Photography – Illustration

A brand identity is also built through images, whether they are captured through a lens or created from scratch. Photography and illustration are the two sides of this visual work: one reveals what already exists, while the other invents what does not yet exist. In both cases, the same artistic direction ensures consistency with the rest of the brand identity.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Collection — photography at the Paris boutique · vrai studio
A detail from an interior design photo shoot at the L'Occitane store in the Marais (75004).

Photography

Photography is not a service separate from the rest of a brand’s identity: like brand storytelling, it is conceived in tandem with the artistic direction. Many brands hire a photographer only after their visual identity has already been finalized, simply asking them to “take beautiful photos.” The risk is ending up with images that are aesthetically pleasing but don’t quite tell the same story.

This project was carried out for Mr. Marcoult, featuring a dedicated photo campaign in 2026; for L’Occitane, with recurring photo features of its flagship boutique in the Marais; for Elen Larcebeau, with a lifestyle feature and studio photos; and for Les Éditions de la Martinière, for two separate books: one by Hugues Pouget (Hugo Victor) and one for the Mazet confectionery. It also complements nearly all of the studio’s branding projects—including packaging, retail spaces, and product design—where imagery serves to extend the work of the graphic identity.

Monéger Packaging — artisanal spirits, packshots, branding · vrai studio
A dancing gentian root as an illustrated element on the Gentiane Monéger label.

Illustration

Illustration involves creating original graphic elements—such as patterns, pictograms, and drawings—that are unique to a brand, rather than relying solely on photography or typography. It is a tool that allows a brand identity to stand out visually and become more distinctive.

At vrai studio, illustration is used when necessary to bring the brand identity to life—not as a standalone service. For example, it might be used to visually represent a flavor on a liqueur label, and can sometimes take the form of a typographic illustration, such as a logo or distinctive calligraphy.