Art & Design
A Canvas of Possibilities: The Inspiring Story of Raphaëlle Macaron
by Ghada Azzi
July 1, 2025
Lebanese comic book illustrator, Raphaëlle Macaron, needs no introduction. The talented artist has gained worldwide recognition for works for the likes of gucci and the New York Times, New Yorker, AIGA, Le Nouvel Obs, Le Quotidien de l’Art among many others. As ArabAd delves into her world through a recent interview, we discover the vibrant heartbeat behind her illustrations and what propels her creative spirit.
GROWING IN BEIRUT
Hailing from Lebanon, Raphaëlle Macaron has become a name synonymous with bold visuals and imaginative storytelling. Her journey is not just one of artistic success; it is a celebration of cultural heritage, personal growth, and relentless exploration.
Raphaëlle’s artistic foundation was laid at the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA), where she studied illustration and comics. “It was a rich and nurturing experience to artistically grow in Beirut,” she reflects, noting the “challenge-driven nature” of her upbringing. This environment, imbued with the need for flexibility and adaptability, has molded her approach to art, cultivating these “precious skills” that are essential for any thriving artist.
Her journey is further colored by the influence of those closest to her. Guidance often comes from unexpected places, and for Raphaëlle, it was her aunt, a multidisciplinary artist, who ignited her passion encouraging her to experiment and explore various mediums. “She has been my guiding mentor since my childhood,” she says. Unsurprisingly, she found inspiration in the music world and recalls how replicating concert posters, band merchandise, and record covers became pivotal in shaping her unique style. “I meticulously collect them—each piece is a fragment of inspiration,” she adds. And this penchant for music is very obvious in Raphaëlle’s work.
These early experiences not only helped to develop her voice but also stitched together a tapestry of influences that would shape her artistic journey.
“Because my work is so personal,
it would be impossible to avoid Lebanon as a subject.
MY ART IS...
Raphaëlle’s body of work showcases a distinctive blend of modern graphic design and comic book artistry. Yet, when it comes to defining her style, Raphaëlle takes a humble yet profound stance. “I try to avoid defining my style too rigidly,” she explains, “as it would confine me into a specific aesthetic. I am always aspiring to grow and experiment in my work.”
In her pursuit of creativity, she acknowledges the challenges that come when art becomes a profession. Yet, what truly drives her creative process isn’t always easy to articulate. “It’s difficult to stay as candid about your creative process when it becomes your “job”,” she admits.
To rekindle that initial spark, Raphaëlle seeks inspiration from life’s diverse experiences. “I always try to find that initial spark elsewhere, in a song, a movie, a picture, a memory, a conversation.”
In the heart of her artistic journey, Raphaëlle emphasizes the importance of remaining grounded in her Lebanese identity while connecting with a broader, global audience.
The nature of her work reflects her intimate connection to her roots, with Lebanon often surfacing as a subtle yet impactful theme. “Because my work is so personal, it would be impossible to avoid Lebanon as a subject. Even when I am not trying to talk about it or represent it, it always creeps up on me, one way or another,” she admits.
Even when she attempts to step away from it, the essence of her homeland finds its way into her creations, connecting her journey back to her origins.
“Themes of nostalgia, immigration, separation, longing, grief, ultimately intertwine with those of community, joy and celebration... and aren’t all of these things essentially Lebanese?,” she adds.
And therein lies the magic of her work—the interplay of personal experiences and universal themes that resonate with hearts across borders.
BRIDGING CULTURES
In every illustration, every comic panel, Raphaëlle breathes life into her world—one that beautifully bridges her Lebanese heritage with her Parisian life. Her work is a testament to her belief that art should not only be about aesthetics but also about connection.
“My mission as an artist is to bring people together through my visuals,” she asserts, “to evoke feelings and share stories that transcend language.”
Her move from Beirut to Paris marked a significant transition that has profoundly influenced her art.
Initially overwhelming, the vastness and creative energy of Paris challenged her to discover and embrace her unique style as a means of self-expression. It also allowed her to pursue illustration as a professional career, an opportunity that felt less attainable in Beirut at that time.
GROWING INTERNATIONAL
Raphaëlle has since garnered international attention, yet she humbly notes that success often comes from finding and staying true to one’s voice. “I try my best to draw inspiration from within and stay true to myself and my unique perspective.[…] I often think about how meditating during some of the most challenging moments of my life taught me that the answers we seek are often already within us.”
“When it comes to my Lebanese identity, it’s something I hold dear and always carry with me. It’s the foundation of my work, and it shapes how I see the world. At the same time, I recognize that art is universal, and that’s where the connection with global audiences happens,” she adds.
This authenticity has clearly played a crucial role in her recognition both locally and abroad. However, she acknowledges the tension between maintaining her creative vision and meeting client expectations, especially when collaborating with major brands or publications. As the volume of commissions increases, she faces the challenge of balancing her personal work with client projects.
The importance of personal art, she notes, is vital for sustaining her creative spirit. “I’m currently working on my second graphic novel and have been really wanting to start painting,” she reveals.
As for artists who inspire her, Raphaëlle says they are too many to name. “I am constantly looking for new influences but if I had to think of the authors and illustrators that had the effect of a creative breakthrough for me, I’d have to say Daniel Clowes, Ken Price and Tadanori Yokoo,” she says.
“I’m currently working on my second graphic novel
and have been really wanting to start painting.”
As we turn the pages of Raphaëlle Macaron’s artistic portfolio, we are welcomed into a vibrant universe filled with rich influences, dynamic lines, vivid colors, and emotions that leap off the canvas. More than just an illustrator, she is a storyteller even throughout one comic strip or the music posters she has been creating for Habibi Funk or Omar Souleyman and much more.
In the end, Raphaëlle, serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists everywhere: a reminder that with resilience, passion, and a willingness to embrace change, the world can be your canvas—and art, your voice.
