Jessica Bellotto

A look back at your ESMA years

Why did you choose to go into graphic design?

I’ve loved drawing ever since I was a little girl. I was a creative person! The subjects I excelled in at school were art and music. That said, before secondary school, I didn’t necessarily want to become a graphic designer. It was at secondary school that I started to think about it. Originally, I wanted to become a stylist, I’m very attracted to fashion. My parents warned me about the opportunities in this field, but they didn’t close the door on creative professions. That’s how I came to look for a school to upgrade my skills in applied arts after my baccalauréat.

And why ESMA?

I lived in Millau. So I looked for the nearest school and it was Montpellier. I had two schools in mind, one of which was ESMA. I went to the open days. The students were there to explain what they’d been doing and there was a real feeling of closeness. That’s when I decided to do the MANAA. That’s how I got into ESMA.

How did the MANAA go?

I discovered the world of space design, graphic design, more advanced drawing and 3D animation. It was quite simply an obvious choice for me to go into graphic design. At the time, the BTS course took place over two years after the MANAA.

How did your course develop?

To tell you the truth, looking back I still miss it. It was a very intense three years, with a lot of work and some incredible moments too. I discovered a passion for this profession. I’d like to thank my parents for giving me that opportunity. It has guided my professional career. I loved the fact that we were all working together. I really enjoyed working with students from all disciplines.

Why did you choose Graphic Design, Print Media option?

I love everything on paper. I needed to draw, to be able to create with my hands, which digital didn’t allow me to do at the time. And I wasn’t very good at it either.

Your career path

How did your integration into the professional world go?

I wanted to specialise in one area but I didn’t know what it was. So I wanted to do some work placements to find out what I really liked. I started at Ikea. It went well, but there was nothing at all creative about it. Then I got another placement with a small events agency in Montpellier, Vu D’en Face Productions. It went so well that the manager suggested I set up my own business as a self-employed entrepreneur. I was a bit scared, but I thought why not! She gave me several assignments.
I also had clients who asked me to do logos and posters. One thing led to another and over the next four years I also developed my expertise in events management thanks to the head of Vu D’en Face. I fell in love with the job. I was able to manage two major events: The Montpellier Reine and the Abracadabra Festival.

So you’ve gone from pure graphic design to a much wider field of investigation!

Exactly! In fact, I was involved in everything. I created the communication materials, wrote the press releases and organised the event. And I did it all myself. There was also a magazine for kids, Nine, with a sports section, sponsored by Décathlon. I used to go there and things went really well. It just so happened that the company needed some POS material, posters and so on. That’s how I got my foot in the door at Décathlon. I was delighted. It got so big that I was offered the job of communications manager, a permanent contract!

Where do you work now?

At Décathlon, obviously as head of communications and events and of the pro service. I’m in charge of communications for Vitalsport and the main organiser of this annual event.

How would you describe your job?

It’s a very varied job. I do a lot of things that aren’t necessarily connected. It’s an exciting job. The days are never the same. There’s no such thing as a typical day. There are always new challenges. I’m constantly learning new things. I have a blast every day!

Are you still using the graphic design base you studied at Esma?

Of course I do! It’s an asset. The only thing I might miss a little at Decat is the creative side, which is what I did the BTS for. But I’m blossoming.

In conclusion

Have you met any Esma alumni in your career?

Yes! I met my boyfriend at ESMA, Yann de la Rica, who had studied space design. I work with a lot of alumni in this field. Some of them have changed direction, but they’ve built on the foundations laid at ESMA.

How do you see your future?

Today, I’m doing very well at Décathlon and I still have lots of things to do and learn here. Right now, I’m not closed. Why not move on? Maybe in events management at Décathlon. The only problem is that the head office is in Lille. I think I’d miss the sea a bit. I’m attached to the south.

Any advice for future students?

Students should be aware that there’s a lot of work involved. It’s a course for people who are passionate about what they do. Give it your all! You have to be very curious: go and see exhibitions, read books, watch reports and documentaries. Once again, if you’re passionate and you want to learn, anything is possible. You can’t put the brakes on yourself! When I arrived there I knew how to draw, but that’s all I knew. ESMA develops so many things that the rest will follow!