An animation in which a person reclines on a patterned bed against a red background, holding a phone. A tiny figure floats in the air above them, moving their arms. The name “Cécile Dormeau” is written in the top right corner.

Cécile Dormeau is back with yet more well-observed, cheeky illustrations

Words: Rebecca Fulleylove
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Date: 24 March 2016; Work
Illustration

French illustrator Cécile Dormeau immediately encapsulates the pitfalls and joys in everyday life with her most recent work. We last showed her vibrant illustrations in summer 2015, and since then she’s created dozens more well-observed and witty vignettes.

Whether its a gif or static image, Cécile uses subtle expressions, nuanced gestures and small details to make her characters instantly relatable. Drawing inspiration from familiar female experiences, some highlights include a girl getting rid of some unruly leg hair, a paint roller full of make up and the temperamental nature of periods. Paired with poppy colours, Cécile’s illustrations are energetic, original and considered.

An animation of a person with yellow hair and hairy legs using a razor to shave. They wear a pink top and yellow underwear that reads “Monday”. — Above
Left
Cecile Dormeau

An illustration of a person with a rounded figure standing against a bright yellow background. They wear a dark swimsuit patterned with oranges and have a single orange perched on their head while they drink from a glass.

An animation of a black and white illustration on a yellow background. A person’s expression shifts from happy to angry, then to content as they eat a doughnut, under the text “WHEN YOU’RE ON YOUR PERIODS”. — Above
Cecile Dormeau

An illustration of a person with black hair and pink glasses, holding their face in their hands. Reflected in the lenses are two yellow buttocks wearing pink polka-dot underwear. The name “Cécile Dormeau” is written in the top left corner. — Above
Cecile Dormeau

An animation of a stylised illustration of a person with long yellow hair against a blue background. Their eyebrows change from thin lines to thick blue blocks, then to dark angled brows, while the text “Cécile Dormeau” appears in the top left. — Above
Left
Cecile Dormeau

An animation in which a person uses a paint roller to apply makeup to their face. As the roller moves, the figure transforms from a plain appearance to one with heavy contouring, long eyelashes and bold lips. The name “Cécile Dormeau” appears in the top left corner against a pink background.

An animation of an illustration in which a person in a blue top and grey leggings performs a yoga stretch on a purple mat. They drool a small pool of purple liquid onto the mat. The name “Cécile Dormeau” is written in the bottom right. — Above
Cecile Dormeau

An illustration of a person reclining on a pink patterned bed, holding a phone aloft to take a selfie. They wear a blue bra and yellow polka-dot trousers, with a plate of “COOKIES” and a sleeping yellow dog nearby. — Above
Cecile Dormeau

Further Info

www.cecile-dormeau.tumblr.com

About the Author

Rebecca Fulleylove

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Rebecca Fulleylove is a freelance writer and editor specialising in art, design and culture. She is also senior writer at Creative Review, having previously worked at Elephant, Google Arts & Culture, and It’s Nice That.

Cécile Dormeau is back with yet more well-observed, cheeky illustrations

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