Hasta La Creative!

I am a concept artist and a visual designer. I have been in this field for the past 8 years and enjoy what I’m doing. I love photography and travel. I especially like visiting new places.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I have liked drawing since my childhood. I feel fortunate that I have this opportunity to do what I love.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I did join an Institute for fine arts after completing my graduation.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I was always fascinated by water colour paintings. That style was hard to achieve digitally but I kept working on it till I got the desired result. I’m still working on that style and improving on it.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
There were many role models. The person whose work influenced me the most was R.K.Laxman. I was inspired by the simplicity of his life as well as his work. I liked the social aspect that he touched in his arts.
Another person who has inspired and influenced my desire to be a professional artist, is Bill Watterson. He was the cartoonist and author of Calvin and Hobbes. He always worked for personal fulfillment and that influenced me.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
There are a lot of people who have influenced my work. I love the works of Steve Simpson, Bill Watterson, Daniel Cuello and Pascal Campion amongst others.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
I like the independence and the freedom to select projects that excite me. I started freelance work a few years back. I illustrate primarily for advertising agencies/entrepreneurs and businesses now. Even individuals who want to commission an artwork.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
The current trend is for advertising agencies to use illustrations. Whether it’s for their ad campaigns or for websites. I had started my career working on projects of Publishers but now it’s mostly agencies and entrepreneurs/ individuals who approach me for work.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
It’s something I enjoy doing so quitting was never an option..

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys/graphic novels?
It’s something I would like to consider in the near future.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
There are many indian illustrators I admire. Sukanto Debnath, Abhilash Narayanan, Kshiraj Telang & Chaaya Prabhat, Nikhil Shinde are a few I can think of right away.

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?
I would definitely advice aspiring creative professionals to take up illustrations as a career option. Rather than tell them if it pays well enough, I would advice them to make the foundation very strong. Focus on improving your work and not on the commercials. Once your work is good, it will pay well.

What’s your dream project?
Still waiting for it.

Mac or PC?
Mac.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Steve Simpson. I would be delighted to listen to his story.

What’s on your iPod? Spotify?
I enjoy music of the 80’s .

Whats your Twitter Handle? Instagram?
My instagram handle is nipenbhuyanart