Audrey Arena

Why did you choose ESMA?

I first explored history and archaeology at university, but I quickly realised that it wasn’t for me. I persisted for a year to appease my parents, but creation has always been my passion. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been a creator at heart, constantly trying to make something with my hands. The idea of an artistic career appealed to me, even if the doubts and warnings about the instability of the art professions held me back.

During an open day atESMAi knew that this was the school for me. It was like entering a world of pure creation that was destined for me. After talking to the teachers, I was determined to convince my parents to let me follow my passion.

I enrolled in the MANAA at ESMA the following year, and it was a revelation. For the first time, I felt totally at home in my studies. The MANAA required a lot of effort and touched on everything, like architecture, graphic design and drawing. These were all areas that were new to me, but this diversity was precisely what excited me.

What did you originally want to do as a profession?

Initially, I saw myself as an architect, attracted by the beauty and complexity of this field. During a project where I had to design a product, I was able to combine my passion for board sports and my studies by proposing the creation of a skateboard from recycled pallets. This project was a real wake-up call for me, confirming that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts.

I was passionate about design, with its many forms of expression. So I decided to go for a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, which took two years to complete but offered a level 3 qualification.

My school then launched a Master’s degree in digital design and strategy, which included a six-month work placement. Although the financial situation was tight, my parents supported me, allowing me to continue and complete a further year at ESMA.

How did your internship interview go?

My absolute objective was to work for a brand linked to board sports. Whenever the opportunity arose to do a free project, I centred it around skateboarding or surfing, passions that are close to my heart. This also allowed me to add significant personal projects to my portfolio. I kept a constant eye on offers from big brands like Boardriders or French skate brands, always on the lookout for an opportunity.

It was a school friend who told me that Maneraa company specialising in the design of surf and kitesurf accessories and equipment, was looking for a trainee, so I didn’t hesitate. I applied, passed the interview with unfailing determination and was accepted. I was so fulfilled in this world that I hoped they’d offer me the chance to work for them

a job after the 6-month placement. To do that, I put in a lot of hard work, even working in the evenings to put the finishing touches to my projects. I put all my energy into succeeding.

An anecdote?

I sometimes think back with humour to my video interview for my work placement. I was so enthusiastic that I monopolised the conversation, and my motivation was so palpable that… I completely forgot to present my portfolio. I had everything ready: my slides, my work, but in the heat of the conversation, it completely slipped my mind. And it was only after I’d hung up that I realised I’d forgotten. At the time, I thought I’d ruined everything. But in the end, my passion spoke for itself and they accepted me, even without seeing my portfolio. The feeling was so good that they even asked me to join the team after the course.

What is your current position?

For two years now, I’ve been employed by the company where I did my six-month work placement. My role has evolved over time. Today, I work for Manera’s parent company, the F-ONEwhich specialises in creating board sports equipment such as kite and foil boards and wings.

I spent a year juggling between Manera and F-ONE, which didn’t fully satisfy me because I couldn’t fully commit to either brand. It frustrated me not to see a project through to its full conclusion. So I left Manera to devote myself exclusively to F-ONE.

As a graphic designer, I’m involved in all the brand’s communications, from managing the website to creating campaigns. We work on a collection basis, with two releases a year. What I’m most excited about now is seeing the complete product cycle: from design to promotion, including photo shoots and product layouts for the website.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

The biggest difficulty I encounter in my job is the time constraint. There’s always this desire to refine and push each project towards excellence, but time is a luxury that you don’t always have. That’s why I really recommend taking full advantage of the school period to experiment and allow yourself every creative outlet, because once you’re working, deadlines dominate and you have to deliver without any further delay.

What’s your favourite thing about being a graphic designer?

My favourite part of my job is the pure creation, especially when it comes to planning and designing a campaign to launch a new product. The satisfaction of seeing the final video is immense; it makes the project real and I feel a real pride in having contributed to it. Recently, I had the opportunity to design the brand’s next clothing collection, which allowed me to get back into illustration, my first passion. I can’t wait for the launch of this collection, excited to see my creations come to life.

Any advice on creating a portfolio?

When you create your portfolio, it’s essential that it reflects who you are. The advantage of teaching at ESMA is that it allows you to present a wide range of techniques used on different projects. The aim is to show that we have a complete toolbox, rich in resources. You shouldn’t hesitate to include a project which, even if it’s not the most successful, reveals the use of a new medium. In my portfolio, you’ll find print, animation, web creations, sketches… The idea is to highlight our ability to be multidisciplinary.

It’s also a good idea to add personal projects carried out outside the classroom. This shows real motivation, commitment to what we do and a love for our subject. This is how the recruiter is able to identify our profile and personality.

A final word?

I’d like to say to all ESMA students to make the most of their period of study. It really is the ideal time to throw yourself into it, to take advantage of every opportunity to explore and experiment with all the modes of expression available. It’s the perfect opportunity to venture out in all directions and discover as many communication techniques as possible. Above all, put all your energy into getting the course of your dreams, the one that resonates with your passions. Find an internship that really excites you, because if you’re lucky enough to be selected afterwards, it’s the best transition to professional life you could wish for.