ILLUSTRATION PROJECT

Editorial Illustration for Tsuiokou, a Photographic Art Book by Stenpicture

Discover my artistic collaboration with photographer Thierry Stentzel, also known as Stenpicture, through the illustration of an independent editorial art project.

An original watercolour painting, inspired by one of his photographic portraits, was specially created to accompany the release of his self-published art book Tsuiokou. This illustration is available as a fine art print, released in a highly limited edition.

Livre Tsuiokou de Stenpicture avec tirage d'illustration à l’aquarelle et clichés polaroid
Crédit photo Stenpicture

A self-published artistic project combining photography and illustration

A photographic book on memory and souls

Tsuiokou is a personal project by French photographer Thierry Stentzel (Stenpicture), offering a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of 22 women. Simple, unexpected encounters on the streets of Saint-Étienne led to photoshoots, but above all, to meaningful conversations and stories shared.

A successful crowdfunding campaign supported by illustration

To make this independent publication possible, Thierry launched a campaign on Ulule, which was successfully funded by over 50 contributors.

The illustrated artworks — especially the hand-enhanced prints — played a key role in the appeal of the campaign. Though they accounted for 16% of total contributions, they generated 21% of the revenue, thanks to their rarity and artistic uniqueness that resonated with collectors and art enthusiasts.

A collaborative and committed artistic process

Thierry and I are both members of the Francophone visual artists’ collective Les Hang’Art, founded by Christelle Dupart.

He drew on this creative network to:

  • consult a specialist in self-publishing,

  • invite 9 artists to create original pieces inspired by his portraits.

The collective’s strength amplified the campaign through:

  • the richness of the illustrated rewards,

  • the extended reach via the artists’ communities.

My role as illustrator in this editorial project

An original illustration as a bridge between two worlds

During our briefing, Thierry generously shared the universe of the book — its portraits, its themes, and the moving stories of his models.

One in particular deeply resonated with me: Julie, affectionately called “the witch”, whose deep connection with animals echoed my own artistic world.

I imagined a symbolic scene: she appears accompanied by a she-wolf, her totem animal, in a threshold between city and forest. Thierry approved the concept and gave me full creative freedom.

Together, we defined:

  • the technical constraints (print, formats, quality, rights, logistics),

  • the production timeline (which I met ahead of schedule),

  • and the contract framing our collaboration.

Portrait de femme à l’aquarelle avec une louve, entre ville froide et forêt chaleureuse
Julie, la sorcière par Julie Vigneron (2025)

Two editions for all levels of support

The original watercolour was painted in my studio near Lille, at 220 × 290 mm.

Étapes de peinture de l’illustration "Julie, la sorcière" à l’aquarelle sur table à dessin

I scanned, edited, and colour-calibrated it, then sent the high-resolution file to Thierry for printing.

He produced prints in 280 × 210 mm on textured 325 gsm paper — a quality chosen to reflect the care given to the book as an object.

  • A limited edition of 10 hand-numbered prints

  • A unique version, hand-enhanced with gold ink and signed in my studio

Tirage réhaussé à l’encre dorée de l’illustration "Julie, la sorcière" avec signature

These options made it possible to offer contributions across various budgets, while preserving the project’s artistic authenticity.

An exhibition to mark the book’s release

To celebrate the official launch of Tsuiokou, Thierry Stentzel’s photography gallery in Saint-Étienne hosted a warm and convivial evening.

This group exhibition, gathering the artworks created for the book, allowed the public to discover:

  • the portraits featured in the book,
  • the original illustrations — including mine,
  • and the different print formats available.


Events like this are true highlights for independent editorial projects. They generate enthusiasm around the publication, showcase the work of the contributing artists, and strengthen the bond with crowdfunding supporters.

It’s also a precious moment to say thank you — with dedications, exchanges, and warm conversations shared over a drink.

The exhibition also reached a broader audience of photography and visual art lovers, and included the sale of various art objects:

  • copies of the book
  • photographic prints from Tsuiokou,
  • illustration prints, including the hand-enhanced version of my watercolour Julie, la sorcière [Julie, the Witch], if it had not yet found a home.
Tierry Stentzel souriant dans sa galerie à Saint-Étienne, tenant le livre Tsuiokou et l’illustration "Julie, la sorcière" rehaussée à la main par Julie Vigneron
Crédit photo : Stenpicture

Working together on an editorial project

Illustrations for books, narratives, photographic or poetic projects

Whether you’re working on a novel (fiction, biography…), a photographic book, or a hybrid editorial object (illustrated collections, travel journals…), illustration can bring meaningful depth to your creative project.

Within the publication itself, illustrations may include:

  • Cover illustrations: to capture attention and set the tone

  • Interior illustrations: portraits, narrative scenes, symbols, chapter headings…

Each image is thoughtfully created to converse with your text, offer space to breathe, or reveal a unique universe.

Stationery & Limited Editions: creative ways to support your project

Your book or artistic publication can be enriched through illustrations in a variety of carefully designed forms, each one crafted to resonate and leave a lasting impression:

  • Original artworks
  • Limited or hand-enhanced prints (as with Tsuiokou for Stenpicture)
  • Illustrated postcards, posters, bookmarks…
  • Art-inspired items (mugs, textiles…)


These creations can enhance a crowdfunding campaign, be offered at launch events, or accompany personalised dedications for your readers.

Let’s imagine your next editorial project

Do you have a book, journal, or artistic publication in mind?
I would be delighted to bring your vision to life through illustration.