Inspiration Boost : Fanny Berthiaume
Welcome to our blog! Today, we’re thrilled to introduce a unique and passionate artist, Fanny Berthiaume. A talented illustrator, Fanny explores a multitude of techniques and styles. For the past five years, she has focused on children’s illustration and visual development for animation.
In this interview, she shares her artistic journey, the inspiration behind the Strawberry Mist puzzle for Lalita's Art Shop, and her reflections on creativity, freelance organization, and the dreams that fuel her. Dive into Fanny's creative world!
Hello Fanny, we’re so happy to welcome you to our artist community! Can you introduce yourself briefly for those who don’t know you yet?
Hi, I’m Fanny Berthiaume! My artistic background is pretty eclectic. From 2D Animator to 3D Artist in visual effects, as well as miniature set design for stop-motion, illustration, and character and background design, I’ve dabbled in almost everything over the past 15 years. For the past five years, I’ve been a freelancer specializing in children’s illustration and visual development, mainly for animated series and films. Since childhood, I’ve always loved puzzles, and it’s a real pleasure now to contribute my illustrations to those from Lalita’s Art Shop, which are of exceptional quality!
You illustrated our puzzle Strawberry Mist. Can you tell us what inspired you and how you approached creating this illustration?
To be honest, this illustration holds special meaning for me because it’s been in my mind since I was very young. As a child, I often dreamed of a magical world where giant strawberries grew, and I could take big, juicy bites out of them. It was a recurring dream that followed me strangely for years. I’m not sure what it meant, but at the very least, it inspired this dreamy ode to my love for our delicious Quebec strawberries. The illustration used for the Strawberry Mist puzzle is actually the second version of the same image, which I had originally created for a personal project. I revised and adapted it to fit the puzzle format, hoping it will appeal to both young and old alike!
What do you enjoy most about your work?
As an artist (and simply as a human), perfection doesn’t exist. There’s always room to learn something new, to improve some aspect of our work, whether it’s our ability to sketch characters, capture a particular light, define an interesting color palette, or fully grasp a client’s vision. In short, we’re in constant evolution. This process of lifelong growth and continuous development is deeply satisfying and motivating for me. I also enjoy the variety that freelance work brings to my daily life—each project is a new challenge!
How do you cultivate creativity in your daily life? What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from nature, from natural light, and the way it influences our mood and brings beauty to everyday moments. More recently, I’ve also found inspiration in my two little ones, aged 3 years and 3 months, who allow me to rediscover life through their childlike perspective. Having two kids gives me the perfect excuse to collect children’s books, which fill every corner of the house and provide me with a constant well of inspiration.
Do you usually create while listening to music? If so, what kind of music do you like to listen to while working?
When I listen to music while working, I try to choose a soundtrack that matches the mood of the project I’m working on at the moment. I often turn to movie soundtracks that align with the world of the book or illustration I’m developing. I also enjoy listening to comedy podcasts or ones focused on creativity and personal development. The type of content I listen to depends a lot on the stage of creation I’m in and the level of concentration required!
Are there any artistic techniques you haven’t tried yet that you’d like to explore?
For a long time, I drew and painted exclusively in digital format on my Cintiq. In the past few months, I’ve been enjoying experimenting with traditional mediums, exploring gouache, colored pencils, and rediscovering the joy of working on paper. In the coming months and years, I’d love to try writing my own stories and experimenting with other mediums like watercolor and collage.
How do you organize your creative days? Do you have a particular or ideal routine?
I’m currently on maternity leave with my 3-month-old son, so right now my routine is more of a delightful chaos revolving around feedings and baby naps! :) Normally, I start my creative day with a walk with my dog to get some fresh air and sunlight, then I sit down at my computer to tackle the first task on my schedule. Having kids has made it essential to be more organized and have a defined routine. I usually plan my weekly schedule on the previous Friday so that I have a clear roadmap to follow and can work more efficiently.
Do you have any upcoming artistic projects you’d like to share with us?
I’m currently working on developing visuals for two beautiful manuscripts that I hope will eventually be published as children’s books. My head is full of projects for 2025, but for now, I’m making the most of my maternity leave to explore new mediums and recharge creatively! Keep an eye out for two new puzzles for little ones that will be released next year!
To explore my work and learn more, feel free to visit my website at www.fannyberthiaume.com or follow me on Instagram @fannyberthiaumeillustration.
Thank you, Fanny!
To stay updated on Fanny’s work:
Instagram: @fannyberthiaumeillustration
Website: www.fannyberthiaume.com
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