Artisan profile: Clément Saint-Martin, founder of Pick Your Line

For this edition, we are pleased to highlight Clément Saint-Martin, the creator behind Pick Your Line. From his Montreal studio, he designs and manufactures original 3D-printed wall art, where the interplay of lines, light, and shadow brings to life illustrations inspired by nature, travel, and moments that have left their mark on him.

In this interview, Clément tells us how the Pick Your Line adventure began, what fuels his daily inspiration, and his vision for local, creative, and accessible craftsmanship. ✨

How did the idea for Pick Your Line come about? What is the story behind your journey as an artisan?

Craftsmanship is in my DNA.

Since I was a child, I have been creating, cooking, drawing, and building all kinds of objects. After having access to workshops my whole life, I found myself spending a winter in a Montreal apartment... I needed to find a way to keep expressing myself, so I bought a 3D printer.

The initial project was to create a relief map of Montreal. From one idea to another, I gradually gravitated toward the concept of the Lines that I offer today.

What is the value that guides each of your creations?

I don't really set myself a framework. What I am looking for above all else is for each creation to resonate with the public or with the image I wish to convey.

The world I move in is a real gold mine of ideas. Nature, friends, and solo walks are all sources of inspiration that make me want to create works that are sometimes realistic, sometimes graphic or humorous. The only limit is imagination.

Do you have a favorite product or a creation that tells a special story?

I think it's The Fishing Bear (in fact, it's the one I chose for my bedroom!).

This illustration is inspired by an unforgettable experience I had during an expedition in British Columbia to fish for salmon. There were bears everywhere! Even if they were "only" black bears, you can't help but remain humble in the face of the quiet strength of this animal. It is this energy that I wanted to capture in this creation.

What does a day in your studio look like?

Everything can start from an idea, a drawing, or a photo from my camera roll.

I start by creating the illustration on my computer, then I perform printing tests. Thanks to a process of trials and adjustments, I finally obtain a model that satisfies me: easy to reproduce, composed of lines thin enough to create a beautiful luminous contrast with the support, and above all, pleasant to look at.

I then launch production, then I clean and inspect each piece one by one before moving on to packaging. The final step is delivery, directly to your home or to a retailer.

What detail of your creative process would surprise people the most?

Undoubtedly the fact that I try to offer a new way to decorate spaces. The absence of a frame allows the creations to blend into the decor: they almost seem to come to life.

If you could pass on just one message to those who choose to buy local artisan goods, what would it be?

There are so many beautiful things created by artisans near us! It would be a shame to miss out. =)