About Julie Vigneron,
Committed Watercolorist, Artist and Illustrator

Hello and welcome!

I’m Julie – a freelance illustrator and watercolour artist. I live in the north of France, between the Lille metropolitan area and the Belgian border, and I work remotely with clients both in France and internationally.

My aim: to create gentle, uplifting, and committed images – whether personal artworks or commissioned illustrations – that help shape a more hopeful future, one that respects the boundaries of our planet.

From the corporate world to watercolour

Before devoting myself fully to illustration and art, I spent over ten years working in the corporate world. Based in Paris, I collaborated with international clients, helping them clarify their needs and evolve their tools and systems.

Today, living closer to nature in the countryside near Lille, I divide my time between two spaces: my computer – the tool of the entrepreneur – and my drawing table – the tool of the artist. I use art as a universal language, one that carries messages of hope, meaning, and inspiration.

A story of watercolour… and legacy

My artistic journey is part of a family story, where art often appeared later in life – but always deeply.

My great-grandmother, Présentine Vidon, trained at the Beaux-Arts in Nîmes, painted miniature portraits on ivory for a Parisian shop – the very same shop, later turned into a bakery, where I once bought lunch every day without ever knowing…

My grandfather, Jean Forget, was a passionate amateur watercolourist. He painted the landscapes and buildings of his region to honour its heritage through exhibitions and a book.

As a child, I loved experimenting with various techniques. In my teens, I focused on dry pastel portraits. But I rejected watercolour: too blurry, too unpredictable, too unforgiving. And yet… I watched my grandfather paint with great admiration.

In 2021, a commissioned illustration for a lunar oracle brought me back to the medium… and it was love at first stroke. Since then, watercolour has been my exclusive language.

Creating with purpose

Eco-consciousness lies at the heart of my artistic practice – in the themes I explore, in the way I create, and in the projects I choose to support. My ambition: to create with integrity, meaning, and responsibility.

Watercolour with a voice

My watercolour portraits – often feminine or animal – seek to rekindle our connection with the living world. They speak of beauty, fragility, and the harmony possible between all beings. Through emotion, I gently advocate for awareness and long-term change.

A mindful creative process

I’m continually looking for ways to reduce my environmental footprint while increasing my positive impact:

Materials: paper, pigments, waste management
Collaborations: thoughtful and responsible co-creation
Exhibitions: reusable packaging, shared transport
Communication: eco-conscious print and digital content

My decisions are guided by two intertwined values:

This ongoing process is supported by regular research, training (Créateurs Rev3, Graphic for Good, Web for Good…) and involvement in collective movements (Fresque des Nouveaux Récits, YesWeekLean…).

Meaningful collaborations

I ensure that around 80% of my projects are driven by purpose-led organisations – responsible brands, mindful publishers, cultural institutions, or charitable causes.

I love working with teams who aim to create more mindfully, communicate more consciously, and connect with their audience authentically. Whether they’ve been committed for years or are just beginning their transition, our shared values pave the way for beautiful partnerships.
Example: Minuit sur Terre – Vegan & sustainable fashion

I also take part in non-profit projects when the cause resonates deeply with me.
Example: Astro series for Les 111 des Arts – Art & social impact

About Julie Vigneron, Committed Watercolorist, Artist and Illustrator