Explosive compositions and type built by women: Meet the French design collective Retour Chariot

The brightly coloured graphic design work of Rennes-based collective Retour Chariot is hard to miss. Composed of Justine Herbel, Oriane Charvieux and Solène Brochard — the collective of three graphic designers met during their studies (Solène and Justine in their BA in graphic design at Lycée Brequigny in Rennes and Justine and Oriane in their MA in fine art at École Européene Supérieure d’Art de Bretagne) and began working together back in 2021, before deciding to set up camp in Renne.

Together, their shared practice focuses on the creation of “explosive, colourful, typographic compositions”, across posters packaging, publications and more, says Justine. With a love for Risograph printing — a process where the designers naturally get their colour kick — many of their designs include “different forms of texture to enhance the depth and impact of our work”, the Justine continues. The trio can often be found hosting print and zine making workshops to share their knowledge of the Risograph technique from their small atelier.

Colour aside, “one of our main focuses is the readability and understanding” says Oriane. “We are often working with public or cultural institutions and schools where key information needs to be made really clear through design.” The collective often make use of inclusive typefaces made by women as well as illustrations and graphic pictograms, “all with the idea that our visual identities will make messages stand out”, says Solène. When collaborating with public institutions the trio like to work on projects with people that share their view on the world — gravitating toward topics like feminism and to how to grow local and seasonal food.