Welcome to a journey of creativity, adventure, and transformation as we delve into the life of Clémence Polge.
Clémence, a dynamic and versatile designer, embodies a spirit of exploration and artistic innovation that is both inspiring and refreshing.
From her roots in Montpellier, Southern France, Clémence has embraced a life on the road that is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Since 2017, she has been living and working out of her self-designed van, Bestiole, exploring the world with her cat, Nel, by her side. This lifestyle shift from a conventional career in architecture to a nomadic existence was driven by a deep-seated desire to blend her passions with her everyday life.
In her new role as a self-taught illustrator and multi-faceted creative professional, Clémence has seamlessly merged her diverse skills—ranging from graphic design to community management—into a cohesive and flourishing career. Her work with brands, her illustrated books, and her creative projects reflect a commitment to personal growth and artistic expression.
Hello, I’m Clémence Polge, a 38-year-old designer from Montpellier, Southern France. My journey has been anything but conventional, as I embrace a versatile career that spans various creative fields. I simply can’t resist exploring new artistic avenues!
Since late 2017, I’ve been living and working from my van, which I fondly call Bestiole (or “Bug” in English). Initially, I shared this adventure with my partner, but since 2020, I’ve continued the journey solo—though not entirely alone, as my loyal cat, Nel, is always by my side.
From Architecture to Vanlife
Originally, I trained as a space and furniture designer. For ten years, I worked at a prominent architecture agency in France. However, at 34, I made the bold decision to leave it all behind and pursue my dream of living and traveling on the road.
To sustain this alternative lifestyle, I diversified my professional skills. I now wear many hats, including community manager, graphic designer, and illustrator. My creative journey also led me to author two books with WeVan, a French van rental company, and Mercedes-Benz. These books have since been translated into three other languages, expanding their reach even further.
The Path to Illustration
Drawing entered my life as a solution to my struggle with anxiety. A few years ago, I turned to coloring for comfort, but I found the pre-made outlines restrictive. That’s when I decided to create my own illustrations. What started as a personal project to enrich my travel notebooks quickly evolved into something more significant. Encouraged by family and friends, I launched my Instagram account during the lockdown, marking the beginning of my journey as a professional illustrator.
A Creative Portfolio
In my role as an illustrator, I’ve had the pleasure of working with exciting brands and projects. My work includes:
- Brand Collaborations: I’ve created illustrations for various cool brands.
- Puzzle Design: I even designed a puzzle!
- Packaging Design: My illustrations can be seen on packaging for L’Epicurien, a renowned French delicatessen brand.
- Magazine Illustration: I contributed illustrations to a small magazine.
- Print Sales: I sell prints and accept private commissions through my website.
Explore More about Clémence:
FAQ’S
Vanlife is a lifestyle choice where individuals live and travel in a van or other vehicle designed for habitation. This lifestyle typically involves converting a van into a mobile home with essential amenities such as a bed, kitchenette, and storage. Vanlifers embrace the freedom to travel while having their living space on the road, allowing them to explore new places and experience life from a nomadic perspective. The vanlife community often values minimalism, self-sufficiency, and the flexibility to adapt to different environments.
Clémence Polge’s books are available for purchase on several platforms. You can find them on Lannoo, a publisher that has distributed her works. Additionally, her books are listed on major online bookstores like Amazon and local bookshops in France. For the most comprehensive selection, checking online retailers and Clémence’s official website may provide the latest availability and options.
