Richard Zielenkiewicz a.k.a. Monsieur Z burst onto the international illustration Jet Set in the early 90s when his work was published in Wallpaper magazine. His illustration style reflects his fascination with the groovy, retro sensibilities of 1960’s Hollywood and the French Riviera, circa 1950. Combined with his sense of style, the graphic nature of Mr. Z’s work has led him to become one of the most celebrated artists in the illustration scene today. Mr. Z possesses immense technical skill as a draftsman. The digitally synthesized images that have come to cement Mr. Z as the forerunner of his craft begin with a series of masterfully hand-sketched renderings. Each rendering showcases Mr. Z’s attention to detail as well as his marked fascination with architectural penmanship. Since he began working as an illustrator, Mr. Z’s vibrant, colorful and edgy imagery has been published globally by the likes of Redken (USA), Guess, Evian (USA), TGV (France) and Gin Bombay. His characters, architectural spaces and environments, as well as his sense of humor and elegance have
been translated into numerous animated television commercials as well as several successful cartoon series, including the French children’s series Ratz. In 2006 Mr. Z launched an extensive product line in collaboration with Avenue of the Stars that included gift cards and various home ware products. Mr. Z has collaborated with Jason Wu in the development of an exclusive collection of ultra chic dolls that were made available across the country, including FAO Schwartz. He is currently working on a feature film with world-renowned French film director, Luc Besson. The film is titled, “French Riviera.” Mr. Z studied graphic design and 3D computer graphics at Ecole Superior Art Graphique Estienne in Paris, later working as an art director and director of commercial animation. Mr. Z currently works and resides in France.
Do you listen to music while you paint, and if so what music sparks your creativity? Rarely, I prefer to work without music, my studio is very quiet and I really enjoy it.
How has your artwork developed or changed over the years? I have experimented and developed the change of scale with my mural artwork.
Tell us about your technique. I use a line drawing
technique with watercolor layers. I like to try to keep my artwork very simple.
What inspired you to become an illustrator?
After working as a textile designer I was offered a job as an art teacher. So I think I fell in love with drawing and illustrating again whilst I was teaching.
Describe your work environment/studio. It’s part of
If you were a superhero, what superpowers would you posses? The ability to heal and bring peace! What is currently playing on your iPod?
Helene Grimaud playing Rachmanjnov.
If you won $50 million in the lottery, how would you spend the money? I would keep $10 million and give the rest away.
What is your idea of the perfect weekend?
Being by the sea with family, eating fish and crepes on the beach.
Where was your most recent travel destination? Rome. If you weren’t an illustrator, what alternate career path might you have taken? I would love to be a gardener.
my home, colorful and full of natural light. My work area gets messy very quickly – it becomes full of papers, sketches and research material. However, when I begin a new series of drawings or a new job, everything has to be perfectly cleared and cleaned, otherwise I am totally unable to start anything.
Who are your favorite artists?
What song would you chose as the soundtrack to your life? Bird songs.
Products for a stationery line.
What could we expect to find in your refrigerator if we took a peek right now? Not much, but I am longing for French pastries!
Henri Matisse, Ellsworth Kelly, Manet and Dan Flavin.
What is your greatest influence? Traveling and reading.
What are you currently working on? What is the best project you have ever worked on?
All of my projects are the best! But I think that my murals are the most spectacular!
What is your mantra in life? Believe & be happy!
MONSIEUR Z
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