In this episode of Messy and Masterful, Aldo de Pape interviews artist and author Florent Chavouet, who shares his journey from a budding artist to a successful author of travel books, particularly focusing on his experiences in Japan. The conversation delves into the impact of his first book, 'Tokyo on Foot', the evolution of his career, and his creative process. Florent discusses the balance between commercial projects and personal artistic endeavors, as well as his aspirations for future works, including a focus on the ordinary aspects of life in Japan. The episode highlights the importance of storytelling in art and the personal connections that shape an artist's work.   Takeaways

• Florent's journey to Japan was driven by curiosity and a desire to explore.
• His book 'Tokyo on Foot' was a portfolio that unexpectedly became a bestseller.
• The success of his first book opened doors to various creative projects.
• Florent values the freedom to choose projects that interest him.
• He prefers to create books that reflect his personal experiences rather than follow trends.
• His work often focuses on the ordinary aspects of life, providing a unique perspective.
• Florent's artistic process involves detailed sketches that capture the essence of his surroundings.
• He aims to balance his work between books and gallery exhibitions.
• Florent is motivated to continue creating to avoid being forgotten by his audience.
• He believes in the importance of personal stories in art, which resonate with readers.

You can look at the incredible work of Florent here:  http://florentchavouet.blogspot.com