Thibaud Herem
By Rudra at The Spires College
Thibaud Herem is a renowned London-based illustrator who captivates audiences worldwide with his precisely crafted, hand-drawn architectural illustrations. His work is best known for its intricate depictions of buildings that create a deep sense of place, time, and the lives of those who inhabit them. Specialising in elaborate architectural drawings, he pays close attention to detail while paying respect to architectural design. Additionally, Herem’s portfolio has recently expanded to include illustrations of natural elements like trees and plants, reflecting a more personal and humanistic style. Using pencil and Indian ink, he achieves unique handmade artworks that balance technical precision with expressive artistry. His illustrations not only capture the essence of specific locations and eras but also document buildings of historic and cultural importance.
As a huge fan of his work, I was delighted to interview him to find out more about his inspiration and practice.
For readers who don’t know you, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you would describe your work perhaps?
I am a French born illustrator, specialising in very detailed hand drawn artwork, mostly architectural "portraits". After a degree in France, I have been working and living in different cities (London, NYC, Tokyo, and Seoul) where I developed my practice working on a wide range of projects.
“I believe in myself as a craftsman and artist”
Art plays an important role in my life in relation to my self expression and ability to learn about a variety of cultures. How would you say art has impacted your own life away from your own creative practice?
I am not sure I can dissociate my life and my own practice, that said my life always has been driven by art but also (maybe more) by craft, the distinction is sometimes hard to make but I believe in myself as a craftsman and artist. Therefore, I see them both every day and in everything I do.
The visual arts have obviously been an important factor throughout your life, could you give us your Top 5 artworks that have inspired your work?
Yes, never easy to pick, but here’s my top 5:
The Three Robbers by Tomi Ungerer
Gustave Doré
Akira by Otomo
Filippo Brunelleschi
Robert Crumb
“Social media and the internet ….. have been the most amazing things that could have happened for artists”
As we grow up, we are influenced by many factors such as our surroundings, role models, community and media for example. How, who or what has significantly inspired you on your creative journey?
I grew up in the 90’s so had no social media and very little access to art and culture. I grew up deep in the French countryside but hunted for inspiration in the magazines and books, I was also into graffiti and that's how I met my first professional artists. Social media and the internet in general have been the most amazing things that could have happened for artists, either in the search for references or in the promotion and sharing of work.
“watercolour is just a flowing feeling, applying colours is the sign that the drawing is coming to an end and it takes on a new life instantly, I love that”
The time of day, place and even ritual of the creative process can differ greatly from person to person as they seek out their own sweet spot of inspiration. I, for example, prefer to create artwork during the evening, in silent calm surroundings with my resources all to hand. Can you take us through a day in the life of your own creative process?
My day starts not too early around 8/8.30am, first thing: black coffee and cigarette (cliché I know) on my terrasse looking at my garden. Then I go to my studio (in my own room at home), start my computer, put the news on, and compile the daily tasks in order of priority, I reply to emails and then start drawing for commissions. I have 2 desks next to each that measure 3 meters long and use Fabriano Artistico Hot Pressed off-white paper for eye comfort, as well as my Rotring Rapidograph pens.
“produce, produce, produce”
I find the morning time is good for efficiency, I work until around 1pm, eat a light lunch, walk a little in the garden and then head back to my desk. These hours are not the most productive for me, but I still push it. A little break around 6pm and then very efficient again until dinner around 9pm. After I take some time to produce for myself (exhibition or personal work) which is my favorite of course and have a hard time to stop but around 1am. So, I'm a little busy and find there is no specific time to be creative. I always have a sketchbook next to me for reflections and sketching ideas during the day.
Do you listen to music while you work and if so, how do you think it helps?
Sorry to disappoint but I very rarely listen to music, and I prefer podcasts, very long, if possible, about history or sciences. The only music I listen to is old school Hip Hop so I am not sure I can be a great help. When I need to concentrate, I work in silence (or to the sound of my cat snoring next to me)
Throughout my upbringing, the people around me often believed that the pursuit of art as a career was something only those who were unsure about their futures would do. Has the environment or the view of others on art ever impacted your pursuit of creativity as you grew up?
I am the first and only person in this field within my friends and family. At first, I saw it as a handicap, but now it’s totally the opposite, I think that allows you to look with a different eye than the "born" artist. I also think that someone who goes into this field is someone who knows what they want to do more than people who just follow a boring path. Nevertheless, you do need support and to surround yourself with as many creative people as possible to make it work.
“To see my work in a TV series was really exciting and an incredible opportunity”
What is the most exciting project or collaboration you’ve worked on as an artist?
The most exciting project is always the next one. However, so far, I have to say that the Netflix TV show Our Beloved Summer was the craziest. To see my work in a TV series was really exciting and an incredible opportunity. Working directly with Queen Elizabeth II at the Science Museum was also really exciting. And then there are more personal commissions that always bring me joy.
If you were me, what question would you ask and how would you answer it?
I don't have any questions you didn't ask, but good luck, work hard, stay true and share your work.
Do you think art should always have a deeper meaning, or can it just be for aesthetic enjoyment?
It can be whatever you want it to be, I enjoy both. Visual Arts and Conceptual Arts are quite different worlds though and it’s hard to be part of both, it can happen, but I don't think we get to choose! Stay true to yourself in your work.
“good luck, work hard, stay true”
If you could own one piece of artwork in the world, what would it be and why?
It would be a building by Tadao Ando, something not too big. However, I’m very happy to see art in museums and am happy to have art from the people I love around me (I am very lucky to be friends with some amazing artists).
Click here to see more of Thibaud Herems work.
Recently, you've been crafting beautifully detailed illustrations of buildings, and now you've expanded your focus to include plants and trees. What inspired you to explore this broader range of subjects?
I think I always had this interest but wasn't thinking of applications for it. The moment that I finally embraced expanding my practice was (again very cliché) when I lived in Japan and saw such beauty in the paintings of trees, but also that was the time where I started to show my work in exhibitions and that opened new possibilities to explore my own practice.
Your work incorporates several techniques that combine for a highly detailed finish. What do you like the most about the techniques you use?
I like the time I spend on a drawing, I like to really "get inside it " and that's something I wish the viewers of my work feel as well. The more detail the happier I am, but it also makes for a very long process. I like the control I have in my tools, the fact that now I know exactly how the ink will flow and how the paper will react. For example, watercolour is just a flowing feeling, applying colours is the sign that the drawing is coming to an end and it takes on a new life instantly, I love that.
What advice would you offer a young practicing artist such as myself?
Produce, produce, produce. For you or others, but produce and share.
