Jocelyn Charles studied applied arts at École Boulle, Estienne, and the Gobelins, where he perfected his skills in drawing and animation. As an illustrator and director of music videos (The Weeknd, L’Impératrice) and short films, he crafts a singular visual signature. Since 2020, he has been collaborating with Remembers studios, founded by Félix de Givry and Ugo Bienvenu—a space where talents from animation, illustration, and cinema converge.
author
Luciana Trost
,
Ale Mottesi
Date
April 10, 2026
Art
Experimental
Animation
Share
WHAT DOES ART MEAN TO YOU?
JOCELYN CHARLES
Art is, in my opinion, an essential form of expression for living. It entertains, it can be political, it liberates us, and it makes us think. What would be the point of a life filled with technical and tedious work without entertainment, without an escape like art? I believe it is one of the most beautiful things humanity has to offer.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK?
J.C.
My work is, at its start, that of an animator, meaning translating movement through drawing. At first, it is a technical job that involves analyzing reality and reproducing it on paper. But over the past few years, I have been moving away from that more and more, developing my own perspective on the world and expressing it in a poetic, absurd, and colorful way, with a touch of humor, I hope.
When did you first connect with art?
J.C.
I connected with art at a very young age, thanks to the manga my older brothers were reading, and by trying to copy the drawings of Akira Toriyama, especially from Dragon Ball. I took immense pleasure in it, and I think his blend of technical skill and humor has stayed embedded in my DNA.
What motivates you to create your works and to be creative?
J.C.
What motivates me first of all is being in an artistic environment. I see my friends creating around me constantly, and they make such beautiful things that I am continuously inspired and in awe. Animation also offers ultimate freedom. Every idea seems achievable through drawing, since the only limits are those of our imagination.
"Art is, in my opinion, an essential form of expression for living."
WHAT TECHNIQUES DO YOU USE?
J.C.
For drawing, I use a clean and thin line, often with a Bic pen, or a digital line that I frequently combine with alcohol markers. For animation techniques, I often rely on references, either video or 3D, which save me a great deal of time in the process and allow me to focus entirely on visuals and storytelling.
WHO ARE YOUR ARTISTIC INFLUENCES?
J.C.
Pictorially, I am inspired by many people, especially my peers such as Arthur Sevestre, Melek Zertal, Samuel Bas, Roxanne Lumeret, and many others. I am also inspired by great painters like Henri Rousseau, Félix Vallotton, Suzanne Valadon, Egon Schiele, and Klimt for drawing. In cinema, I am inspired by the Safdie brothers, the Coen brothers, Korean cinema, and of course Miyazaki.
"What motivates me first of all is being in an artistic environment. I see my friends creating around me constantly, and they make such beautiful things that I am continuously inspired and in awe."
HOW DO YOU APPROACH STARTING A NEW WORK OR COLLECTION?
J.C.
I first look at my references, what I have recently pinned. It helps me better understand my own tastes. Music also plays a big role. When I listen to music, I immediately feel inspired.
OUTSIDE OF ART, WHAT HOBBIES OR ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY?
J.C.
I love chess, I am fascinated by the game. I play every day and follow almost all the competitions, as well as game analyses. More broadly, I enjoy following sports. Overall, I just love games.
Any plans for this year? Are you currently working on any projects?
J.C.
I do not have a fixed plan, but I would like to return to fiction. I am not yet sure in what form, but definitely through animation. I might also try my hand at comics.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO PURSUE ART OR IS JUST BEGINNING THEIR JOURNEY?
J.C.
Surrounding yourself with the right people is essential. It is hard to work alone, to stay motivated alone, and to grow alone. The internet makes it easier, but having a real community is incredibly inspiring. It is thanks to that that I feel personally fulfilled.
Share