Château Fort Fort

What is the story of your studio ? AD: We met during our two-year higher technical degree (BTS) in Graphic design in Rouen. I then did a two-year superior Diploma of applied arts (DSAA) at La Martinière-Diderot in Lyon. Sebastien did the same but in Strasbourg. One we were graduated, we asked ourselves many questions about our professional future, we didn’t see us work at an agency. We wanted to get into it, stand on our own feet. We became independent graphic designer under the same name, this is how Château Fort Fort was born. The Château Fort Fort is the stronghold that defends the values of graphic design, that was the starting point to conceive our universe. SN: We had to choose a location for our studio. It was heads or tails. We were on the phone, I threw the coin. AD: Sébastien wanted to stay in Strasbourg, I preferred Lyon. We both felt in love with the cities we studied in. So we decided to let luck choose and it happened to be Lyon.

When creating your studio, did you have a clear idea of the field you wanted to work in ? SN: At first, it was mostly a matter of instinct. We did not have prospects yet. We acted day by day. We set out to conquer new clients, but it was really difficult sometimes, procedures could be long. We quickly became aware that it worked through network. Lyon is a big city, there is a lot of talented graphic designers, the competition is tough. Our network began with friends, people we met during our studies that launched their companies and needed visual identities, websites… AD: So we started with designing an oncle’s logo, a friend’s one or a cousin’s website. These are simple things that helped us to learn basis. Gradually, we got external customers who were not part of our family. Having started within the "family" circle has allowed us to lay our marks, to anchor in the graphic design work. It's hard to define our studio because it is constantly evolving. SN: Thereafter, Bellecour School asked me to teach there. I have been teaching a BTS class there for two years now. And since the beginning of this year, I am also educational director of the Master.

Has teaching changed your practice in the studio ? AD: Yes, first, there is the time issue. It is more complicated to organize work. SN: Otherwise, it enabled us to take a step back from our work. When switching to the teacher's side, we have expectations for students, so you have to upgrade. It also allows me to progress in my practice and experimenting in my research, which is not possible with client projects. Working in workshop with students allows to be open to new experiences, new ideas. This is a constructive exchange because it is always a calling into question of our work.

Can you tell us about a particular project ? AD: Personal projects are the ones that motivate us the most, there sure is a pleasant side to be the sole masters of the game. SN: Due to our personal approach of experimentation, we were contacted by Toutouchic gallery in Metz to exhibit the Datatopia 3.0 project. We are also working on a personal project with Aurélie Amiot who heads the Modulab gallery in Metz. We collaborate with her on a poster chart and a graphic identity. We also designed exhibition posters. This project has opened a lot of doors for us. Mutual trust between the client and the designer is essential, that is what allows a project to expand better. Interview conducted in May 2015 ©ktlg