" I particularly like using PLA co-produced with organic or mineral residues such as scallop shells, mussel shells, coffee grounds, crushed brick… in order to go even further in biosourcing. "
JULIE MALLET
JULIE MALLET
Design and manufacturing of 3D-printed objects using bio-based and/or recycled materials, MARSEILLE (13)
Julie tells us how, after a career as an interior designer, she chose to create her own eco-friendly furniture.
Tell us your story, how did you find your calling?
I worked as an interior designer for 8 years between Montpellier, Paris, and Barcelona. Once I reached my thirties, I felt the need for a professional change. I wanted to be involved in work that had more meaning. I also felt that I needed to move, literally—a more mobile, hands-on job... Then, when I moved into a new house in the hills of Barcelona, I realized that I was incapable of building a piece of furniture with my own hands. I spent my days conceptualizing interiors and designing furniture and layouts, but in reality, I had no real idea how to build them. That is how I discovered Fablabs, while looking for places where I could produce my own furniture. This new world of digital fabrication, technology, and "Do It Yourself" immediately excited me! Without a second thought, I looked for training in this field. That is how I joined FABLAB Barcelona, where I worked for nearly two years and learned how to use 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC milling machines, and a whole host of other more traditional tools. Upon my return to France, I had the opportunity, thanks to the Utoplab association, to create and manage a fablab in La Ciotat for two years. Although the projects were very interesting, I missed the creation and design aspect of my former job as an interior designer. It was therefore only natural that I began designing objects that I printed in 3D. Gradually, I felt the desire to dedicate myself entirely to this activity in order to offer a more ecological and committed alternative for everyday objects.
How would you describe your style and artistic approach in a few words?
I am committed to offering objects that reflect my vision: stylish, conscious, and responsible items that are also innovative in both their production methods and the materials used. I have an unabashed soft spot for the 80s and 90s. I love mixing styles. I am not looking for the technical drawing prowess that is often the case with CAD. I seek aesthetics and a certain softness in form, despite my "digital" approach. I started with small objects: mainly vases and single-stem vases. Now I am also working on lighting designs, and I hope to be able to move on to an even larger scale soon to create small furniture pieces.
What themes or subjects inspire you the most in your work?
Each collection or object is inspired by a story, a book, a feeling, or an emotion, whether fixed or fleeting... I attach importance to creating objects that tell a story, where the choice of form, texture, or material is not arbitrary or random, but thoughtful and justifiable. I am a native of the South, where I grew up; I have lived in Barcelona and now in Marseille, so it goes without saying that the South and the Mediterranean more broadly influence my work. It is essential that the objects I create are responsible, both ecologically and humanly. I enjoy working with bio-sourced materials like PLA, which is a bioplastic made from corn, beet, or wheat starch. I particularly like to use PLA co-produced with organic or mineral residues, such as scallop shells, mussel shells, coffee grounds, crushed brick, and so on, to take bio-sourcing even further.
How do you work?
I generally work in collections unless I am creating a custom project for a client. As mentioned previously, the theme of a collection usually comes from my own history, a book I've read, a desire... I always start by doodling sketches of objects, then quickly move on to 3D modeling on the computer. Once the object is modeled, I print a 3D prototype to validate the design and make the necessary adjustments. Next comes the printing of the final model, which I produce in the appropriate material. I work mainly with bio-sourced and/or recycled materials. Some models require post-production, such as certain vases that must be resin-coated to ensure they are watertight, or others that are embellished with a cellulose acetate ornament from a bio-cell range guaranteed to be 90% biodegradable.
Design is the part I prefer, so it is difficult for me to only produce models that have already been finalized.
Do you have a specific technique or unique expertise? Without revealing all your secrets, have you developed your own methods and techniques?
3D printing, even though it is becoming increasingly widespread, is a technique that requires mastery of several skill sets: 3D modeling and machine operation, among others. Without a 3D-modeled object, printing is not possible. Knowing how to design in volume on a computer is an essential prerequisite for printing one's own 3D creations.
In the near future, I wish to develop 3D printing of my own biomaterials made from organic waste such as eggshells, avocado pits, orange peels…
Testing my own recipes and crafting my materials is one of my many goals. I would also like to develop my own 100% bio-sourced resin to waterproof my vases.
Tell us about your daily life, your constraints, your joys, your successes…
I started my business recently (in November 2023). I am working from home for the time being. My days are surely like those of many other entrepreneurs: constantly switching from one task to another and handling several jobs in a single day: creator, artisan, accountant, community manager, content creator, web designer, salesperson... And the list goes on. It is quite difficult to juggle all these hats, but the satisfaction of a job well done is all the greater for it.
A message to convey, anything else you would like to share?
Thanks to Mirette arts for allowing me to showcase my work and giving me the floor to tell you more about myself! And thank you to Mirette's customers for choosing responsible craftsmanship!