Meet Alix Soubiran of Princes & Crows/ Alix-Soubiran/Atelier Soubiran

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alix Soubiran.

Alix, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Alix Soubiran. I am a French artist and was born and raised in Paris where I studied Political Science and Fine Art. After living in Florida for a few years, I moved to Los Angeles in 2007. After starting my career as a mural artist, I decided I wanted to make a wallpaper. I had no idea how to make wallpaper so I started by painting on some large pieces of paper which I taped to my studio wall. After a few weeks of living with my piece of makeshift wallpaper, I could tell whether it would make a good wallpaper, one you would want to look at every day.

I found a printer in the valley, another one in Commerce. I became obsessed with making patterns and after a few months of painting my pieces of paper, trial and error with repeats and colors, I had created my first wallpaper collection. Then I started working with interior designers, making a wallpaper for their projects and with some good press under my belt, I started getting orders.

A couple years ago, I started Atelier Soubiran, another company specializing in creating custom porcelain dinnerware for private residences and yachts. I teamed up with an historic manufacture in Limoges, France. Just like wallpaper, I fell in love with the beauty of the product. There is an authentic art to designing dinnerware and I am learning about it everyday.

Another passion of mine is painting portraits. I just finished an oil-painting portrait commissioned by a client. I enjoy the modeling sessions and the meditative aspect of it. Most recently, I started hand-building vessels out of clay. My pieces are inspired by 17th-century vases, cups and jugs. I like to make pieces that look like they could be in a Chardin still life or a Vermeer painting.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The great advantage of loving what you do for a living is that it doesn’t feel like work. I work at night, during weekends, whenever I am feeling inspired. It has been and still is difficult at times but if I had to do it all over again I would.

The struggles and challenges I have encountered are probably the same as most artists/small businesses owners: the discomfort of having to market yourself, navigating periods of low cash flow, believing in yourself when there are already so many incredible artists in the world, Finding your niche etc.

Princes & Crows/ Alix-Soubiran/Atelier Soubiran – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I do several things: I design, paint wallpapers, ceramics, rugs, fabric, scarves, lamps etc. But really it is all part of the same thing; it is about brainstorming and creating something that is unique and personal. I get excited when a client gives me a mood board, a concept or a piece of fabric and tells me “make something that will work with this”.

I tend to bring a touch of classicism and history in what I do. I am not interested in making statement pieces. Instead, I try to create objects of quality and that feels authentic.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
There are several elements that define success to me: The first one is the quality of people you work with; In my case success means working with talented interior designers and imaginative clients. Recognition from people I respect and admire, my peers, is another a mark of success to me.

And then, there are exciting moments: For instance, I get a kick when competing on projects with multi-million dollars companies, I enjoy getting orders from far away places: Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Italy, England, South Africa etc. It feels magic when people at the other end of the planet order your wallpaper for have you create their dinnerware for their home. And of course, making a client happy, now that’s a great success!

Contact Info:

• Website: alix-soubiran.com
• Phone: 2132715609
• Instagram: alix_soubiran

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.