Born in Tours, France, Coignard briefly worked in the French administration and later began studying at Arts décoratifs in Nice when he was 23 years old. Eventually, Coignard gave up his career to devote himself completely to art and began working with the gallery, Hervieu, which helped him rise in popularity both nationally and internationally. Coignard worked with glass and ceramics during the 1960s before switching to etching using the novel technique of utilizing carborundum. He lived in the U.S. for a few years and helped create the etching studio Pasnic. He has exhibited all over the world and is best known as one of the greatest etchers.