From Finance to Art: The Inspiring Journey of Shauna Lamblin, GEM PGE 2019
Upon graduating from GEM, Shauna chose a bold path by giving free rein to her creativity and dedicating herself fully to illustration and visual art. Today, she exhibits her work in iconic venues. Dive into her journey, her aspirations, and her valuable advice!
Her Journey at GEM
Shauna Lamblin joined GEM through the Passerelle exam, initially aiming for a career in finance after completing a Master’s in Finance at IAE Lyon. Yet her path took an unexpected turn toward marketing and communication.
This shift happened naturally, fueled by her strong creative sensitivity, which was particularly awakened by courses in graphic design, visual identity and artistic creation taught by Dorina Coste at GEM.
Among her most memorable experiences at GEM, she highlights graphic design and artistic creation classes, encounters with talented and ambitious fellow students, as well as seminars and courses related to entrepreneurship.
Her studies allowed her to develop solid skills in entrepreneurship, communication, pitch coaching and public speaking, as well as digital marketing. But beyond technical know‑how, what stands out most to her is the importance of soft skills: knowing how to present yourself, build connections, maintain relationships, and grow within a true community.All these elements became valuable assets in her entrepreneurial and artistic journey. Skills in digital strategy, communication and commercial storytelling are essential to gaining visibility, especially at the beginning of a career. The ability to pitch effectively and present oneself convincingly is a real growth driver. Finally, the GEM network plays a key role by facilitating new connections and professional opportunities.
A Career Off the Beaten Path
Coming from a corporate and analytical background, Shauna was initially headed for a career in finance. Gradually, she moved away from it and gravitated toward graphic arts and design through her experiences in communication, notably at CANAL+ and L’Oréal.
This natural evolution led her to a decisive shift toward an artistic practice that she developed self‑taught, outside any academic framework. Her work quickly gained recognition, marking the early steps of her professional artistic career.
Now a visual artist and freelance illustrator, I live and work between Montreal and Paris. My creations take shape through artistic prints exhibited in iconic places such as La Samaritaine in Paris, as well as through collaborations with brands on bespoke projects: special operations, product packaging, events and brand experiences.
Represented by galleries in Paris and Bordeaux, her artistic universe has also been highlighted by major media outlets including ELLE.
Leaving the traditional workplace, security and my comfort zone was a real challenge and far from obvious at first. Yet thanks to my academic and professional background — and especially GEM — I gained confidence and legitimacy in my approach.
Her inspirations often come from artists abroad, particularly in Los Angeles, New York and Montreal, with very pop and colorful aesthetics. But inspiration can spring from anything, often from small everyday details.
Her Advice for Students and Young Alumni
Shauna encourages students never to disregard a subject or a profession just because they think they are destined for a specific path. Our interests evolve throughout our journey. She emphasizes the importance of listening to oneself, regularly reassessing one’s direction, and not hesitating to shake up one’s plans — as something richer and more exciting often awaits where we least expect it.
We are taught to anticipate and plan, but paradoxically, it is sometimes essential to let life carry and surprise us.
For those considering a creative or artistic path, she recommends communicating with passion and conviction about their project to rally and engage their network. Patience is also key: recognition and stability take time to build. Finally, it’s crucial to rely on everything learned — both at school and through professional experiences — to nourish and grow one’s creative endeavor.
And Tomorrow?
Shauna hopes to collaborate with brands she admires — perhaps even companies where GEM Alumni work.
She also dreams of artistic residencies in inspiring cities, with New York as a major milestone, as well as an exhibition in an extraordinary, iconic venue.
She is currently exhibiting at Tentö Art in Bordeaux, an art gallery created by Naomi Sioufi (GEM PGE 2019) and Charles Fricker.
Discover Her Work:
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