If you’re active on social media, chances are high that you’ve scrolled past, re-posted, or wound up mesmerized by the single line art by Christophe Louis (@quibe). Growing up, he was equally as entranced by other artists, so he attended a private art school in Paris. Soon after, he sharpened his tools at the advertising agency Leo Burnett, later becoming an art director. Since, he’s gone back to the drawing board to create simple, soothing single line drawings—something he’s capitalized on for his large Instagram audience of over 71,000 followers. On his account, you can follow along on his creative journey—one that many people are making more permanent with tattoos, and for many baristas, daily latte art.
Louis recently finished the illustrations for Henry Eliot’s last book Follow This Thread (available in April), and is currently working on a cover for an English book (about robots and love) and one-line works for the interior of a German hotel. Living in Colombes, a city near Paris, Louis can be found on any given day either drawing or spending time with horses.
Courtesy of Christophe Louis.
WHITEWALL: Who do you follow?
CHRISTOPHE LOUIS: @fredericforest: Master of minimalism, great artist, fine man. Art as its simplest beauty. @dozegreen: Shall I really introduce him? @equestriomagazine: For horses and art lovers. @salventius: A fellow one liner. And a beautiful person. @maria_picasso_piquer: Fascinated by the fine art of caricature. And Maria is…well, go see for yourself. @ideih: Wish I could do what Caroline does, with lines and color. @paulkremer: Minimalism. @stephanemanel: Since I’m a lot into portraits. @jotorocks: Robotic magic. @bautistany: Black and white NYC photographer. Intense. @julienpoupart: This guy has an incredible eye. Sport photos. @guascoriccardo: Everything he draws is just perfect. @jean_jullien: Funny, simple, clever… @french_and_arrogant: My favorite clothing brand! @joelsartore: Animal photographer.
Courtesy of Christophe Louis.
WW: What is your top tip for social media?
Courtesy of Christophe Louis.
CL: Still a big mystery to me. I’m very intuitive about it. I guess I’d go with a general idea, like when you try to speak in public: Be clear, honest, and steady your voice (but don’t shout)—there is already too much noise, whisper. Murmur is the best way to be heard in the turmoil.
WW: Best social media interaction?
Courtesy of Christophe Louis.
CL: Not funny, but extremely touching: I’ve been contacted by a Mexican student, Edwin Miramontes (@edwinmiramontes), who studies architecture. One of his teachers gave him an assignment, “Love and its representation,” and he came up with a sculpture rendition of Close—one of my design. And it’s an amazing piece! I was so touched.
Oh, and there is this super barista (@barista_maniac) in Woodbridge, Illinois, who is drawing my one line in the coffee.
Courtesy of Christophe Louis.
WW: One rule you live by on social?
CL: I do whatever pleases me really. Don’t care about the time I’m posting. If I have a pic I like, then it goes directly on my page.
Courtesy of Christophe Louis.
