Concordia grad Antoine Tavaglione is an internationally exhibited visual artist who applies a pop-art twist to art and lifestyle products for modern urban living, making his art a favourite among young professionals. His collection has exhibited in New York, Toronto and Europe
Elevator pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am an internationally exhibited visual artist who applies a pop-art twist to art and lifestyle products for modern urban living through my brand, available for viewing on www.antoinetavaione.com. From my paintings and illustrations to my clothing line, from TV segments to custom advertising spots, my ever-expanding brand responds intelligently to the tastes of a sophisticated yet unpretentious worldwide audience.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this route?
Like many entrepreneurs, my business is the result of a long-standing passion and history of involvement in my field. I have always drawn and created, and have worked closely with other artists in Montreal’s independent art scene, familiarizing myself with the advertising and fashion scenes and
seizing opportunities to expand my branding by branching into my own solo shows, fashion line, and advertising services, all the while remaining faithful to my artistic vision.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? What is the most challenging part?
I really enjoy the process of brainstorming for my own personal projects, but most especially for my clients, dishing out my best ideas in order to create a strong visual splash to their own brands and products while never altering my own visual aesthetic!
The challenging part is that a day only contains 24 hours!
As an entrepreneur as well as an artist, I will continuously develop my lifestyle products and art in response to my own inspiration and market response. My brand will continue to participate in the growing trend among retailers to supply lifestyle and houseware products as well as clothing and accessories in an effort to cater to the demands of a fashion- and style-aware market.
What does success look like to you?
Success means expanding my reach and portfolio by gaining international and peer recognition, collaborating with artists and brands locally and across the globe.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
In 2011 and 2012, I expanded my line of high-quality silkscreen prints through local Montreal silkscreen company, Station 16, exhibiting the collection in New York, Toronto and Europe; I was also featured in the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts as part of the innovative and extremely well received Big Bang
exhibition, as well as on ARTV and CBC as a major contributing artist to Montreal’s famous Nuit Blanche cultural festival. Major giant AMAZON.com as ordered over 500 units of my Cucina Collectio
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Focus on being ahead of the curve in terms of style and product line development to anticipate the needs of your target audience, whatever your business or product may be.
Do you support any charities; if so, which ones and why are they important to you?
In November 2011, I participated in a Movember-themed silent art auction run by Montreal fashion boutique 3 Monkeys. I enjoyed the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for Movember through my auction piece, a quirky take on classic mustachioed cowboy Yosemite Sam.
What to you is notable?
Being notable means making your products and creations unmistakably your own in their original style, fresh content and instantly recognizable brand appeal.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or other?
iPhone.