- - What did you do after Lisaa ?

I began an internship even before I finished Lisaa. I worked in an agency specializing on the World Soccer Cup and I had to create and develop the Internet site. This was during the early days of the web and I had never done that. Thanks to this experience, I met people. Once I had my diploma, I didn’t take a vacation and I began immediately as an intern at Pictoris Interactive, a growing web agency.

- What were the steps of your professional career ?

After being an intern, I became a graphic designer, then a junior art dirtector and finally a senior art director. The agency grew quickly and the earliest employees had spectacular career launches. Then, I launched a graphic design department at Astech, a company specializing in web design. At this point, I hired two students from Lisaa, first as interns and then as employees. Unfortunately, Astech did not survive the 2001 crash. Then I decided to start my own company.

- How did this happen ?

In the beginning, I created an independent company. I had a lot of orders right away : clients I had known followed me because they wanted to work with me, the business structure didn’t matter to them. Things worked well and in 2004, I founded a company with three partners.

- How many people are in your company ?

We are four associates and three employees. The rest of the team is made up of freelancers who work with us depending on our needs. We have developed the company around two major axes : internet and video. The web is my specific area of expertise because I adore that, but video is our major activity.

- Tell us about Ü-Koncept’s activities

We do advertising films, company films and documentaries. Recently, we made a film on Reagan for France 2. An early project for Ü-Koncept was creating two American television stations : Malibu Television Network and Polo Channel. For these stations, we did the graphics, logo and web site. Right now, we handle creation of their contents as executive producers.

- In your work, how do you reconcile your creativity with your professional restrictions ?

Over time, you find clever personal tricks to create and these habits become your style … which you must combine with client requests. It is important to be open and absorb what exists. Whatever happens, the secret is to enjoy what you do because that way a part of you is in your creation. Though to be frank, it isn’t always possible.

- What advice would you give recent graduates of Lisaa ?

It is importaznt to love what you do : your work must be your passion. A creative person must be able to give without counting. And without being taken advantage of either, of course. If you look at your watch all the time at work, that’s not a good sign. Only a creative person who is passionate will succeed in the long run, this is certain. I would also advise beginners to seek work in other countries. The competition is tough but passionate : in terms of cultural openings, it is good training.

The Ü-Koncept site  : http://www.u-koncept.com