriving fifty years on. The torch is passed from hand to hand, decade after decade, and I'm convinced that l'Empreinte will live on for another fifty years!
Our privileged location in Old Montreal makes our boutique a window on the world, and every customer who comes away with their purchases leaves with a little piece of Quebec.
