Twitter
FacebookLike many, I have a list of blogs I like to check daily. Among them is Clickclk, a site that chronicles up and comers in the visual design and art industries. I’ve been reading it for quite some time. Unbeknownst to me, a few months ago I would stumble across another site by the same creator. The idea behind It’s Numbered drew me in immediately: connecting artists and art lovers from around Europe with one another, to exchange ideas and best of all, to distribute their artwork. I stumbled on to the website (part blog, part online shop) in it’s very beginnings and immediately wanted to get involved.
Name: Martin Silvestre
Location: Paris, France
Website: martinsilvestre.com
Twitter: @martinsilvestre
What is We Work On Sunday about?
We work on Sunday is a creative team that I formed with Robin Thomas, who is a web developer. We specialize in digital media, websites, e-commerce sites, smartphone applications and so on.
When the creative studio launched, we were still students. Back then it became about balancing school work and all the freelance work coming in, so every Sunday we’d end up going to work to make sure everything got done right and on time. So that’s basically why we called ourselves “We work on Sunday.”
What do you mean When you say “we work on perfect self”?
When you work along side a web developer like I do, you can’t simply think of aesthetics. You have to take usability and navigation into consideration too. Together, we explore new ways of using HTML5 for example. In doing so, alternatives to traditional design rise to the surface. I work on the form, and Thomas develops it.
When did you start ClikClk, and why?
I founded Clikclk in 2009 because I wanted to promote the people around me. I’ve never really liked big productions and big budgets. Every day I would set out to discover new talent, and for me the blog was a way to make a directory of all these people.
Gradually, the blog grew and Pauline Rose (who manages our fashion and photography content) joined me in my endeavour. Soon a number of faithful contributors, Laura, Esthèle, Margaux and Vincent, also joined the team.
Why do you love doing what you do?
I am a graphic designer so I love creating beautiful images and compositions. But I also want to initiate and develop projects. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a project grow, especially one that unites a community.
I am very glad I created Clikclk, and I’m even happier now with the launch of my new project, It’s Numbered. It’s an associative shop that will distribute work by an ever changing roster of independent artists.
What made you decide to take on Yet Another project with your new online shop It’s Numbered?
On Clikclk we presented over 800 artists. Over time, I’ve caught myself more than once I saying “I would love to have this poster at home.”
In many cities there are shops that distribute independent works, but the internet offers us an opportunity to discover artists from all cities and all countries. I have not yet found a platform that truly respects artists, one which will allow me to get my hands on a screen print by a Danish artist, or a photo by a French photograph.
With It’s Numbered, our objective is to distribute independent artists while keeping our margins at 25%. This way we can compensate the artists properly all the while mainting enough of a margin to be able to organize exhibitions around Europe.
Today, Clikclk occupies a bigger role online so I want to use this network to further promote the artists I love.
Where does the name It’s Numbered come from?
The name “It’s Numbered’ comes from the idea that we only sell works that are numbered. Meaning that when you buy a work on our platform, you are one of only 30, 50, 80 … to get a copy. It’s limited edition.
How did you get started as an Art Director?
I started as a freelance Art Director during my studies, then I completed an internship at Buzzman (Paris) as the Artistic Director of their senior team.
How do you set yourself apart from all The Other art directors out there?
I don’t know that I’m strikingly different from other art directors in form, but in function I would say that it’s my ambitious nature and entreprenurial spirit that distinguish me from others.
Why Pursue a Masters Degree When you’ve got so much Already going on career wise?
For my mother! No, but really, while I have certainly managed to get a number of projects off the ground during my studies, that doesn’t mean that I have lost interest in prefecting my skills, discovering new things and improving my work.
I’m still young and I am very fortunate to be able to study. I still have plenty of time to work in agencies and who knows one day, maybe even start my own!
