Hasta La Creative!

Sears’ October bankruptcy filing echoes a common fate of traditional retailers after they reach the top. Like A&P before it, Sears didn’t adapt to new competition fast enough, then began a decades-long spiral into Chapter 11.

As recently as five years ago, Walmart seemed poised to follow a similar path. Comparable-store sales growth had started slowing in the mid-aughts, then turned negative as the decade wore on. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based behemoth let Amazon get the jump on e-commerce, then passed on opportunities to catch up through acquisitions.

But by reinventing its strategy by investing in store improvements and, yes, acquisitions and more, Walmart has broken the pattern. It not only stopped the decline. It’s growing again. The retailer posted its strongest showing in a decade in its fiscal 2019 second quarter, capping more than four years of consecutive quarterly same-store sales growth. Comparable-store sales were up 3.4 percent in the just-concluded fiscal third quarter, ahead of company targets. And Walmart’s 43 percent growth in U.S. e-commerce in the third quarter (building on 60 percent growth the prior year) was well ahead of Amazon’s North American pace, excluding the effect of acquiring Whole Foods.

Continue reading at AdAge.com

Allbirds

Much as consumers have started to question the sourcing of their food in recent years, they are now also beginning to wonder about the origin of their clothing. Allbirds, the shoe company founded two years ago, tapped into this trend twice this year with quirky campaigns. The more recent work, done with Anomaly Los Angeles, encourages shoppers to “Meet Your Shoes,” as it promotes the brand’s sustainable materials.

“This was never just about selling shoes but about trying to make a sizable shift in sustainable manufacturing,” says Julie Channing, chief marketing officer at Allbirds. “It’s showing people you can make products that will look good and feel good, and that people feel good about buying.”

Continue reading at AdAge.com

Aastha is Mumbai-based illustrator and painter who is inspired by people around her. A true survivalist who can draw in any condition. Aastha’s free spirit reflects in her art that she reserves for herself – they carry a childlike beauty in them. Her favourite subjects to draw and paint are faces and animals.

“I like to draw my own perspective on other’s lives.” – Aastha.

Her blank slate, her thought diary and canvas (which is her freedom), is her sketchbook.
“One day I realised that we can never ‘create’ art; ART HAPPENS!” – Aastha

Why are you an Illustrator?
Illustration wanted me to be with it.
I tried my hand in many things but I could not live with it. What I was always doing in meantime was drawings and paintings. This ‘meantime’ made me realise my real interest and that was illustration, which got developed with my everyday drawings.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes I completed my BFA from JJ School Mumbai and MVA from MS University, Baroda.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I am still practicing to develop my own style. But yes, what it looks like now, comes from everyday sketching, observation and experiments.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Both my parents are artists in different fields. My papa is a well-established poet and writer. And my mother is a professional cook who does cookery shows and writes books. I grew up seeing them experimenting in their respective interests. When I started showing interest in painting as a kid, they could understand my abilities and gave me best possible guidance to develop my skills. They still inspire me with their active participations in their interests.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
Once in college my senior spotted me drawing and told me to check Sameer Kulavoor’s work. Since then I became huge fan of his illustrations. And it’s my luck that I got chance to work with him closely which was huge turning point of my illustration career.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
I took a break to develop my skills. And when you are deep dived in self-development it gives you confidence and freedom to choose what you want and what you don’t. After a point
people started noticing my style and I started getting work.

I do illustrate for advertising but only if it allows my work to be in my own style.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
It all started from illustrations only. That’s different that photography was overtaking the illustrated ads but no agency could ever say bye to illustrations. Medium of illustrations keep changing depending on trend but it’s always there.
My personal preference is to work with publishers.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Thankfully, no. Even if a time comes in when I would quit it will be for only 10 to 15 days or a month. It’s my drug and I will be happy to be killed by it

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
I did experiments with turning my illustrations into products and objects that people can use, I will revisit my ideas again at a later time.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
KG Subramanyam. I was always fascinated by his lifestyle – how he could balance work and his multiple event commitments is nothing short of a miracle. I admire his contribution to the art world and his passion to be a writer, scholar, teacher, art historian and so great at his own work. Even at 92 he would continue painting everyday.

So, whenever is my break time, it’s always KG time.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Instagram is best resource. My favourite fellow illustrators are Yadney Shingre, Roshan Chhabria, Karishma Sarode among many more!

You have such a wide experience as a top working professional. What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on Illustration as a career option? Is it paying well enough?
It’s quite simple that any field can make you rich if you put your efforts. Failures can even happen with well-established brand if efforts are missing. So say yes if you are really passionate about it.

What’s your dream project?
Google homepage illustration. And my own label of illustrative products is my dream project.

Mac or PC?
Mac for sure!

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
I would love it if Lolo and Polo (my cats) come out for dinner with me. I will go mad with their curious behaviour. But only if they behave themselves.

What’s on your iPod?
I listen to anything, my choice in music is very random. Sometimes I start my day with my Raag Bhairavi, tabla, Anushka Shankar playlist and sometimes it’s Bappi da’s Disco dancer, Abida Parveen, Coke Studio or Folk music in any indian language. It’s all up to my mood.

What’s your Twitter Handle?
It’s all about the Insta now, sweetie. Here you go: @aastha_ch0udhary

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