This interview was originally conducted for, and appears on, the Loving Earth blog.

We sat down with Melbourne based artist Marc Martin to learn a little more about the man behind the gorgeous illustrations that adorn Loving Earth’s Boobook Chocolate Eggs!

What did you draw when you were a kid?

I didn’t actually draw that much. I was more of a lego kid – I liked building colour co-ordinated spaceships.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in France, but we moved to Australia when I was around 4 or 5. We first moved to small town called LIcola, and then settled in Melbourne.

What’s your favourite kind of nature?

Dense forests with tall trees, far away from the sounds of the city.

How do you start a job? Any secret rituals?

I usually have an idea in my head of what I want the finished work to look like, so I might do quick sketch to try and flesh that out a bit before moving onto more finished artwork.

Hates and loves about not having work mates?

I do have work mates! I share a studio with about 12 people, so there’s always someone around to have a chat with.

The studio is on fire and you can grab three things before you get out; what are they?

Laptop, iPad pro, Wacom tablet. How boring 😦

In a parallel universe, if you couldn’t draw what would you do?

As a kid I always wanted to be a professional cyclist and ride in the Tour De France.

Who’s your Melbourne art crush right now?

There’s too many! Evie Cahir is one to watch though. Love how she captures light and mood.

What’s the one thing your mum taught you?

Don’t worry about what other people think.

Tell us about your bravest moment.

I guess just sticking to my guns and continuing being a freelancer when most other people my age went and go ‘real’ jobs.

How do you take your coffee?

I’m taking a break from coffee for a while, so it’s earl grey all the way these days!

Sweet or savoury?

Definitely sweet.