On 31 May 2025, the Now25 conference will take place in Paris. Join us, to listen a mix of inspiring speakers evoking topics as broad as graphic design, web design, motion design, publishing, visual identity, communication and type design. If not already done, register now to take advantage of the best rates.
It seemed interesting to us to make you discover the profiles of our guests. Discover Joachim Roncin.
Biography Joachim Roncin is a renowned creative director whose career is marked by ambitious projects and a profound impact on the artistic and cultural landscape. He is behind prestigious projects such as the creation of Stylist magazine, the art direction of the César Awards, the Ballon d’Or, and the Victoires de la Musique, as well as the creative direction of the design for the Paris 2024Olympic and Paralympic Games. In this role, he oversaw the design of the medals, the Olympic mascots, and other iconic symbols. He now shares his experience and vision by teaching at the Penninghen design school and as head of creation of Maison Fantôme, a design and creative agency.
Interview
How do you start your day?
Joachim Roncin I would really love to answer by saying that I have a 1h sport routine every morning but the truth is that I love a good coffee and an cigarette. I just cut the cigarette so there’s still the coffee to let go. However I really enjoy putting some good music and dancing with my kids.
Do you have a favorite place to work?
Joachim Roncin There’s no typical day per say. Every day is different but like everyone else I scroll down my Instagram, check my mail, and try to clear my to do list. Most of the time I take a pen and a paper and doodle draw all the ideas I have for various projects I have at the moment. I definitely prefer working in an office, because my mind could easily be distracted when I’m home with all my different passions.
I love being part of a team. Before Paris 2024, I used to work alone and I felt that I was missing out. Since Paris 2024 it totally changed. I love exchanging whith creative minds. The design team of Paris 2024 was extraordinary, we created a unique design moment. As a designer it was a unique design moment.
Do you listen music while working?
Joachim Roncin Again it depends on what I’m working on. For instance, when I was writing my book (Une histoire folle, ed. Grasset) I used to listen to progressive electro music. It helped me to stay focus. When I’m drawing I need calm so I listen to folk or classical music.
“I love exchanging whith creative minds. The design team of Paris 2024 was extraordinary, we created a unique design moment.”
– Joachim Roncin
Do you read news and consult social medias?
Joachim Roncin I think that when you are creative you have to be curious about the world you live in, so yes I’m very connected to every kind of media that pleas my thirst of knowledge. Social medias it’s only about curiosity, I use a lot Instagram but never used TikTok that I feel very time consuming, one is more than enough.
What do you do to evade yourself from work?
Joachim Roncin I love cooking, that is one my deep passion. I always said to my kids that one day if I stop what I’m doing today, I will go into cooking. I love flee markets as well and being collecting lots of vintage stuff from childhood, I guess it’s me being nostalgic.
Do you ever feel “too comfortable” in your work?
Joachim Roncin I never feel too confortable, on the contrary. I always doubt about myself, about the work, about everything. It was quite complicated for me until I realized that this feeling was the reason why I was going forward, and never satisfied about my work. I’m always challenging myself and I think that is something every creative should cherish to stay fresh!
Does AI change the way you work?
Joachim Roncin It helps me to find some connections faster. It doesn’t help me to create visuals or design, it helps me to think sometimes. However I think I don’t use it enough because it isn’t something natural for me.
“Never be full of certainty about your work, question everything and doubt until the last moment.”
– Joachim Roncin
What do you think of type trends? How do you find your new fonts?
Joachim Roncin As a designer that loves fonts, I can only say: it has to stop! Find new fonts is certainly the most difficult task. When it is possible I try to work with font designers to create unique fonts. Most of the time it is being like a mine digger and trying to find the rare gem…
As creative director in charge of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, you worked with multiple talents in various spheres of creative arts. How will this large scale project have transformed your approach to global design for the future?
Joachim Roncin I started to work on this project in late 2018. At that time we had years in front of us and thought we had time to try lots of options. We never have enough time for a project of that magnitude. The list of assets, labels, designs, is endless. I was forntunate to work with so many talents in so many different fields of creations. Truly inspiring from one to another. Before that I didn’t know how to make a plush, I didn’t know that there was some spare pieces of the Eiffel tower, I didn’t think I could handle such a various project, now I know. I know that it easier with the right people for each task, I know that sometimes you got to let go some ideas that are not that important in the long run, and I know that it has been the most fulfilling experience of my life.
Do you remember how you decided to pursue your career in design?
Joachim Roncin Around 17 years old I was finishing high school and in didn’t know which path I should choose next. My mother looked at my notebooks and pointed at all the drawings that I drew instead of notes. From that time I knew it was what I wanted to do.
Who were the mentors who had the most impact on you?
Joachim Roncin I had always a deep affection for the work of Etienne Robial. In a way he fashioned most of my childhood visual memories. And I had the chance to meet Roman Cieslewicz at the dawn of his life and it was very inspiring as well.
Do you sketch?
Joachim Roncin Always sketch, on paper, tablet, rock, sand, you name it.
Do you have words of wisdom for young practitioners?
Joachim Roncin Never be full of certainty about your work, question everything and doubt until the last moment.
What will be the message you would like to convey during your Now25 talk?
Joachim Roncin Doubting is a very good thing for our creative minds.
Thank you very much Joachim!
– Interview by Lia Porquet
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