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She hails from a small town, and was born to a doctor couple, having said that she is always extremely passionate about her own creative career path. She chooses to display her thoughts through her illustration work. Post her Architectural days she did her Masters in Design with a specialization in Animation from IDC, IIT Bombay. Now working as a freelance artist mainly into illustrations, 2D animation, comic art and painting.

Why are you an Illustrator?
It was child’s play in the beginning; I started writing the stories from my childhood and loved to read kids novels. Spent hours trying to understand the concept of story telling. Going ahead with the passion I choose to create my own illustrated world by story telling and drawing. After completing my Architecture, I got into IDC, IIT for my further studies in Animation. While working on concept art I realized the passion for Illustration and I made my illustration work my medium of communication. With the great admiration from my faculties I went ahead and illustrated my first Children’s book for Scholastic.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Not particularly for fine arts. I admire great work done by various artists. My inspiration comes from small day-to-day things or incidences around us. Animation taught me a great deal of understanding for the process, which helped me improve my skills in illustration.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I wouldn’t say that I have one distinct style, though I want to create artwork and visual language of my own style. It is largely based on the subject and the need of time. Exploring various medium and style is my way of putting things forward.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I think my very first inspiration for painting came when I visited Raja Ravi Verma’s art gallery. Frieda Kahlo and her work inspire me a lot! I love her surreal self-portraits painted in vivid colors and in relationship with nature.
Today, apart from my animation & illustration work I truly enjoy painting.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
I grew up reading all the Marathi novels with almost no visuals in it but it helped to nurture my imagination! I also enjoy reading Tales of Hans Christen Andersen and illustrations from classic novels like Moby-Dick and The Secret Garden. All these classics motivate me to concentrate on small details of story while illustrating for storybooks.
I am a huge fan of Hayao Miyazaki and Anime has great influence on my creativity

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
After completing my masters in animation I got my first break in Illustration in 2011. While working on my first book I started getting freelance work for various publications. So far I have illustrated quiet a few children’s books and did animation for a campaign called “Beti Jindabad” by Actionaid.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
My work was majorly done for publishers. I was always keen on Illustrating for children’s books, and I would love to explore more into visual narratives, and illustration for adults.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
No. Never. I draw everyday and drawing is like breathing to me.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Yes, I have already started working on my own toys and merchandising. I have few prototypes of my favorite characters. While designing the character I always imagine how it will interact with the real world.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
There are so many, everyone is great at his or her own work.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
I admire my fellow illustrators work.

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?
Illustration has to come from within; it’s an art form, which requires great imagination power, patience, practice and consistency. If one could accumulate all theses qualities he/ she can become illustrator.
It requires great deal of patience for money to start rolling in, though it’s more of work satisfaction then money.

What’s your dream project?
My current dream project would be something with graphic novels. I am working on my own stories that can be converted into graphic novel as well animation shorts!

Mac or PC?
Mac, anytime.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
I would love to take Howl, Mei and Totoro for dinner

(*Characters from Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle and My Neighbor Totoro)

What’s on your iPod?
I prefer iTune radio – ambient music.

Whats your Twitter Handle?
@gdhamisa

Samidha can be contacted via her twitter account (above) or her blog here. 

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