According to the register published by the Institute for French know-how, there are more than 200 craft professions and more than 80 specialties in France, from ceramist to sculptor, jeweler, foundryman, etc. Textile designer Rafaële Rohn entered this world of enthusiasts thanks to drawing. She specialized in creating patterns.
Holder of a bachelor’s degree in applied arts, Rafaële Rohn obtained a master’s degree in creation-research in color and material at the Institut Supérieure Couleur Image Design (ISCID) in Montauban. She launched into the entrepreneurial adventure in 2013 and opened his workshop two years later. “This training allowed me to learn how to create collections, how to work with color, it was very enriching”specifies the young woman.
The designer first wanted to work for children’s clothing brands. She started drawing for Little Tops, Eppendahl Design, Studio Lilesadi…) before turning to interior decoration. “I wanted to broaden my field of expertise. My drawing style 10 years ago was less fashionable than today”recognizes the person concerned.
Attracted by nature and plants, Rafaële Rohn boasts a very rural side in her creations. She depicts her daily life, the farm where she lives or even Lauzerte, her hometown. It is this style that allowed him to become a textile designer for the brand Crossroads within the Colors and Trends department. The artist also collaborates with the Ducastel laboratory, a cosmetics manufacturer from Lot, for the design of its packaging. She works as a white label for companies for decoration, packaging, clothing and even card making.
The desire to fly on your own
“In my first job, I worked in digital, with screens. I wanted to create using my hands,” explains Rafaële Rohn who also designs its own collections. She uses in particular the technique of tampons and some linocut. “It’s a very simple printing process. The design applied to a plate will then be placed on a fabric, a paper… I like the structured side of the stamp and the spontaneity of the application »she continues.
Rafaële Rohn chooses his materials carefully: French linen and wool padding produced by the breeders’ association La Caussenarde. And the designer added:
I favor materials made in Occitanie out of personal conviction. But it’s also a selling point. Customers are increasingly fond of local products. »
The dragon workshop, a new showcase
It is in Montcuq-en-Quercy-Blanc, in the Lot, that since last November, Rafaële Rohn opened a boutique, l’atelier du Dragon. A showcase for his creations, but also those of other local creators and producers. Among which the ceramist Noémie Saudel, Sophie Spoljaricfounder of Diapoésie, specializing in silver jewelry and Félicita Farm in Saint-Amans-de-Pellagal. » The new location allows artists and artisans to build a solid network and offer more diversity to customers.
Read also
In Tarn-et-Garonne, the Felicità farm focuses on gentle beekeeping and agroecology
Rafaële Rohn sells his products directly via the Dragon workshop and his online store. At the same time, she launched darning workshops to learn how to repair her clothes by giving them a makeover. Next September, it will set up a workshop dedicated to linocutting : three hours to create a pattern, print it and leave with your work. The DIY (do it yourself) craze continues to inspire businesses…
