It was in his bright and welcoming workshop, near Cahors, that we discovered a passionate young artist who combines his technical expertise in industrial design with a lifelong love of motorcycles. From a very young age, he shared his family's love of two-wheelers, a passion that naturally led him to tinker with his own vehicles. It was through this process that Aubin found his calling: personalizing helmets and customizing motorcycles, a way to express himself artistically while asserting his identity. For him, each project is a way to give form to his emotions. Through this portrait, discover the world of an artist who transforms each piece into a personal and unique work of art.

A well-established creative process

How does the transformation of a helmet take place?

Initially, I ask the client a few targeted questions to get a sense of who they are, their passions, desires, goals, and dreams. The aim is to help their personality blossom. Next, I create a sketch directly onto the helmet using a pencil, and for more graphic commissions (like those for competitions), I create a mockup as a photo montage directly in Photoshop. Once the design is approved, I move on to production. This generally takes me two weeks. After the helmet is finished, I do a photoshoot to ensure it meets their expectations. Production time varies depending on the order. It can range from one day to four full months, with the minimum being one full day.

What techniques and tools do you use?

My approach is quite academic, given that I learned a lot at art school. I obviously use brushes and acrylic paint, but also paint markers, pencils, and, of course, a lot of airbrushes and automotive spray guns. I've combined the skills of academic art with the automotive design techniques I learned.

How do you manage the mix between aesthetics and safety?

I like this question because there are a lot of myths surrounding what we are and aren't allowed to do. So I want to say, the legend about lead paint interfering with the scanner doesn't exist: since the 1990s, there hasn't been any lead paint, and in any case, medical staff never wear helmets during a scan because the metal would immediately distort the image.

Safety will depend primarily on integrating reflective strips into the design and using non-aggressive paint for the helmet's structure. It's not widely known, but each helmet manufacturer writes its own guidelines for products permitted on their helmets.

Inspiration at the service of your desires

What are your main sources of inspiration?

I love nature and for me it is an inexhaustible source of inspiration; let's say it helps me translate an emotion into a drawing, and put movement on the helmets.

Is there an artist or world that particularly influences your work?

Absolutely, there are many artists who influence my work, tattoo artists like Swann LPX in Toulouse or the Japanese artist Sousyu Hayashi with his identity-based tattoos. I also draw inspiration from the various references to professions in Japanese tattoos (sailors, firefighters, fishermen, artisans, gangsters). This allows me to create series of numbered helmets based on each inspiration.

Is there a style that defines you, or do you evolve according to demands?

I have two types of requests:

Clients who give me free rein and let me express what I want on the helmet. I admit that these are the requests I really enjoy the most.

And those who already have their ideas in mind. Yes, indeed, I have a defined style, it also evolves with my personality, my inspirations and my current desires.

What's the most original or crazy request you've ever received?

Recently, a driver for a race in the Mexican desert wanted to look like a zebra, his spirit animal. He wanted to blend into the wild environment. I had to study dozens of photos of zebras to get the perfect pattern.

I also received a particularly complex request. A client sent me a photo of a 200-year-old Japanese print and wanted to reproduce the artwork on his helmet. It was a project that took over four months to complete, resulting in a stunning piece. Challenge accepted!

An artist in search of new things

Do you dream of collaborating with a brand, a driver, or a particular event?

Indeed, I have a French rider in mind whom I greatly admire: Johann Zarco. His vision, his perspective, and his humility resonate with me deeply. The Wheels and Waves event also represents something quite important in terms of riding culture. Furthermore, Daytona 73 is one of the brands I particularly appreciate for its welcoming atmosphere and authenticity.

What new artistic projects would you like to explore?

I'd like to make my art more accessible using a technique tattoo artists employ: the "flash" tattoo. I'd also like to develop a line of stickers designed for helmets, featuring capsule designs and limited editions.

"I transform helmets into stories. I can't wait to hear yours."

To discover Aubin's work, you can follow him on Instagram: @atelierewok.

If you have a helmet customization project, contact him by email at: ewokcustom@gmail.com .