Discover the testimony of Marie Libert, graduate of the Expert in Digital Strategy Master's program (Class of 2017) and founder of Artcore.
What is Artcore?
art-core.fr aims to make the arts accessible to as many people as possible. The startup helps companies develop in new ways using rewarding and differentiating levers: the arts in all their forms. Whether through animation or space styling, the young company supports various businesses in building lasting projects for everyone's enjoyment.
What is Artcore?
art-core.fr aims to make the arts accessible to as many people as possible. The startup helps companies develop in new ways using rewarding and differentiating levers: the arts in all their forms. Whether through animation or space styling, the young company supports various businesses in building lasting projects for everyone's enjoyment.
My name is Marie, I am 29 years old, and I am a former student of the Expert in Digital Strategy Master's program at Digital Campus Bordeaux. I recently founded Artcore.
I took this program as a complement to my master's degree in tourism. I wanted to specialise in web marketing and digital more broadly. I already had an entrepreneurial instinct before applying to the school, having also written a dissertation for my Tourism master's.
The projects!
That part was highly professionalising, in addition to the work-study placement. Hackathons, major projects, educational projects, and DC Start all helped me build my skills and eventually found my own company.
Managing my time between the work-study and my DC Start project wasn't very difficult, as it was a passion project that grew partly out of my work experience. I was a digital project manager at SNCF and was heavily involved in event management. I developed it with heart, which made things easier.
That part was highly professionalising, in addition to the work-study placement. Hackathons, major projects, educational projects, and DC Start all helped me build my skills and eventually found my own company.
Managing my time between the work-study and my DC Start project wasn't very difficult, as it was a passion project that grew partly out of my work experience. I was a digital project manager at SNCF and was heavily involved in event management. I developed it with heart, which made things easier.
Honestly, I was working on a different project in the first year. It wasn't really mine because I was collaborating with a friend. I didn't want to continue because it wasn't my own creation. I have always been drawn to art — it is my outlet, through drawing, painting, piano, and many other things. For me, art is indispensable in society and brings joy to people. I believe no society can thrive without culture. My idea took shape in December-January, and then motivation, desire, and heart did the rest.
I have been fully committed to it since November and I registered the company in January. Between the final DC START presentation and setting up the company, I had been able to finalise my business plan. You quickly realise how many unexpected things arise compared to the initial plan.
For instance, my budget forecasts were not accurate. Also, the DC START I presented in July was the desired end state. The idea was to connect businesses and artists through a matching platform. To do that, you need to know your clients well — and once you're actually operating, you realise that every company has completely different objectives and a very different sensitivity when it comes to art.
So I decided to go with a fairly simple website for now, which will evolve into something more along those lines in v2 or even v3. I came to understand that what I presented to the jury was a long-term vision, but that for now, I would keep things simple.
For instance, my budget forecasts were not accurate. Also, the DC START I presented in July was the desired end state. The idea was to connect businesses and artists through a matching platform. To do that, you need to know your clients well — and once you're actually operating, you realise that every company has completely different objectives and a very different sensitivity when it comes to art.
So I decided to go with a fairly simple website for now, which will evolve into something more along those lines in v2 or even v3. I came to understand that what I presented to the jury was a long-term vision, but that for now, I would keep things simple.
What worked for me was drawing from my passions. That is when I was able to truly express myself and bring out the best in me. I advise students to give their presentation without notes, cue cards, or their phone. The oral presentation is very important and it is essential to be as comfortable as possible with your project and the way you present it.