We have been following Anton Marrast merely since the start of Designcollector in the early 2000s. His way and manner to visualise surrealistic thoughts you may already see in your dreams are truly captivating and mind-bending. He defines his style as "psychedelic surrealism".

In 2011 we asked Anton to create a piece for our first and hence the last iPad edition of Designcollector Magazine. In 2022 we decided to share this work with NFT art collectors and now it is available in 10 editions on a standalone smart contract $DigitalDecade. It was created as a logical development of the Digital Decade collaborative platform we run since 2013 by delivering annual exhibitions and events.

Today we sit with the artist and talk about his career, please meet:

Anton Marrast

(Woman Falls Into The Dark Side Of a Dream, the early 2000s) — What was your path to doing what you’re doing now?

That’s a tough one right off the start! Life? Went to art school, and was told art is not something I could make a living with. Got lost in the search for alternatives, went graphic design way, realized I’d rather make art, switched to illustration and doing it now for about 13 years

**When you were growing up, was creativity part of your life, and how did you decide to focus on illustration?**

Haha, well, yes, creativity was quite a part of my childhood. As an activity, a child would be introduced to. You know, I was attending primary art school and also a wood carving class which wasn’t part of that art school. I also had a chance to attend sports school but decided not to as I was quite a homeboy. I believe any child has creativity as a part of their life.

**Did you feel different at the time you realised yourself as an artist?**

Can’t remember actually! I felt relief when I realized I might never have any more fights with the client about the design solution I was offering. The illustration is a bit different to that. Or maybe I was just lucky enough not to have so-called ‘clients from hell’ since I started my path as an illustrator.

You moved to another country. Was it a breaking point in your career? How does it influence your way of doing work now?

Did you have an “Aha!” moment when you knew that drawings and illustrations were what you wanted to do?

It’s hard to say actually. You see, I started doing art for a living right before I moved to a completely new place so I can’t say if it influenced me or not because I can’t compare it to my previous experience. Everything was new to me at the time and I live that way since. I’m also kind of an internet worm, so it is a great part of my world. This environment is obviously everchanging and yet kinda stays the same wherever you are.

Don’t think so. I’ve come quite a long way so it was more like an ‘ok, finally’ sort of moment.

**Do you collaborate with other artists?**

We have a huge thing going on with Mannay – a super-talented artist and a great person altogether. We’re working on quite a complex project currently and you will definitely hear about it quite soon.

As a creative person, do you ever have those moments where you feel like everything you create is just not right?

It’s more like having those moments when you feel like creating anything doesn’t feel right. In moments like these I just don’t create so I can’t say how I feel about it. But that only affects personal vision. Personal thoughts and ideas. If I have a project on my hands or a commission I’m working on – I do my best to make it so I love the result myself. I see myself as a man of craft. I can’t remember the exact quote but I share that philosophy a great French actor Gerard Depardieu once stated when he was referring to him being a great actor. It is a job you chose and hence get asked to do. Just do your job as well as you are able to no matter what.

**Have you taken any significant risks to move forward?**

Well, being an illustrator working from a home studio with some laidback travel explorations and studies? Don’t think so. Does not know for sure whether you will be able to pay rent for the next month or not can be considered as a risk? That’s just a question of perspective.

**Are your family and friends supportive of what you do? Who has encouraged you the most?**

I don’t think any of my lifetime friends or family members actually have a full understanding of what I actually do. The only person who is aware is my beloved wife and I feel her support every moment of my life for more than 10 years now. That keeps me moving and is more than enough for me.

Did you have a mentor? Who was it and how did they inspire you?

I’d rather say that I didn’t. It’s all episodes. I’ve had many different people over the days of youth who influenced me here and there showing me what’s important and what is not. But having just a person who I owe everything I have become? Probably not. Or all of them may be.

**Is it important to you to be a part of a creative community of people?**

Well turns out it is! Before I got into it, being an introvert as I am, living quite a secluded life I was thinking I’m good without it you know. Probably the best way to describe my relationship with any creative community of people would be to compare myself to the main character of Nomadland (2020 film). I don’t know if you watched it but the way Fern becomes part of the community of nomads and kinda stays within herself is basically how I operate. Come to me If you need to and I’ll offer the best I have but at the same time let me just sit here quietly. I’m good, thank you haha.

You’re already a successful and well-established artist, what made you pursue NFT art as a medium?

I remember it was something along the lines of transhumanism as a trend. Ever-evolving technology that not yet solved the problem of an individual being separated from their human body through making it possible to enhance the life experience by implementing tech into it. The range would be so vast that solutions could be compatible to all sorts of media, even ancient ones like cassettes. Just a fantasy.

MINT NFT

What are your short plans for the next NFT drop?

To continue with my Ex Cyclopedia series. 10th episode is round the corner and it’s going to be a special one. I’ve teamed up with a super-talented composer and musician for this one. Can’t say more for now but it’s out this month.

See Collection

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Artist career-wise? I wouldn’t say anything. You’ll have to find your way. Or maybe just this: try to find your own way. It may take the whole life through. Just think how long you see yourself doing this and how you see it in 10 years for instance. And just make sure to develop and work on yourself.
If we’re talking about joining the space then forget everything you heard about it. Be yourself. Don’t expect anything, don’t feel entitled, and be honest, and fair to yourself and others. If you like something – make sure to tell them about it. If all that goes against being yourself for you then probably you will not enjoy being here.

What would it be if you could go back and do one thing differently?

Nothing really. If I would go back and change one thing I’d lose what I have now and would become frustrated about something else. I’m happy with where I am, and would not give it up for something I don’t know about.

**Do you have any unrealised or unfinished projects?**

Well sort of, yes. My Slow Story isn’t finished and I’m restarting it in a way with Ex Cyclopedia bringing it to a wider and more complex level. I also have a few ideas I’m working on over the years and I hope I’ll be able to release it all at some point.

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