ECV Design Students Take Part in an International Workshop in Valencia
Léane, a third-year Design student at ECV Bordeaux, shares her unforgettable experience during an international workshop in Valencia. A rewarding week that allowed her to connect with fellow ECV students and immerse herself in a new culture. Discover her journey and let her story inspire you!
Léane Gouti, a Design student at ECV BordeauxCurrently a graduate of the Bachelor’s in Graphic Design at ECV Bordeaux, I’m a Parisian who moved to Bordeaux to dive into the world of design.
Creativity has always been a driving force in my life, and graphic design quickly became the perfect outlet for my passion.
How is your experience as a student at ECV Bordeaux?
I’m truly thriving here. Finding a school that welcomes you so warmly and where you immediately feel at ease is a real blessing. I was fortunate to discover the path I want to pursue for my future right away. Thanks to ECV Bordeaux and the skills I’m developing here, I’ll be able to start my professional life in the best possible way.
What’s your graphic universe (inspirations, references…)?
My graphic universe is quite simple and modern. I’m drawn to clean and minimalist designs because I believe they are the most effective at conveying a message. I like sleek creations with a limited color palette.
Do you have a particular memory from ECV Bordeaux?
At the school, all my memories are great ones—whether it’s the friendly atmosphere during classes, ping-pong breaks, open house visits, or the parties with other students. Every moment here feels special and enriching.
What kind of job or field would you like to work in later?
I’d love to explore a variety of things and keep discovering new experiences. My goal is to create designs that evoke emotions and feelings in people. For me, the purpose of design is to convey sensations. If I can turn my passion into a career, I’d be truly fulfilled.
You recently went to Valencia for an international workshop—can you tell us about it?
During the week-long workshop, our project was to design a bag and its global campaign from scratch. We worked on everything, from sketches to prototypes. In the first few days, we attended courses with Clothilde Dupont from Neko Neko, as well as Adrian and Lucas from Studio Savage. These sessions helped us understand the intricacies of origami folds on one hand and how to analyze a market to create an innovative product on the other.
We worked in teams of five and divided the tasks to create a bag along with a global communication strategy in just three days. We started with an idea and market research, which evolved into a prototype, and we ended up with a finished bag for which we designed a complete global campaign. This project gave us the opportunity to explore every aspect of the process to bring the bag to life.
On the final day, we presented our project and received constructive feedback. It was a unique experience compared to what we usually do at school, allowing us to discover new perspectives and skills.
How was the meeting with students from other ECV campuses?
Meeting students from other campuses was incredible. We instantly connected, which allowed us to work on truly engaging projects. We quickly established a great group dynamic and assigned tasks based on our individual skills.
Did you enjoy working with the other students?
Absolutely! It was such a rewarding experience to share our knowledge and tips with each other. We all share the same creative energy, just from different cities. Working together as a team also helped push the project forward, and in just three days, we managed to bring an idea to life.
Did you have the chance to explore or enjoy the city? Any particular memories?
Since we only had classes in the mornings, we made the most of the sunny afternoons in Valencia. We were lucky to attend the Corpus Christi festival, where we watched traditional Spanish dances all over the city. The Spanish truly know how to celebrate their traditions! The beach also became our go-to spot. We discovered that Valencia is a sprawling city with hidden gems and fantastic restaurants.
What do you take away from this experience?
I realize how fortunate I was to have this opportunity, which isn’t something everyone gets to experience. Traveling to a foreign country and discovering a new culture was incredibly enriching. It allowed me to broaden my horizons and learn how to adapt to a different environment.
Meeting new people, whether professors or fellow students, was a truly valuable experience. The exchanges and discussions with them brought me fresh perspectives and ideas, which enriched both my professional and personal networks. Traveling with friends also made the experience even more memorable. We were able to share unforgettable moments together.
Would you recommend an international experience to future students?
Absolutely! If a student has the opportunity to go abroad, they shouldn’t hesitate—whether it’s for a week, a month, or a semester. It might feel stressful at first to step into the unknown, but you come back with incredible memories and, most importantly, new skills and knowledge. These experiences not only set you apart in the professional world but also enrich you culturally and socially.
Do you have any advice for someone considering studying design?
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to embrace every opportunity that comes your way and live life to the fullest, without regrets!