Coup de coeur pour Edson Oda qui a réalisé ce magnifique court-métrage mélangeant avec talent illustrations, origamis, kirigamis, timelapses et d’autres techniques pour livrer un rendu unique. Appelée « Malaria », cette vidéo narre l’histoire de Fabiano, un jeune mercenaire. L’ensemble est à découvrir dans la suite en vidéo.
L’artiste Timothy Goodman a récemment transformé les murs de l’Hôtel Ace situé à New York avec des illustrations très réussies réalisées au marqueur. Rendant hommage à cette ville unique, ce magnifique « 99 Illustrations Frame Illustrations » est à découvrir en images dans la suite de l’article.
Pendant un an, l’artiste Guilherme Kramer basé à São Paulo au Brésil a décidé de recouvrir les murs d’une agence en dessinant les visages de chacun des employés. Avec ce projet intitulé « I see People in the Crowd », l’artiste brésilien nous montre son talent pour l’illustration. Plus d’images dans la suite.
Can you
tell us about Inkbrushnme ?
Inkbrushnme actually originated in 2005 as my final year campaign project when I didn’t have a budget for photography and it required a lot of effort, models, locations. I didnt want to compromise on my creative thought process. Time was running out and our display was in 4/5 days. I could not sleep and during that sleepless night, I came up with the idea of making an ad campaign
on myself, a studio that creates illustrations. A concept like that never existed in our country as far as I knew. I created a few illustrations and on that night, some basic layouts and inkbrushnme was born. Those 4/5 days were one of the most productive days
of my entire life.
Later I went for a post grad to IDC, IIT B and soon after my studies a new life began.
A few years down the line, inky has been bouncing like a ping pong ball with a soul through various platforms related to Art, Design, Music & Entertainment. We develop projects which have a tremendous potential for exploring illustration to an extent no one has tried. We would like to illustrate on the moon if given a chance!
You are group/collective of illustrators, visual designers, animators. Can you name who all are there in your team and how do you work on projects?
We work in a collective culture where creators are committed to a particular assignment and the rest have their independent projects going on. The core members of this studio are just two. Kaustubh Kamat who joined forces early 2012. Kaustubh is a very good designer and has a lot of experience working on various platforms of print & web and then there is me. We have a team of independent guys whom we love to work with. We hunt for talent depending on the scope of a particular project. Every client needs a unique solution, so we explore talent that is vastly available and then collaborate towards a singular vision.
What experience your team has, if you could highlight individually?
We do not have super powers but every day is an experience. We believe in un learning every time we finish a project and start a new one. So the experience is forgotten as an ego and you are reborn with new energies and new zest. We use our past projects as learning experience to propel us even further.
What Inkbrushnme best at?
Our arena is illustration & visual design. I have been communicating through visuals, reading visuals, dreaming visuals talking visuals. That would be our nuclear reactor.
What Inkbrushnme bad at?
Diffusing that nuclear reactor!
Do you have office or people in team work from their choice of locations.
You cant constrain a creative energy. So the free spirit culture always exists. Artists thus work from the space they are comfortable in, what matters is the final product. As such ours is a mobile studio depending upon the location of the project and how much we are inspired by it. At the moment we operate out of walls painted by us in Pune!
How Inkbrushnme is different?
Hire us, you will come to know!
Tell us about your most acclaimed work projects?
We recently rebranded a real estate builder based in Pune and the campaign was very effective. We created a property – MadeInPune that celebrates achievements in and from Pune. A real estate campaign that explores & celebrates this city inside out was one of the most ambitious projects we undertook. I consider MadeinPune as an acclimation for its outreach and possibilities in which are exploring this campaign. We are in a way branding this city, celebrating micro brands, food, festivals, world class achievements in technology, health, art, science, etc.
Tell us about your recent campaigns?
RushHrs is a chain QSRs in Pune. They serve yummy food but needed more visibility so as to stand confident in their
competition. We approached their problem in various ways and looked at using illustration throughout their
communication. We designed their restaurant while creating a unique style for their brand. Visual guidelines were
created. Since the idea of RushHrs originated from a chaotic yet beautiful culture of our metros, multiple strategies were
nailed for their communication.
Tell us about Shahrukh, pepsodent comic and how idea had come to your teams mind.
The idea wasnt ours, Lowe Lintas approached us for this project that they wanted to explore Pappu & Papa campaign
through comic books that’ll get distributed through their toothpastes. Arguably, the largest number of comic books ever distributed in India with a minimum circulation of 15 lac units. We had 3 simple stories and 3 comic books were created over a span of a
month or two. This initiative received a fabulous response.
What credentials are required to be part of your team?
One simply needs to have a strong visual sense, a unique approach of looking at life and most importantly a very powerful skill set for illustration.
Your Book moon, Ramu and I, won Darshana national award. What makes this book so special?
Illustrated books or comic books are by far my most favorite projects! I am a director, art director, actor for a story given to me to visualize and illustrate. All creative controls are in my hands and I just have to unleash. This book was a product of pure love & labour. There is no grid for this book. The story flows as thoughts flow, uncontrolled. I wanted kids to hold this book in all possible angles, directions and come back to this book and explore some more. The art has lot of details which werent required but as a storyteller, one needs to make the story so interesting that after a few years that story should come back to a reader naturally. They way one remembers Suppandi. Or even Ek Titli – the animated video.
How you see Inkbrushnme growing and what will be its future in next 5 years?
We want Inky to be known as a highly specified conceptual illustration & design studio from India.
How you make payments to team, Do they get salaries or it is project based fee?
They become partners and share a decided percentage. We believe in all creators and the efforts of every contributor deserves a share than a salary.
Your take on Desicreative’s initiative of promoting Indian creatives ?
Your network is wide spread. You must have a collective gathering and should organize design/art/illustration/typography seminars or festivals to educate budding talent. Thankyou!
Harsh can be contacted via his website here.
S’inspirant des visuels et du concept de l’artiste Vahram Muratyan pour son livre « Paris vs New York », le motion designer Tony Miotto nous propose une vidéo énumérant les détails différenciant Paris de New York cette fois-ci en animation. Visuellement très réussie, cette création est à découvrir dans la suite.
Alexander Khokhlov est un photographe moscovite qui utilise le visage humain comme une toile pour créer des illustrations en noir et blanc. D’une beauté envoutante, reprenant des icônes comme celui du Wi-Fi ou un QR Code, ces créations incroyables sont à découvrir dans la suite de l’article.
Vinay Daniel an Electrical engineer by education but a concept artist and digital painter by passion; Currently working with an animation company in Bangalore as a 3D Lighting and Compositing artist. He has been artistic as a child and has continued working towards it each day. He creates digital art of surreal worlds and intense characters that build through the use of Photoshop. Vinay’s worlds intertwine the elements of fantasy, adventure and science fiction that have been assembled and put down to visuals. When he is not drawing, he likes to spend his time bird watching, nature travels, watching movies and listening to music.
When I was asked to choose a profession, I took up Electrical Engineering. 4 years of my life was the best time spent exploring various things in life. Art being one of it and something that molded everything I am today.
A vital part of my life growing up has always been Art and its influences. Colors beckoned me to experiment what I could do. I have constantly been involved and interested in different artworks; be it poster color painting or canvas painting. I watched and learnt from various people I have come across in the walk of my life. I am still learning and exploring all aspects of my creative thoughts and capabilities. I am currently working as a 3D professional for an animation studio in Bangalore.
Why are you an Illustrator?
Why not? Illustrator, Concept Artist, Artist… different words all connecting art. Art is in everything and anything you see. So why not do something I would love? An artist is like the protagonist and the audience to his own work. An Artist has a very broad spectrum to explore and understand. A role of an artist is never defined. It changes, grows and evolves every passing day.
Digital painting is fun and interesting, yet very serious business all at the same time. For me, this stream of art gives me a high, an elevation with endless freedom of infinite nights of doodling and scribbling. Painting requires the bravery of solitude, it requires disciplined labor. To be a painter is to search the world with a benevolent eye for every subtle beauty that the infinite world offers.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
No, self taught and learning from artists from all walks of life.
You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Much of my art is Digital, so I work on a computer for it and I use the software Photoshop as a medium to display my train of thoughts and colors. The freedom a computer gives is you have options of adding a lot of layers and levels to your artwork, which in real is a bit difficult to get. It sort of gives you a freedom to paint, but denies you the complete feeling of getting your hands dirty, which is also a lot of fun, but I prefer it this way. The crayons and pencils are replaced by the Wacom tablet and pen. It becomes your best friend and more like an extension of your fingers when you venture into Digital painting or Concept Art. Well, I have been working on this style for about 1 – 2 years now; I hope to get better at it each day.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Yes! All artists inspire you. From music to painters to concept artists; as my professional clan is fondly referred to. There are several artists I learn from each day with every work they do. There is always a signature style they use in their artworks, which intrigues me. I dint know much about digital art as a kid, but I liked the paintings without even knowing the artist’s names. But now I try to follow them. My mentors and great influences in Concept art would be Justin Coro Kauffman, David Levy and Ryan Church; I also admire the works of Frank Frazetta.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
All artists inspire me! From musicians to canvas painters to concept artists; everyone inspires you at various points in life. These are the people that influence your hands and mind.
What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising? Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I am not a freelance illustrator. I am a full time professional at an animation company in Bangalore who works on various animation projects. I am open to freelancing and working with advertising studios if the project interests me though.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
No. Once you get into it, this question doesn’t exist anymore.
Have you considered turning your illustrations into graphic novels?
I do intend on publishing this into a book, but it’s a long process which I am working on build on.
Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Dhilip Kumar Somesh and Neville D’souza
Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
I am always on a healthy dose of looking into the internet era of digital painters who I can look upto. Hence, it has always been Android Jones, Feng Zhu, Dylan Cole and Daniel Dociu amongst many others
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?
Art is the way you see it! It’s what your mind can visualize it to be. Being an artist is always about the ability to guide and teach yourself, to recreate something you have imagined or dreamt about. It is quite complex and not an easy task to get that going. It’s like handling an alter ego and making sure he is doing exactly what you want him to. See, that’s like talking crazy! All artists need to be insane enough to stay inspired to be able to do this for a living or even personal works too, no offense! You form and manage to make art flow because you want to see it! You want your eyes to believe what your mind is imagining. So, focus, research, paint as much as you can. An artist, who paints often, is just like a poet; with extremely good hand and eye co ordination.
In concept art, only one thing counts: What you do next! Illustration is decent paying. But the irony still lies in people trying to get it for cheaper rather than appreciate the effort and creativity behind it. But I believe if you create the need to be well paid, you will get it.
Mac or PC?
PC
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Scarlett Johansson
What’s on your iPod?
AC DC, Rage against the machine and Pink Floyd!!!
Abhijit Kalan is known to most as ‘Kawla’ (or crow). One fine day he started drawing a crow. He hasn’t stopped yet. The count till date is 134. Currently he’s working as an Art Director in Rediffusion Y&R.
Why are you an Illustrator?
I don’t know. I majored in photography and grew up envying illustrators. I still don’t think of myself as an illustrator. I simply doodle and luckily they seem to work.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I’m a BFA in photography from Sir JJ Institute of Applied Art.
You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
It didn’t take me long to develop it. It just took me some time to realise that I have developed what seems to be a distinct style.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Several. Though as far illustration is concerned I would name Mr. Kulkarni, my professor at JJ.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
Sameer Kulkarni, my classmate, who is an illustrator.
What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
I don’t really freelance. I’ve been doing it for fun. People who have observed my work sometimes approach me for a project. I just did an illustration for a campaign I’m working on.
Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I work for friends. For fun, not money. I have done illustrations just for my agency.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Illustration comes as naturally to me as breathing. You don’t quit breathing.
Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
I have considered turning my illustrations into many things. Toys are just one part of the plan
Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Dileep Khomane, Archan Nair and many more
Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Sameer Kulkarni, Neha Karira.
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?
All I wish to say is, illustrate for fulfilment. Money will follow.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Not a fellow illustrator for sure.
What’s on your iPod?
Besides music, 40 GB of movies.
Mac or PC?
Mac
Patrick Vale a dessiné avec détail la magnifique vue sur Manhattan depuis l’Empire State Building. L’illustrateur nous offre ici une vidéo du plus bel effet, avec un travail impressionnant. Titrée « Empire State of Pen », cette représentation de New York réalisée en avril est à découvrir en vidéo dans la suite de l’article.
L’artiste Evan Robertson a pensé une série d’illustrations éditées en posters se basant sur des citations célèbres de grands noms de la littérature. Reprenant des propos connus de Poe, Hemingway, Sartre ou encore Salinger, le résultat très réussi est à découvrir dans la suite de l’article.
Why are you an Illustrator?
To tell a story, attempt to connect with people … I received my BA in Literature and I’ve been in love with storytelling since I first learned to read. I try to create a story that is relate-able and can make people happy.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I went to the Academy of Art in San Francisco for a year and a half. After receiving what I felt like was a good foundation, I dropped out. I’ve been drawing every day since.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Like many, my mother was my role model. She is a strong, determined and independent woman and I took a lot of cues from her.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
The most influential person has been my hubbahubba. His steadfast support of my desire to quit the 9 to 5 and go into art is what has made me who I am today. He manages my website, listens to my self-doubt and assists me at shows and exhibitions. He is there for all the mundane business work as much as the celebrations and art related events I attend.
Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Most of my work is personal. It is the majority of my income. I am the wrong person to ask about the illustration environment in advertising. I do hope to get into publishing, but that might take some time.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Honestly, I want to quit probably once a week! I struggle with self-doubt and I am highly critical of my work. I try to remind myself that I am not only as good as my last image – I have to see my work as a body, not judge myself by each image.
Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Not as of yet.
Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
I enjoy the work of Sanjay Patel very much. I have met him a couple of times and its very encouraging to see another Indian face at shows and exhibitions. His work is modern and playful.
What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing?
I have always wanted to create and I have never been a fan of authority. Freelancing means that I don’t have a boss which suits me well. I think the path to being an independent artist is an extremely difficult one, I am not associated with any studio or company – therefore there are many opportunities that I will never have… but I can create my own opportunities, I am working on some larger projects and I am able to truly focus on them. I write my own schedule – I get to work from home around my kitties and take walks through the Golden Gate park during the day. I don’t know if I’d want it any other way.
Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
I love looking at Drawn.ca and I have a whole host of graphic novelists and illustrators that I follow via RSS. My current favorites are Vera Brosgol, Cale Atkinson and Oliver Jeffers.
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 sincerely believe that if you love doing something enough and work at it everyday you can be successful.
Tell us something of your personal projects
I am working on a few things… you’ll just have to wait and see!
What is your dream project?
My dreams always involve books. Creating original kids books, graphic novels… If I had the opportunity to do that for the rest of my days, I would happily accept.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Marjane Satrapi, Chris Guillebeau, and Lane Smith.
What’s on your iPod?
Filmy hindi music, Adele, Foster the People, Gotye, Janet Jackson, Bob Dylan and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Mac or PC?
Mac
Coup de cœur pour ces illustrations en relief de l’artiste japonais Nagai Hideyuki. Agé de 21 ans, il utilise le procédé de l’anamorphose dans ces créations pour des illusions d’optiques très impressionnantes. Un rendu d’illustrations 3D de l’ensemble de son carnet de croquis a découvrir en images dans la suite.
Olimpia Zagnolis est une illustratrice vivant à Milan. Celle-ci nous propose à chacune de ses créations des couleurs vives et des formes simples. Ayant pu travailler pour Bloomberg, The New Yorker, Monocle ou encore The Washington Post, découvrez une sélection de ses illustrations dans la suite de l’article.
Drawer of quirky, colourful stuff.
Incorrigible daydreamer, crazy about desserts, laughs a lot, thinks of herself as a modern-day Alice (in Wonderland).
An all-or-nothing person.
Why are you an Illustrator?
All through a timeline that included a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Electronics, an IT job, a course in animation, learning graphic design through self-study and some half-baked ventures, there was one thing I kept coming back to – illustration. So, illustration it is!
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
No, I learnt through self-study – books, free online tutorials, blogs etc. Not having a degree in any of the art-related fields, held me back mentally when I started out. Now I see it as an advantage, because I’ve realized that I have never been cut out for any kind of classroom learning. So I have been able to do things my way – be it learning or creating.
You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
If I do have a distinct style (I am not sure if I do), I made no effort to develop it. I just drew. But since the last year or so, after I started putting up my work online, I’ve been seeing my thought processes and my work in a new light altogether.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Growing up, my mother and her never-say-die attitude have had a huge impact on me. Also, in recent years, I’ve been influenced a great deal by Hugh Macleod or rather, his cartoons. His work says so much in so few words – it has made a huge impact on all aspects of my life.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
I would have to say Gemma Correll, an illustrator of illustrations from Norwich, UK.
Her illustrations are so witty and brilliant. The tiniest of elements/characters in her work have so much personality – it’s hard not to love them. Also, the amount of work she has accomplished is simply amazing.
Have you worked for advertising campaigns? When did you start freelancing?
No, I haven’t. I started freelancing in August 2010.
Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
As of now, I’ve worked mainly with individuals, startups and small teams. So far, I like that approach.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Not at all, but there are times when I wish I had more time to work on self-initiated projects, in addition to implementing the ideas of others.
Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Not really, not as of now.
Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
I am still discovering so many wonderful ones every week, I am yet to pick a favourite.
But I really like the work done by Pencil Sauce Studio.
Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
That list could well turn out to be never-ending. But, as I said, Gemma Correll is my favourite illustrator. Other illustrators whose work I love are Chris Leavens, Gaia Bordicchia and Melanie Matthews.
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?
Based on my personal experience, this is what I’ve to say:
• Keep at it because it’s what you love to do best.
• Be ready for a lot of hard work – not just in working on your craft, but also
in promoting it just as actively.
• Create the perfect personal space (physically and mentally), where the world cannot reach you. This makes a huge impact on your thought process and creativity.
• Remember you have a life “offline”.
As for telling people about illustration as a career option, I would say that depends on the strength of one’s interest in it and personal priorities. Finances are always a tricky thing in a creative, subjective field like this. But if it’s a labour of love, nothing else really matters.
Practically speaking, one can always take up a temporary job till one finds a strong foothold in the industry.
Tell us something of your personal projects (The Fiction Project etc)
In December 2010, I discovered a bunch of colourful drawings on someone’s Facebook wall. They were part of The Sketchbook Project 2011. I was instantly interested in participating. Unfortunately, the deadline for that was over and I ended up participating in The Fiction Project instead. It was a fun, highly satisfying creative experience. Here is a link to my notebook from that project.
This year, I finally got to participate in The Sketchbook Project. The digitized version of my notebook should be available on my website soon.
What is your dream project?
My dream project is one that involves a blank sheet of paper, a theme as a starting point and a free hand. The Sketchbook Project and The Fiction Project have been all that and more.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
J. K. Rowling
What’s on your iPod?
Mainly oldies (both English and Hindi) and a few favourite new tracks that keep changing.
Mac or PC?
Mac.
Sabeena Karnik is a Graphic Designer from Mumbai. She is a freelancer specializing in paper typography and has developed her own style in 3D sculpturing using paper. Her recent works include a typography campaign for Tanishq jewellery and a title design for a short documentary for The American Cancer Society. She teaches painting, calligraphy and sells art in her free time.
Why are you a Graphic Designer?
Right since I can remember, art was chasing me. I always had a pencil in hand and colors were in plenty. I would be doodling all the time, even the walls of my house were not spared. So taking up art as a career was a very natural instinct. It was a hard choice to make between applied art and fine art. But I can never make something just to keep myself happy, I think that is what fine art is all about. For me creating something has to be for others be it a product, the way it looks, the way it is presented. That is basically the work of a graphic designer. Hence it had to be applied art. I do a lot of paintings too, but its again an idea that I am presenting and working around.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, I graduated from Sophia Polytechnic Institute of Art and Design in Mumbai, with a typography major.
You have a distinct style of Typographic expression. How did you develop this style?
Its been a fascination ever since I was a kid. I used to cut out and collect alphabets that looked unique. I loved letters so much that I started drawing them out and developing my own style. Thats when I got immersed in Calligraphy too. In the meantime paper brought the sculpturor out in me. Paper has the most magnificent ability to turn into anything with the right technique and application. Each fold, bend and curve can be interpreted differently. It has so much of depth.
In a way now, I am combining the three, paper, typography and calligraphy. Typography being the skeleton while the inner detailing being calligraphy, just done all with paper. The photography is an integral part of my work. The end product has to be captured in the right kind of light, which can give multiple views to the viewer and thereby alter what is being conveyed.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I haven’t had any one particular role model. Places and people in general have always fascinated me. My travels to Africa as a child have helped to find my own perspective as an artist. Stories I came across in people, nature, artworks I have seen have played a major role in bringing out the artist in me.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in graphic design?
Achyut Palav under whom I learnt calligraphy has been very influential. Im also inspired by Jen Stark a young paper sculpturer, her works defy the force of gravity.
When did you start freelancing?
I started Freelancing in 2008. I did a lot of logo and corporate identity independently, lived in Africa for a few years and worked for design houses, made paper products for an NGO, did paintings for an art store. Freelancing happened out of choice. It gives a me time and opportunities to discover my own potential everyday through the assignments I get. Over the last one year the focus has shifted to typography purely. The paper typography project that started as personal work, has now garnered so much interest by public and designers from all over the world, it made me take my capability of it more seriously, and to develop it further.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit graphic design?
I have taken breaks but never felt like quitting.
Are many advertising agencies hiring graphic designers/typographers? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Yes agencies are hiring designers with special skills all the time. There is always a demand for fresh new work and ideas that are out of the box. Your work has to be seen by the right people at the right time.
Unfortunately, type design is not given the importance it deserves in India.
I have worked with agencies, a tv producer and at the moment with a publisher too for a book cover design.
Do you have clients who give you steady work or do you advertise for new clients often?
Steady work is constant and clients change constantly too. The best way to advertise yourself to the world is to showcase all your creative work and keep updating your skills.
Any other Indian graphic designers who you admire?
I admire the work of Raja Sandhu. He is based in Canada. Strong typography, simple and stylish work.
What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on graphic design as a career option?
I would advice aspiring creative professionals to not forget to draw. The computer is a tool. Find your own calling and pursue that. Do not hesitate to be different. Have the best work from your portfolio in design sites and promote your work in the right way. Keep looking for inspiration and keep sketching. The pencil is mightier than anything else. Also, I will add, designing and art isn’t everything. Travel, read, meet people, broaden and expand Syour horizon.
Do you think Clients are opening up to keeping aside a decent respectable budget for design work? Do you think clients are understanding that they need to invest in Design as a communication tool and also to cut the clutter, and that good design comes at a price?
Clients have a very big budget to advertise their brand. To an extent it depends on the brand also.
And if that involves good design so be it. The agency gets the better of it and a small part of it goes to the designer thats been hired. Like I said earlier, very few campaigns in India involve good illustration and type design. The trend is slowly changing.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Leonardo Da Vinci. We would need an interpreter though.
Jeff Nishinaka. He is the most brilliant Japanese paper sculpturer.
What’s on your iPod?
From western Classical to pop, Bach to Backstreet Boys
Mac or PC?
Neither at the moment
But a mac as a laptop and PC as desktop.
Sabeena’s work can be found here.
Amrita Nambiar’s fascination is captured by colours and all things art and design. She’s been in the design industry for five years and about 7 months ago decided to take a sabbatical, some time off to experiment and get back to doing some work that was more personal. Living in sleepy Pondicherry at the time she found herself with plenty of time and tons of delicious paint and colours and paper in her hands, but didnt know where to begin ! She looks for an inspirational high in books, stories, music and in other peoples work and keeps a blog of her own.
She loves to travel endlessly, goes to every concert she can and fills her home with flowers.
”When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it.” Amrita believes in dreams coming true.
Why are you an Illustrator?
Ive been drawing since I remember. I guess I cannot help but be an illustrator! I’ve been looking for ways to express myself and illustration comes most naturally to me. I get to speak without words (or very few) about things that are close to my heart, about the magic in the little things in the world around us through my drawings. And Im high when Im inspired, and that kind of exhilaration can be addictive 
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I did go to art school in Bangalore. We didnt do too much there, but I did spend a lot of time dreaming and scribbling away in the beautiful grounds.Looking back, Im sure that helped, I did develop my skill there, But my greatest learning began when I started working part time at a design studio and learned about the world of design and illustration through the lovely people there !
You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Everyone sees the world through a different set of eyes. And I simply draw the world the way I see it.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Though i grew up amongst some amazing people, I dont remember ever meeting anyone who did what I wanted to do until I joined art school where I met artists and designers and others with similar dreams. It was a pretty incredible feeling to work alongside so many like minded people!
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
I’m going to change the ”who” in this question to a ”what”. And my answer would be Pondicherry. I lived there for 2 and a half years, and it opened up a whole new world of inspiration. Everyone in Pondi and Auroville is doing something beautiful and I found myself drawing again and faced with a world of dreams and possiblities
You have worked with HiDesign. What was your job profile there?
I was the senior communication designer at Hidesign. It was a fun,challenging job and led to a lot of experiments with all kinds of materials! And it took me to Pondicherry I still consider it to be one of my best decisions yet.
What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing?
I followed my heart. At one point I just wanted to draw and play with colours . So i quit my job about 7 months ago and took a break to experiment, and after a few months, I finally felt satisfied with what I was creating, and slowly started taking on freelance projects.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
I hate being labelled. And while I was experimenting with different media and design, I was always more easily labelled as an illustrator. At the time, i vowed not to draw again! But that didnt last too long
Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I guess they do! I work more with individuals and publishing houses – anyone with an interesting project in hand really!
Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Toys not so much. Products yes! I love collaborative art and the idea of turning art into something both beautiful and functional!
Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Dithi Chakrabortty does some beautiful art, I love her work. Priya Sebastian with her beautiful charcoal drawings, and Bajju Shyam who works with Tara books for his beautiful style and dreamy illustrations.
Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
I have a whole bunch of inspirational sites and blogs and books that I love pouring through ! www.stylefiles.com is one of my favourite sources of interior inspiration (textures and patterns and colours) behance.net showcases a whole lot of beautiful work everyday ! graphic-exchange.com is another treasure trove of work, and then all the blogs I love to haunt!
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?
Follow your heart, do as it says and everything else will follow. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I love everyday and get paid for it!
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Stefan Sagemeister!
What’s on your iPod?
Creed, Adele, Dire Straits, Norah Jones and RHCP
Mac or PC?
Tablet PC!
I am a complete Puneri (Pune-ite) at heart. I completely represent the Pune cult. I inherit my art from my family. My dad, Mr Sadanand Chandekar, is a recognised stage artist from Marathi theatre. My mom, though not involved in theatre professionally, is a connoisseur of music and theatre. As such, I see my art deeply rooted in my family background.??
Why are you into Advertising?
It is one thing to create art from one’s own inspirations and muses. It is quite another to delve into somebody else’s mindspace, get a glimpse of their mindset and thought processes and then create art that’ll click with them, appeal to them. In advertising, the ‘consumer’ is my inspiration. The consumer is my critic and my best friend. I like the challenge of creating ideas and concepts, that come from a very specific insight of the consumer.
My mind does not see advertising as a marketing activity or a sales promotion drive. As an artist, I perceive advertising as my canvas. It’s the media on which I paint. And then the painting works its magic!
Advertising provides me with the variety and spice that I need to keep living. It is my opinion that if one has talent, in advertising, sky is the limit for developing one’s artistic pursuits. And at this point in my career, I see a field of challenges and opportunities just waiting for me.
?Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
Yes, I attended Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalay, Pune. I majored in the applied arts faculty.
?Tell us about your recent work campaign?
I currently work with Ogilvy & Mather, in their experiential and rural marketing vertical, called OgilvyAction. I think that my work is another step in my education as an artist. The experience I’ve gained in O&M has further strengthened my art philosophy. Like I said before, the insights I’ve gained into the consumer’s mind, have given my art a new identity.
Recently I undertook a campaign for Hindustan Unilever Ltd., for their soap Lifebuoy. The brief was to develop a campaign to explain the importance of washing hands with soap to pregnant women.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Speaking frankly – I do not see anybody as my role model. The pursuit of excellence and the constant endeavour to further my capabilities as an artist, are the 2 things that drive me.
?Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
Fortunately I have the chance to work with creative and industry-leading masterminds like Mr. Rajkumar Za, Mr Sameer Gupte and Mr Vipul Salvi. These are names on the frontier of the industry today. I respect and admire them for their professional dedication, understanding of the advertising art and the effective manifestation of their artistic ideas.
The creative teams in agencies are made up of two halfs of art and copy. My work is what it is, of course because of my copy partner Saisuresh Murthy.
?Where do you get your inspiration from?
Contrary to popular belief, inspiration does not necessarily have to come from only the extraordinary. My inspiration comes from ‘the ordinary’. From the many a things that come to us by default. In the course of my interplay with society, as a professional and as a private citizen; normal events, ‘day-to-day’ happenings tend take on a different and unexpected form. Forms that you never would or could imagine. My art, my inspiration is not alien to my society. In fact, it stems from it. My art is the manifestation of my life experiences. Alec Padmsee’s autobiography ‘Doublelife’ inspired me to step into this field. Reading it was really a wonderful experience.
Tell us something about the O&M environment.
O&M, of course is well known for the healthy atmosphere it provides in which healthy creative minds thrive. The agency believes in meritocracy and thus attention is given to creating a competitive and informal environment. This way, I can concentrate more on my work.
Tell us about your 1st work as an art director in the field of advertising
My first campaign as art director is called Khushiyon ki Doli. It is a Unilever campaign. I will always remember this campaign for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it gave me to work on almost 15 different FMCG brands at one time. The challenge was come develop a direct to consumer rural communication module, which would deliver multi-brand customised messages to the rural audience at their doorstep.
What do you think of the state of Print advertising right now. At least?here in India, the released work is most often too sad?
I think that the quality of content published in any media (including literature), is the result of equilibrium of two equal and opposing forces. On one hand, the need of the authors, or copy/art teams, to give better and newer creative inputs, is constantly pushing its limits. On the other hand, the awareness and readiness level of the audience for which this content is intended, continually limits the extent of creative liberties that the publishers can take.
Even today, in the age of digital and virtual media, the daily morning newspaper at the time of breakfast still remains an indispensable part of our day. As long as the readers will keep on opening that newspaper or magazine in the morning, the medium of Print advertising will continue to exist. And thus we, the ones who create the printed creative content, need to keep on pursuing excellence, even in this media.
Do you think brands who’s advertising wins awards, do well in the market??
This is a classic question. And the answer is very simple. Very broadly, there are two types of awards in advertising. Creative excellence awards and effectiveness awards. The former celebrate excellence of creativity in the content published, and the latter celebrate the effectiveness of the published content in achieving the desired results.
In my work, I pursue effective creativity. It is my belief, that a ‘creative ad’, that does not achieve its effectiveness targets is only half the work done. Clients do not select their agencies to make creative ads. They select their agencies to make effective ads that may also be creative.
?What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
The creation in itself is blissful. the professions where creative activities go on enrich your life quality.it becomes a pleasure journey than mere many earning whereas I have to state that when u knw that the money is everything the creative profession brings you heaven to live with
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
See I am a bit choosy regarding whom I ask out for dinner. So if you insist, I will ask only Mamta Kulkarni. Wink!
What’s on your iPod?
Nitin Sawney, Karsh Kale and Prem Joshua
Your upcoming campaigns if any?
Confidential. You’ll know them when you’ll see them.
Mac or PC?
Mac!
Jon Contino est un illustrateur qui parvient à nous transporter dans son univers avec un style ancien très réussi. Des jeux de contrastes et de typographies à découvrir dans une séries de visuels dans la suite de l’article consacré à cet artiste.
Copyright Fubiz™ – Suivez nous sur Twitter et Facebook
Découverte d’Aaron Horkey est un illustrateur talentueux qui cherche à créer des dessins pour différents formats, principalement des posters. Avec son style particulier, les créations de cet artiste australien sont à découvrir dans la suite de l’article.
Copyright Fubiz™ – Suivez nous sur Twitter et Facebook
Advertising Agency: Chirpy Elephant, India
Creative Director / Art Director: Jayaraman
Creative Director / Art Director / Copywriter: Leela Ram
Digital creative: Sivakumar
Account Director: Raam Prasad
Illustrator: Pravin Arasu
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
