Ekta

What is the story of your studio? FF: The studio started seven years ago. We went to different schools in Brussels, as I went to ENSAV La Cambre and Guillaume went to ERG. We met each other as we started working for the same studio. At this time, we were also working separately as freelancers. At some point we were having too much work on our shoulders and came with the idea to join our forces for some projects, as we had the same interest for the cultural sector. After one or two big collaborations, we decided to start our own studio and Ekta was born. GD: One meeting, several meetings, some desires, friendship and interesting projects.

What is your most striking project? What would you dream to work on? FF: I wouldn’t say that there is only one striking project… What has been really exciting in this job are all the people that we have met since the beginning of this journey. I think that my best experience in this job was to see people that believed in our work and that gave us the chance to get involved in this industry. In the future, I would like to develop my skills in using new technologies, such as motion design, and to work on more global projects. GD: It would be a dream to redo the visual identity of the NASA. And a trip on the moon.

Are you influenced by some books, readings or any magazine in particular? Do you have any artist or graphic designers in mind with whom you would like to collaborate? FF: I get most of my inspiration in performances and live shows, mostly dance and theater. Also, I am learning a lot from experience as a teacher, thanks to all the interaction and the curiosity of my students. I particularly enjoy going to exhibition too, it allows me to understand some particular processes and approaches in order to constantly innovate in my work. I would like to develop a multidisciplinary approach by working with people coming from different creative fields, such as photographs, movie makers or even dancers. I am really interested by the design approach developed during the Bauhaus period. GD: I really like the publisher called ‘Editions B42’, it is rad. Also, Cyan(.de), they are amazing!

Which places would you recommend in Brussels to find some inspiration? FF: I would recommend to go to Kaaitheater, the KVS and to the National Theater, which are my favorite places to see live performances. GD: To the best bar in town: Le Petit Lion. You should also go to Alice Gallery, Bozar, the Wiels, Rodolphe Janssen Gallery, LaVallée, the jazz gigs at the Roskam, the MAD… Interview conducted in April 2018 ©ktlg