I would describe my world as poetic, colorful, uncluttered, inspired by impressionism and cinema.

Between animated film and contemporary illustration

Born in 1991, Clément Thoby grew up in Nantes. He began drawing as a child and went on to study applied arts in Paris. First at the École Estienne, then at the Institut Sainte-Geneviève, he then discovered animation. This discipline, which blends drawing, narration and movement, inspired him to pursue this path at EMCA in Angoulême, from which he graduated in 2015. For five years, he worked as a set designer and art director for animated productions. At the same time, he develops a personal drawing practice that will take over from 2020, when he becomes a full-time illustrator.

A sensitive style

Clément Thoby stands out for his landscapes drawn with colored pencils and oil pastels, often inspired by his travels, whether real, dreams or mapped using Google Maps. He captures suspended, mysterious, almost timeless atmospheres. His vibrantly colored compositions evoke Impressionist painting and the backgrounds of Japanese animated films. Inspired by Kazuo Oga of Stufio Ghibli, Hiroshi Nagai and Vallotton, Clément seeks to evoke emotion through light, texture and movement. The unobtrusiveness of the human figures in his creations reinforces this feeling of a suspended world, conducive to contemplation. His work has attracted numerous international media, including The New Yorker, The Guardian US, Le Monde, L'Obs and Zeit Magazin.

A burgeoning career

Since 2020, Clément has been developing a regular presence in France and internationally, exhibiting in Europe, Asia and North America. With regular exhibitions in Paris (Inventaire, Artazart), Brest and the Basque Country, his work is gaining increasing recognition. In 2020, he took part in his first group show abroad, at Fargeblyant in Oslo. In 2023, he presented 9844km, un voyage France-Japon, a graphic exhibition drawing parallels between the two countries. In 2024, he takes part in the BIBF in Beijing, then in the 50 artists, 50 posters exhibition in Montreal. This year, he is in residence at the Livart in Montreal for the exhibition Détours, as part of the French Institute's IF Export program's support for the Kiblind association and its IF Festival project. His work was awarded the Grand Prix de l'Illustration Contemporaine (Puces de l'illu) in 2023 and a special mention at Le Book's Emerging Talent Awards 2025.

About Kiblind

Since 2004, KIBLIND has been spotlighting contemporary and international illustration: through the publication of a Magazine, free and independent, distributed in a French and English version internationally; a Communications Agency, specialized in illustration; a Poster Printing Workshop, distributed worldwide; an International Festival of Contemporary Illustration, IF. IF - Illustration Festival follows on from KIBLIND Magazine, showcasing illustration in all its forms, through those who make it: the artists. Held in Lyon since 2023, the festival is entirely free of charge and open to all: live creation, themed exhibitions, hands-on workshops, talks, masterclasses and illustrated object markets. IF promotes the international contemporary scene by inviting French and international artists and promoting their work. In 2025, IF will organize its first Illustrated Residency with Clément Thoby, at Livart Montréal, with the support of the Institut Français. The next and third edition of the Festival will take place on September 27 and 28, 2025, at Les Subsistances (Lyon 1er, France).