Raj Khatri : Digital Artist and Art Director

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Raj Khatri is a Digital Artist and Art Director at Marching Ants, Mumbai.
 
Few words about you in third person…
Learner, explorer, curiously curious, tech geek, movie fanatic, rockaholic, collector, foodie, optimistic and workaholic…

Why are you an illustrator?
Because I would suck at everything else, period!
Eddie Vedder couldn’t be a chef, Spielberg cant spin a ball, Marty Friedman won’t kill it with a camera as he does with those riffs. I guess we all are born to be a king at something and jack at everything else. I guess this is my path to the throne :)

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
Nope…  I used to be a science student. In my second term of SYBSC. I realised I am just wasting my time in all these ‘education’. It was time to star my real ‘studies’. Hence i left my college. And took up designing seriously. And started practicing 10-15 hrs a day. Learning the softwares and tools at arena multimedia. With tutorials on my floppy drive. And vague ideas on my mind. I went on to create some really horrendous crap. But It cleared a lot of cloud off my head about the basics of digital art, Photoshop and designing in general, and also made me realize good work from bad and take notice of smallest nuances in an artwork which makes it stand out.

Tell us about a recent campaign you worked on?
Recently i just finished the campaign for ‘Go Goa Gone’. Which was quite fun. Being the first zombie action movie in the country. I was lucky to be part it. Although the original concepts and ideas were much darker and brutal than the toned down version that finally came out. But I am still happy with the response its getting. So its all good.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Many many role models. I never knew their real names.. I grew up in a boarding school. And when all my friends would be interested in watching the sports section in the news paper. I would be interested only in one page. Movie theatre listings.. Not to catch the next movie but just have my glimpse of the small block ads in black and white which would have the movie key arts printed.  They were like small movie poster miniatures.. I was also fascinated by the audio cassette covers.. I would just love watching the intricate details on the movie logos.. as I never had access to international art much those days.. These were my ideal studies. Later in life as I was growing up.. I started collecting the cover arts of rock band albums. From the awesome ‘Eddie’ covers of Iron Maiden to more simpler but powerful arts of Metallica.  The brutal stuff of Slayer, Megadeth.  Then ya of course those comic books of He-Man and Batman. Also the Chacha Choudhary and the Sabu thing.  The diagrams in Science and Zoology books. The portraits of historical figures which I would try to replicate with my pencil. All of these made my world.  I guess all these fine artists behind all those artworks made me whatever I am today.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in illustrations?
While in school it was my art teacher Mr. Vinchurkar.  He is a very very simple person with really great skills. Today when i look back. I realize so much I learnt from him. And then while growing up. I kept learning from everyone and everything. Still doing so.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
My art is very pop culture centric.  I still need to find my inner voice i guess.  my inspiration can come from a great vocal piece in a song to an awesome dialogue in a movie. To greatly shot movie scene and it would compel me to make a tribute artwork for it. .
But in my professional path. I try to think on a broader strokes.  When working on a movie campaign.  My intention is always to design a visual which will give the total gist of the movie and the true flavor of its environment. And same time make it enticing for the viewers to go out and watch it in theatres.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
No not yet. I wish it never comes to that. I may want to quit a situation but never my destination. As there is great saying “A company just owns your job. But you own your career” as far as I am enjoying whatever I am doing. I am totally into it. The moment it gets ugly. I try to wind it up asap and move on to something more exciting.

Tell us something about the Marching Ants work environment. With such a large team, how does that affect individuality and creativity.
The work environment at MA is nothing less than a school class room. Noisy, funny and full of fun with all of us being the back benchers.  Crackling and cracking. Even in the gravest times. We have some nonsense to make everyone burst out in laughter.  Actually we don’t have a large team. but we have a very concise , concentrated and supremely hardworking team which yields some of the best movie campaigns in the country. People are very varied in their personal interest which always gets something interesting on the table as a team. I am really proud of the people I work with or have worked in the past. All of them have rubbed something on me for sure.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I primarily specialize in poster art.  Which is more of digital composting and manipulation. digital illustrations are my hobbies. And given the working schedules at MA I never get time to collaborate with any other artist or illustrate for anyone else.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Toys. Well there are already toys based on my illustrations they are called action figures. Well what I really would want to do one day is have my illustrations made into postcards and get them posted around the world. Maybe someday.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Ya many of them.  Mukesh Singh, Saumin Patel, Shreya Shetty, Nithin Kumblekar, Vivek Shinde, Abhishek Malsuni, Abhishek Singh.

Do you have any favourite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Many many. Apart from all those people mentioned above.  The works of the great Drew Struzan, Bob Peak, Oly Moss, Ken Taylor, Sam Spratt, Alice X. Zhang, Martin Ansin. Many awesome works on society6.com, behance.net, deviantart.com, mondoarchive.com.

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 just have to say.  Please don’t let money be the reason to come to designing or illustrations. Let it be your love for the art.  Love it. Hone it. Then excel in it. And believe me money will surely follow.

Pick and tell us about one of all your past campaigns, your personal favourite.     
Well the very first movie poster that I designed was for the movie NAINA back in 2005. Which is really special to me.  Apart from that the website for movie Rang De Bananti, Mumbai Meri Jaan, Mangal Pandey, offical website for A R Rahman created in 2007-08. Print posters for City of Gold, Agent Vinod, Shor In the City, Kahaani, Players, Game, Iqbal, Zinda and of course currently the posters I did for Go Goa Gone.

Tell us something of your personal projects.
Well my personal projects are illustrations and paintings i do as a tribute to my favourite actors, movies, bands, singers etc.  It’s very pop. Very poster and very me. Every time I start a piece I try to adapt a new style. With digital pen tablets. Its so so much open fun to experiment. Its always a surprise to realize what all u can achieve. I am currently working on a new vector painting. Which once complete will be released in 2 versions. One as a portrait of the actor and the other as the poster for the movie. Really excited to finish and share it.

Somewhere by end of this year of mid next year I would want to put up an exhibition with best of my illustrations and see how its received. Then later plan up an online store too. Lets see.

What is your dream project?
It would be to design a movie poster for the gods.
Nolan, Spielberg, Tarantino, Fincher, Jackson, Scorsese. Someday. Hopefully.

Mac or PC?
PC

What’s on your iPod?
Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder Solos, , Metallica, Iron Maiden, Dire Straits, Ccr, Pink Floyd, Doors, Oasis, Nirvana, Megadeath, Slayer, A R Rahman, Deep purple, Guns And Roses, Eric Clapton.

And lots of OSTs.  From Star wars, The Last of the Mohicans to Django Unchained.

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Revati Gangal : Painter

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Revati Gangal  grew up in Mumbai and earned her Master’s in Fine Arts (specialising in portraiture) from the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Art. She currently lives in Bengaluru after spending a few years in Dubai. Besides India, her paintings have been displayed at art galleries across the world’s major cities including Paris, London, Brussels, Dubai, Muscat, Doha and Manama. In the past, Revati has also worked as a set/graphic designer and has been a lecturer of visual art at the SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai.

 “My paintings are based on my daily experiences; I seek to interpret the human and objective form through the emotional and visual ‘patterns’ associated with it. The inspiration to paint is triggered by visual patterns, unique compositions and/or by interesting narratives of thought. I find the various colour transformations and the play of visual permutations of patterns quite interesting,” Revati says.

Why are you a Painter?
Right from my childhood I realized that I loved to express my mind and heart only through one medium that was painting. Ever since then I channelized my journey to be a professional in it. The passion that drives me to paint has not been affected or deviated at any point of time since then. Hence I cannot see myself doing anything else besides painting.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, I have done my Bachelor’s in Painting and then Master’s specializing in Portraiture from Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai.

You have a distinct style of painting. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I gradually evolved my style of painting towards the end of my Master’s Degree, which is almost 11 years back. Since then I tried to make innovations and modifications in it to exploit it to the maximum.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I loved the execution of Tyeb Mehta, the rhythmic lines of Jogen Chowdhury, the patterns of (Gustav) Klimt and the expressions of (Vincent) Van Gogh, Edward Munch and Sudhir Patwardhan.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
There was no such personality in particular. Episodes from my life and the drive to express them in the form of painting was the whole and sole reason.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I work purely as an artist and it’s distinctly different from what an illustrator does. I do paintings and exhibit them in art galleries.

What made you decide to become a freelance painter? 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 have done freelancing at one point of time in life, but was never content with it. Since four years I am purely into painting what’s on my mind and displaying them for the public.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit painting?
No, but I did teaching, graphics designing and freelancing for a period of four years to earn my living. Later I decided to give-up everything and paint only for the sake of art.

Have you considered turning your paintings into graphic novels?
If I get such opportunity in life, will definitely love to do so.

Any other Indian painters who you admire?
I like the work of Shivlal Saroha in recent times – it brings in memories of the artists that I love and who inspire me.

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 painting as a career option? Is it paying well enough?
Being an Artist/Painter is a long and tough journey. One needs to put in continuous hard work for minimum ten years before he reaps in the glory and success of it. So I would advise one to be patient and believe in oneself no matter whatever happens.

Tell us something of your personal projects.
All my paintings are my personal experiences. There is a very thin line between my personal and professional life. Work is always fun for me. I have a Solo exhibition of my paintings running currently at Artists’ Centre Gallery Kalaghoda.
Besides this I am looking forward to do some more exhibitions in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore in the coming years.

What is your dream project?
I would love to be recognized as an artist of international calibre and see my works displayed in all the nooks and corners of the world.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My husband – as our little daughter keeps us on our toes and gives us less time for such moments.

What’s on your iPod??
Mostly Indian and Western Classical – I find it meditative.

Mac or PC?
Mac. Its interface is intuitive.

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Nitin Patel : Photography

Why are you a photographer?
Because I think that is the only thing I am good at.

Do you remember any decisive moment when you felt ‘I want to be a photographer’?
Not really, But few things I had In my mind very clear when I started thinking about What I want to do in Life & for my Living,
Rather sitting at one place for the whole day it’s better to explore world around you.
According to me, observing things is much better then to read, write or listen in LIFE.
Work when you want to, not like you have to.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My Dad.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in photography?
It’s hard to say just one name because I have been influenced from many people who have come across in my life at different point of time. For Example initial stage of my career there was not much easy access to see, learn and understand other photographer’s who work overseas. The only time you can see their work was in some big exhibition or in books or some international magazine around you. But Now the Scenario has got changed after the computing world. We can easily see anyone’s work just on a click. Few People who really influenced me in Photography are Hardeep Sachdev, Ronny Sequeira, Henri Cartier Bresson, Raghu Rai, Prabhudas Gupta, Herb Ritts, Paolo Roversi, Peter Lindbergh and Annie Leibovitz are few names from the list.

How has photography changed over the course of the last couple of decades? Is execution/art direction more important than it used to be?
I really don’t know about the couple of decades. I am there from Last 1 decade only ;-) . What change I can see clearly is, there is no one eye execution after the digital has come in the market. Film was there, when I was introduced to the world of photography. All photographers use to shoot mostly on film. Art or creative director use to get few Polaroid’s in their hand to see how the final image is going to look like. But now in the digital age interference of all the creative and other Talents has been increased so much that they can get to see each and every frame as a Polaroid. It is equally good and bad that’s what I think. It is very hard to execute what you have in your mind in the beginning of the shoot, when so many people are involved in the execution process your vision gets diluted somewhere, that’s what I think. These day’s I don’t see that individual style which use to be earlier. There was a time we use to guess the photographer who is behind the Image by his own individual style.

Given a choice, no other constraints, film or digital?
ANY TIME “FILM”. It has a History of more then 100 years.

What do you think of the current state of Print Advertising photography in India? Is it at par with the work done worldwide?
It is still in progress. Agencies should come out from their comfort zone and try new talents.

Where do you get your inspiration?
From the life around.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit photography?
What…  ! ! !
Any current work in Indian Advertising that you find exciting? Especially Print?
Still yet to come on billboards.

Whats your dream project?
Keep on working good.

Who would you want to spend a dinner with?
I prefer my family should be around more than anybody else.

Whats on your iPod?
Indian Ocean, Nusrat, S.D. Burman, R.D. Burman, Mukesh, and few folk and sufi.

Mac or PC?
Was this a Question !!! Really….

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Alicia Souza : Interview

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Dropped off by egrets, in the Middle East, Alicia Souza’s folks had a hard time keeping up to her experiments of drawing on doors and burning them because its faster than erasing. She followed her  gut of studying down under only to find absolutely no sheep in the city. She. hence, decided to huddle to India and is now smiling happily that every morning she can drink chai and grin at cows at a safe distance. They grin back, she insists.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, I did attend a design school in Melbourne and hold a Bachelors in Communication Design.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My brother, because he was and is incredibly smart. He still is my go-to person when I don’t feel like reading Wiki or searching Google.


Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
More than a particular person, I just have an incorrigible love of illustrated children books, which developed in my 20′s and that was when I fell in love with pictures all over again. It was like finding new love.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Advertising agencies get illustrations only if it suits the brief. There is also the competition of having photographs instead. I work with publishers a lot more.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Yes, when I just started. It’s hard making something you love, a job too. But I didn’t have a choice and had to make it work and now I love it excessively.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
MANNNNYYYY times. Unfortunately, it involves a budget that I look to invest in the future.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Nilofer Suleman amazes me with her detailing! I think I’d call her an ‘artist’ more than an ‘illustrator’ though!

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing?
I got my first freelancing illustration project at graduation. But I believe I was a full-time freelancer only a year and a half ago, when I left my previous position. I did’nt feel I had much of a choice in that regard. My previous engagement ended abruptly and I din’t want to join a place yet I needed to earn, so I started freelancing. In the beginning it was slow and now I feel like I’m running all the time. I’ve been lucky:)

Do you have any favourite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
I have a million favourites but my recent love are these blokes (I think) who do this comic called Toon Hole. I think they are hilarious! I don’t frequent works as often as I’d like to, so my other resource is general information at google.

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?
You have to realise that there’s more to taking up illustration as a freelancer than just drawing. You have to be proactive about getting to know people, advertising or marketing your work and have a basic plan about how you want to grow. Money is definitely not ‘the’ incentive in this field and you make how much you want to make. The more projects you take up, the more you get paid. Simple.

Tell us something of your personal projects.
My personal project is my daily drawings. The ones I put up on Facebook. It’s become a personal space to showcase my work and also gives me freedom to do anything I want, daily.
My other personal projects involve me growing as a person. So every year I take up something new to learn or do something that I’ve been wanting to and never did. I can’t tell you about my current year plans till the end of the year but last year, I learnt a bit of a language, started to cook a wee bit, got my hands dirty with gardening, grew my nails out a bit, and brought up another dog.

What is your dream project?
Having to draw about 3 greeting cards every month. I love greeting cards!

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Richard Gere. Or my parents. Absolutely not together.

What’s on your iPod?
Country music and Christmas classics.

Mac or PC?
Mac.

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Saurabh Sankpal: Interview

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A deep thinker, a keen observer, an experimenter and an entertainment package is what defines Saurabh. He has an uncanny knack of transforming his observations into a great form of art. What is most unique about his work is that, every piece of work he produces has something different about it.  His art is a visual treat for the clients and the consumers.

Why are you into Advertising?
This is something I always wanted to do. I didn’t get into this field by chance or because I was just seeking some career option. I fall in love with advertising and new ideas every day and it completes me.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
No. Like they say, if you have the passion to do something, you learn it in no time. After my Bachelors in Management Studies, I did a one year MBA course from Indo-German Chamber of Commerce where I specialized in marketing. After that, I landed up at Umbrella Design Firm where I was moulded and guided by Bhupal Ramnathkar.

Tell us about a recent campaign you worked on?
The Volkswagen Bluetooth film (God) that is currently on air and a few more feature-led print campaigns for Volkswagen.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Bhupal Ramnathkar, Mohammad Khan and Piyush Pandey’.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
I owe my success largely to Bhupal Ramnathkar. Since I didn’t receive any formal education in art or design, it was at Umbrella Design where Bhupal Ramnathkar taught me the basics of advertising and design. I am where I am today because of him.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I believe that great ideas mostly come when one is under great pressure. So, my inspiration comes from something as vague as a bad brief, a tight deadline and an impossible client.

Tell us something about the Bates work environment. With such a large team, how does that affect individuality and creativity.
During my tenure at Bates, I was mentored by Abhinav Pratiman. Someone who always pushed his team to think one step ahead. It was during this period that I was given major responsibilities as well. And the briefs on most brands were challenging and interesting which really motivated me to build on his creativity.

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? Are agencies ignoring released print?
I believe that print is still the purest form of advertising. Rules have changed as per the need of the hour and as per the clients’ expectations. Digital, Integrated, Innovative, 360 are a must do, but print isn’t dead yet. No other medium can capture the essence and the philosophy of the brand as well as the print medium can. It’ll always have its special magic about it. Unfortunately, most of the released work is not up to the mark. However, great innovations have happened in the print medium in the past and will continue to happen if the clients are bold enough to release good work.

Pick and tell us about one of all your past campaigns, your personal favourite…
The print campaign for MTV Play.
Do you think brands who’s advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
Yes. Examples being Coke, Volkswagen, Adidas.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
Answers aren’t on the internet; it’s in your mind.

Mac or PC?
Mac. It just makes layouts look flawless.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
David Droga and Marcello Serpa.

What’s on your iPod?
Music for the mind, body and soul.

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Mayur Hola : Interview

Mayur Hola is a Senior Creative Director at McCann Erickson, New Delhi

Mayur is a defence kid who had a terrific upbringing and a swell time in the Air Force stations his dad got posted to. He read everything he could grab from Commando comics to Jackie Collins, played a lot of sports and studied a bit. He discovered places by walking around by lanes, was chatty and made friends with all sorts of people. He wasn’t picky. Eventually he came back to Delhi where he was born and stopped doing all of the above. Now he reads graphic novels, chats with his beautiful wife, plays with his daughter and studies people. He discovers places by eating at restaurants and makes very few friends. He’s rumoured to be quite picky.

Why are you into Advertising?
I started as a 3d graphic artist and animator in a game development firm. Actually I started by training people to do CG before I was recruited by the gaming firm. This was straight out of college. After a few years I realised that the only future I had in that business was if I moved overseas and/or entertained my gay boss. I love my folks and Delhi too much to do the former. And I’m too straight to do the latter. So I chose advertising. The show window had pretty girls. Inside were ogres. I’m still looking for the girls in that window. Meanwhile the ogres keep me busy.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
Neither. I had the best convent school education my folks could provide and some great English teachers in particular who taught me too well for me to type dis instead of this, to this day. Post school, I went to college and studied English literature.

Tell us about your most recent campaign?
The launch campaign of the Chevrolet SAIL sedan is what kept us busy recently. It was a fun script to execute and we made it even more fun for ourselves by writing and completely reinventing an old song for it (Tumsa Nahin Dekha). That for me was most satisfying. It’s why we’re here and what we do. To take a risk and do something unexpected is what I love most. Not following the languid narrative of the film and instead doing an uptempo track with English lyrics was a big punt which payed off.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
The usual suspects. Kapil Dev, Bruce Wayne, Clarke Kent. Did I mention David Hasselhof? Yep, him!

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
Nandu Narasimhan.
 
Do you have any kind of a program to nurture and train young talent?
Building a young team from scratch and turning it into a formidable unit is the most important aspect of any business. I was taught this while I was still just a senior writer. I haven’t forgotten it and won’t. What we specifically do is something we keep to ourselves. Maybe someone who feels he/she has been nurtured by us can comment on this better.

Tell us something about the McCannErickson Environment?
Chaotic, busy, high pressure, fun, addictive.

Tell us about your biggest challenge as the Creative Director.
Creative. It’s the only challenge and the only thing to remember. Administration and people management takes up so much of our time. But that’s something you do just like you have to brush your teeth. Without creative, there is no creative director. Our one point agenda is to set and maintain standards in the given circumstances. In any circumstance.
 
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? Are agencies ignoring released print?
In a word, yes. But there’s so much writing potential for those inclined to think digital. Anyone missing the good old days of print and long form films need only look at the browser to find words thriving.

Do you think brands whose advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
Perfetti, Old Spice, Nike, Cadbury, Honda, Evian, Havaianas, I could go on and on. You get the picture.

Pick and tell us about one of all your past campaigns, your personal favourite…
Pan Vilas. A hard sell if ever. Neeta, our client at GPI, gets all the credit as every client who buys great work should. She pushed us first and then having got the work, pushed it within her system. It was the most fun I’ve ever had with a thought in my head and a pen in my hand.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
Marry rich.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My dad the recluse, for once.

What’s on your iPod?
Porcupine Tree, The Walkmen, Grizzly Bear, Greenday, Lana Del Ray, Kesha & my daughter’s nursery rhymes.

Mac or PC?
Mac.

 

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Rajaram Rajendran : Digital Art

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Rajaram Rajendran, runs a Bangalore based tiny film production studio called Eleven Elements, where he makes films, and does digital image production. He consults on interactive and app design, runs occasional free workshops on designing for the digital medium, digital filmmaking and matte painting. He also clicks some photos sometimes, writes an article here and there and makes some music.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I’ve been making random images since 2004, but never knew what to call it. Then i started visiting Deviant Art sometime in 2008, and suddenly a whole world of Digital Art opened up. Because of the kind of work I saw there then, I got super inspired, started messing with more digital illustrations and some photo manips, and from there it kinda kicked on, as I kept learning.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
No. But we have the internet.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Quite a while in fact. When I started off I had absolutely no clue what i was doing. With digital, you know, if you keep messing with the software enough, something or the other that looks interesting will come up. I feel the trick is to be aware and push past that phase, till you’re able to create what you visualize. Sooner or later, some kind of pattern or a style will kick in.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Oh yeah. I was a big fan of 2Advanced. Also Fantasy Interactive, 247 studios, Joshua Davis, Gmunk, North Kingdom, Group 94 and a whole bunch of others.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
There were so many, i really can’t list out. But Ingo Ramin of 247 media studios  comes to mind first. His work kind of made me understand the word ‘detail’.

Do  you take workshops on designing on Digital medium.
Yes I do. Not a hell lot so far, but i want to find the time to do that a lot more this year. We have a lot of talent around in print design, and it really is super easy for print designers to move to digital / app design.

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?
Somewhere around 2005-2006. I also worked in a company for a year or so during then. The only ‘proper’ job I ever had. From then on it’s been mostly freelance/small studio set-ups/learning and working at the same time.
I do illustrate for advertising, not too much till now though. Films take up most of my time. When I do, I work with agencies, yes. I prefer, I guess just like everyone else, working with agencies/clients who make it personal. Who put themselves into the work they do.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Nope. Never. Digital illustrations are my best way to experiment with new colors, learn new techniques, learn more on composition or typography, you know, the basics. You can never learn that enough.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into graphic novels?
Not yet. Plus, i don’t think i’m that good at it to confidently create a graphic novel.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Deepu Sasikumar. Brilliant style, and quite humble about it. I really like George Mathen’s work too.

Do you have any favourite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Behance to see the best creatives going on around the world. Deviant Art has great resources. Abduzeedo is a fantastic resource for everything. Greyscale Gorilla for 3D, Video Copilot for Aftereffects and Motion Design, FFFFFound or Devour or even Pinterest, for inspiration.

Tell us something about Eleven Elements.
Eleven Elements has always been my personal portfolio/experimental work site. In 2011, i kinda registered it and started working with that name. It’s just me, my computer and a studio / room really, with real talented people collaborating on a project basis. We do films and digital image production.

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?
Ha ha, I don’t know about ‘top working professional’. Well, start with something you’re really interested in. Be good at it enough to walk into a place and accept responsibility for the output. And don’t stop learning. Observe. Do not worry about the money in the beginning, if you put out good work, honestly, the money will follow.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Anyone who’s interesting enough to have a conversation. Since i’m not.

What’s on your iPod?
Apparat, James Blake, A A Bondy, Thom Yorke, Fink, Bob Dylan, The XX, Four Tet, Johnny Cash, Madras, Led Zep, Sulk Station, Cake, Sigur Ros, Leonard Cohen, and a hell lot of others. I mean, don’t you think iTunes’ India pricing is fabulous? :)

Mac or PC?
Mac.

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Archan Nair : Interview

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Archan Nair is a self developed visual artist, and illustrator, specializing in mixed media, illustration, and digital art.

Archan is inspired by various phases and forms of life to create highly intricate works that connect the various dimensions of our existence.
Formerly a fashion major and entrepreneur, Archan started painting in 2006 at the age of 24 and made the shift to independent artist in 2007. Since then he has embarked on an exhilarating and inspirational journey, collaborating with various companies and individuals around the world such as Nike, Redbull, GM, Logitech, Canon etc. Archan has been featured in various publications and won accolades and has achieved recognition from music artists like Kanye West and collaborated with artists/celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Chris Brown.

Archan’s passion and love for the creative process and expressing himself has opened a whole new journey, exploring the intricate nature of so called reality.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I love drawing, painting and expressing myself.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
No..I am completely self taught and still in the process of a never-ending trip.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I feel its an ever evolving process which keeps changing, and developing with all the influences around us.. for me it has been developing since i began back in 2007 and it still will keep as I keep moving along this journey

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My family , my parents have been really inspiring for me. They have been incredible support throughout!

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
It is really difficult to credit just 1 or a few people. Since there have been so many influences. from music , to our culture in india , to a lot of visual artists and sculptors. I feel inspired with everyone I come across I think.. especially people who do so much for others..

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I usually work more with agencies , and they do get illustration and art projects commissioned. It really depends on the brief , requirement etc.

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 was into my family business for about 5 years as a successful entrepreneur, before I took a leap into visual art.. it was a sudden realisation after i started creating back in 2006, that I would like to just express my heart out.. and that was the time I took a call and followed my heart. So during 2007 end, i quit my family business and started from my studio in delhi.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Never ever!! and I can never even think about quitting.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into graphic novels?
Not at the moment, but hopefully in the future.. lets see, when I feel it :)

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
I’ve been enjoying the works of Revathi Gangal lately… very interesting style and depth to her visual art.

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 feel being original and discovering your own true essence is truly important. love what you create, imagination is the only knowledge and when we listen to our heart, we have access to that knowledge. when we do that, everything falls into place. its not about how well it pays or not. its about you loving what you do and expressing yourself.

Tell us something of your personal projects
They are a true reflection of each moment I experience. they are me.

What is your dream project?
Every project is a dream.. since I am creating and manifesting, feeling it!

Mac or PC?
Mac for now .. :D

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My family… Love my family too deeply!

What’s on your iPod?
More than 6k tracks, need to sort them out sometime…
Lots of idm, and ambient

Archan can be contacted via his website here.

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Anita Dharane : Interview

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Graphic Designing is Anita Dharane’s natural extension of life.  
She does anything that’s creative. She loves travelling and knowing people. ?An avid trekker, she has done a mountaineering course too.

Why are you into Advertising?
Because Advertising is not about any formula. For me its exploration. And Art lets me do that.
And also you can give a hug to almost anybody you want to!
Because I use my guts here!

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
Yes I did. Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune. I also did workshops at NID, Ahmedabad after my graduation. This was a great learning.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Lots of Books. Lots of observation & reading. I grew up in a shell before I broke into the vastness of art.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
Manoj Phulambrikar, Wisdom Tree Design, Pune.  Here I actually learnt a great deal. ?I started loving design here. I worked for 3 years with him after my graduation and then headed to Bombay with a great portfolio.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Lots of things. A beautiful smile, everyday sunset, Bunjee jumping, December winter of Khajuraho, Alpine Chocolate Mousse at the Baga Beach and a speed breaker sign board beside a railway track, to list a few.

Also Creative thinking in itself inspires me a lot. Anything that’s crazy, weird, comic is inspiration. Bunjee jumping gives me a topsy-turvy view of the world you live in or kinda rattles you inside out.

Tell us something about the Law & Kenneth work environment.
When Anil Nair interviewed me at L&K he had said that “You will be put in a vast ocean and you will have to learn to swim”

It’s exactly that way. And I did. I’m very thankful to Law & Kenneth to have given me that opportunity. I worked with amazing people. Especially inspiring were Vipul Salvi, the then Creative Director at L&K, and NCD Charles Victor.

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, and it seems print is sidelined in favour of TV?
I believe that Print will always exist in India, and in most of the world. Yes the released work is often too sad as there are lots of people doing & accepting mediocre work. ?The day computers and DTP came in, mediocrity flourished.
Today we have everything at the click of a mouse and yet we get to see lot of crap. ?When everything was done manually people worked harder for perfection and we still enjoy those classics. Sometimes I see the classic ads and I wish I could do something like that. Fresh, Original, Organic. But one thing is for sure, good work always gets noticed be it in Print, Radio or TV.

Do you think brands whose advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
Yes, in most cases I do believe that. People remember creative campaigns, and the brands make their way in their heart. But this happens only when one truly works for the brand and not for the award. I feel awards should be the byproduct of creative work, and not the other way round.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
Welcome to creativity. Always keep yourself in a creative environment. Be with creative individuals. Talk to them. I have learnt a lot from people and their stories. And most importantly follow your heart.

“If you don’t burn out by the end of each day, you are a bum”—George Lois

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
AlmapBBDO’s  Marcello Serpa. I love his work a lot. I admire him a lot. And I still want to work for brand Havaianas with him.

What’s on your iPod?
I never carry anything else apart from my cell phone, which I have to keep with me in today’s world. I live like a free bird and never keep anything glued or clinging on to me. If I have to hear music I have a music system at home.

Mac or PC?
Mac ooohla la la!!

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Karan Singh : Illustration

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Karan Singh is an illustrator from Sydney, Australia currently working and living in New York City. His eclectic style has seen him work with a diverse group of clients and initiate a number of self-initiated projects.
Why are you an Illustrator?
Because it makes me happy!

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Kind of. The degree I studied had more of a focus on interaction design, so anything from designing websites to immersive installations. I was introduced to Illustrator and Photoshop at uni and fell in love. I spent a lot of my spare time teaching myself to use them and haven’t looked back since.

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Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Not particularly, though I’d say my parents were really encouraging when I left high school and emphasized that I should do something that made me happy and not to necessarily pursue a pay cheque.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
I got involved in an online art community called Deviant Art that fostered my love of illustration. As a result of this I joined Depthcore, an international art collective of artists who I got to collaborate with in order to develop my work. More specifically, I’d say Romanian illustrator, Matei Apostolescu, a friend I met through Deviant Art, inspired me a lot by encouraging me to push my work and freestyle more. Another person is Jeremy Somers, a Sydney based creative, who took me on as an intern while I was at uni. We become friends and he turned into a bit of a mentor for me especially when it came to the business side of design, which I was completely oblivious to.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
It’s about even; most of my recent work has come from ad agencies but in the past I’ve done a lot of editorial illustrations. Sometimes it’s a mix where illustrations are combined with photography too which can be a lot of fun.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Not really. If anything, I want to pursue other creative fields on top of illustration whether writing or music or object design. I’m really interested in lots of different fields and think being called a “Creative” would be cooler.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
I have a bit of an obsession with vinyl toys. I’ve drawn on a couple of blank toys but that’s about as far as I’ve taken it. The thought has crossed my mind but I’d say I’m still more of a fan.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Delhi based illustrator, Archan Nair, a good friend and an inspiring individual.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing?
I started freelancing in 2009. It was something I always wanted to do and I learnt a lot of valuable lessons and got to meet some amazing people. In 2011 I was recruited by illustration agency Vault49 in New York where I’ve been since. It’s been a really good experience at Vault and as a result has allowed me to be a bit more selective about which freelance jobs I take on.

Do you have any favourite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
None specifically, but I’m always in awe of illustrators from Scandinavia and Japan. Their styles are always so fresh and interesting.

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’d say that being happy is really important. Life’s too short to be doing something you don’t like.

Tell us something about Pig Bimpin.
I’d always wanted to dabble in writing and I created Pig Bimpin to explore this a bit. It’s basically a blog where I interview a bunch of really inspiring and creative people and get to take some photos of them too.

Tell us something of your personal projects.
My favourite and most painful personal project was my Daily Quickie project where I created an illustration every weekday for a year. I gave myself an hour or so each day to create something just for myself. I did a spin off on the project where I did an illustration marathon for the Cancer Council in Australia. I created 12 illustrations in 12 hours. Prints were sold and all the money raised was donated, it was a really special experience.

What is your dream project?
I’d love to illustrate for a cook book.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
All my friends who are sprinkled all over the world, in one place at the same time. That would be great.

What’s on your iPod?
It’s snowing in New York right now so I’m listening to Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue.

Mac or PC?
Mac.

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Viswaprasad Raju : Interview

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Interview of Viswaprasad Raju– Senior Lead-Creative Process at Doo Creative, Hyderabad

I was born in a remote village in East Godavari, in Andhra Pradesh, and brought up in the outskirts of Hyderabad: around the Golconda fort in the Army quarters skirting the fort walls and around factories in Jeedimetla, thanks to my father’s stints with the Army and with HMT. I used to sketch when in school, which I started again. With more travel, I started writing travelogues. I’m currently working on a screenplay. I live with my family – grandma (95 and going strong), parents, wife, two daughters, a scurry of squirrels and a dream of going back to Europe or the National Parks of Central India whenever time permits. I collect coasters, am passionate about Tennis and I have plans to come up with creative products, say calendars and diaries using my sketches. If you find advertising missing here, read on.

Why are you into Advertising?
Somebody told that it’s a job where you can have the most fun having your clothes on. I bought into it. It is, to an extent. When your hobby becomes your job, it’s no longer a job. I am living my dream, no regrets.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
I dropped out of a Diploma course in Creative Writing.

Tell us about a recent campaign you worked on?
It’s for an uber luxe realty project. We have some interesting ideas up our sleeves. Pretty excited about it!

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Too many across film-making, sketching and writing – and that left me confused. To pick a few – Mario Miranda, Shekhar Kapur and Vikram Seth

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
Swapan Seth, Joji Jacob. Have been following their work since a long time.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I go by the adage – the raw material of advertising is life. There’s so much chaos, so much life out there, so many ideas floating around. Pick that sticks to the brief. Plus, I carry a small book – The Creative Companion by David Fowler, it’s an instant mind-opener.

You had worked with O&M, Hyderabad and R K Swamy BBDO, Hyderabad, How was your experience working with big agencies?.
Two different schools!

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? Are agencies ignoring released print?
The shift to one-good-ad-film-is-enough has led to the present state of released print work in India. You would hardly find work that’s a stopper. Plus, the visual-driven approach has taken the front seat, so long copy ads are relegated to the garage.

Pick and tell us about one of all your past campaigns, your personal favourite…
The billboard campaign that we did for Medwin Hospitals. It ran for over three years. Here was a client who gave total freedom. We focused on social issues, month after month, and it became a landmark of sorts, people taking a detour to see the billboard, strangers sending me mails. It was the most talked about billboard campaign in Hyderabad. From The Hindu, The Indian Express to vernacular newspapers, it became a regular feature with them – to feature the billboard. It was rumored that the press photographer from a leading daily would wait to capture the billboard while the paint (long before the flex era) was still wet. The most cherished was the one we did during the Gujarat riots – ‘Iss Gujraat ki subah kab hogi’. Also, the one on using mobiles while driving – ‘Cell2Hell’. I realized the power of good advertising then and how good work spreads. Ok, we now have a name for it – Virals.

Do you think brands who’s advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
It should be the other way around. The sole criteria should be work that does well in the market. If it picks a metal or two, it’s the icing on the cake.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
Meet interesting people. See Interesting movies. Read interesting books. Travel to interesting places. Lead an interesting life, everything else will follow.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Penelope Cruz

What’s on your iPod?
Whatever is being played on my art partner’s Mac!

Mac or PC?
PC/Paper

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Valiyaveetil Sanoop : Interview

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From Payyanur, village in Kannur, Kerala. Started career with JWT Bangalore and now working as a senior visualizer at O&M Bangalore.

Why are you an Illustrator?
Because i love illustration, more than being an illustrator, i would like to be an art director

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes i did. Got graduated in Applied Arts from college of fine arts, Trivandrum. Kerala.

Tell us about  your recent work campaign?
Ginger poster campaign. Ginger is a fashion brand. The campaign about promoting their accessories. I can undoubtly tell, that it was one of my best campaign I was involved in so far.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
As I mentioned earlier, I started with JWT Bangalore, i have been there for about 2 years.?As a beginner, it was a wounderful journey with the most inspiring minds at JWT.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I never tried to stick to one style, I always tried to figure-out a style which has more potential to convey the brief clearly and more interestingly.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My father, he taught me a lot in my life as a person & as an artist.?.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Oh Yes. I would work more with agencies.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Never, I never consider doing illustration as a job. its like a part of me. I love to do illustration and will keep doing it.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Yes, its a wounderful thing to give more dimension to your own creativity.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Raghava KK, is a contemporary artist living and working in Bangalore.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Lots of people!!!… Sameer kulavoor, Deelip Khomane their style, innovation and experiments inspire me alot.

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 dont think i am the right person to advice. Because i am just a beginner but just loving what i am doing & always trys to pull out the best in me. Yes, money is important more than that be passionate.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Scarlet Johanson, Penelope cruz

What’s on your iPod?
I dont have an iPodbut I love Pink Floyd, Bob Marley & Instrumental tracks.

Mac or PC?
My first preference is a paper and pencil than mac.

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Amod Dani : Interview

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Amod is a Vice President & Senior Creative Director at Contract, Mumbai

Amod is a simple guy who just wants to be happy doing some good work and making some long-lasting friends in the process.

Why are you into Advertising?
I can give a long spiel in response to this question but the simple truth is that I am in Advertising because I knew this is what would make me happy. I have always enjoyed watching great ads, and Piyush’s work for Fevicol truly inspired me to take the plunge into this mad world. I am in it because I find my source of happiness here.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
I did do my stint at Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad.

Tell us about a recent campaign you worked on?
I had a fabulous time working on the Asian Paints Royale campaign for Kerala, my very first Malayalam ad. Though I’ve spent close to 16 years in the gulf I never had the opportunity to brush up on my Malayalam. This was the chance and what must I say, it was Nalla Bhangi (Very Beautiful)!

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My parents are my role models.
They have always guided me, inspired me, reprimanded me and taught me valuable life lessons. I dread to know where or what I would have been if not for them.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
I don’t believe there is a single individual who can have a significant impact on one’s career in Advertising. One makes his/ her career due to the positive impact of many such individuals: Individuals who enter your life to teach you, to inspire you and to improve you, not only as a creative person but also as a human being.
Throughout my nascent career I have been fortunate enough to have met and learned from Advertising greats such as Priti Nair, Pops, Nitesh Tiwari, Harshad Rajadhyakshya and Paddy.
And last but not the least, Sadanand Narvekar, a friend, philosopher and guide, and a Creative Director who played a significant role in shaping my career.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
People. People inspire me constantly. I feed off their enthusiasm, their passion, their nuances, their interesting anecdotes, their energies, their fallacies, their strengths, their unique characteristics and personalities.

Tell us something about the Contract work environment. With such a large team, how does that affect individuality and creativity.
Contract is in an Agency which has truly stayed honest to the art of creativity. I see here a constant endeavor to break the shackles of mediocrity. Contract is an Agency on the tipping point. And with such a large team of superb talent I’m confident the ultimate goal will be achieved sooner than we think.

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? Are agencies ignoring released print?
I wouldn’t say the released work is sad. That is not a fair assumption. We must realize that the market dynamics have changed, the newspaper reach has magnified a lot, and hence the print rates have gone through the roof. Innovation in press nowadays hits our clients’ wallets big time. The pressure to deliver is higher than ever. So in order to reduce communication dilution a marketing mix today looks at press as an extension of the Television idea. Not the ideal case scenario, I agree. But not fair to call the press work sad either.

Agencies like ours do not ignore print. We believe in the strength of the medium and honestly pursue to create work on which we can proudly display our key number.

Pick and tell us about one of all your past campaigns, your personal favourite…
I truly enjoyed working on the Uninor ‘Coin recharge’ campaign during my stint with Leo Burnett Delhi. This I would say brings back some pleasant memories.

Do you think brands who’s advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
Definitely. The Gunn report has proved it that the most awarded brands are also the brands which have done supremely well in the market. Great creativity had built, is building and will continue to build great brands while adding to the balance sheet.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
Firstly, I don’t know if I am old enough or capable enough to give anyone any advice regarding anything. But since you’ve asked me the question, I can only state an observation which may help: We must be relentless and never stop trying. Just because our ideas are bombed doesn’t mean we can’t come up with something better. The last idea wasn’t the only good one we can come up with, so let’s not feel frustrated and not get worked up. We must keep at it, be focused and should never stop trying, come what may.

Mac or PC?
Love the Mac, stuck with a PC

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My family, I don’t get to spend much time with them nowadays.

What’s on your iPod?
Still saving up to buy one ;)

 

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Omkar Chitnis : Photographer

“I a Mumbai based photographer. I completed my graduation from J. J. Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai in 2007 with photography as Major. My college years not only groomed me aesthetically but also provided me with a sound understanding of photography as well as related media.
Having assisted the ace fashion photographer Prasad Naik, I started on my own in 2009. In past two years he has worked for clients like Kaya Skin Clinic, Red Fm, Vodafone, Reliance, Officer’s Choice, Yes Bank, Axis Bank, Wagh Bakri Tea, Aquaguard, Aquasure, Vinegar and many more.
I believe in learning by best of his abilities & making most of any opportunity.”

Why are you a photographer?
I don’t really remember how I decided to be a photographer. I had this connection with camera since I was a kid. I had a toy camera, which kept me busy for hours. Somewhere I knew I liked this field. Once I got into J. J. School of Art I got the opportunity to know photography in better sense. In my 3rd year I chose photography over other elective subjects because I knew this is what I am good at than anything else. And that’s how it started.

Do you remember any decisive moment when you felt ‘I want to be a photographer?’
Once I was discussing with my uncle about photography and its prospects so he said ‘Why don’t you try your hand on my SLR? Try it for few days and you’ll know yourself.’ That’s how I got SLR in my hands for the first time. After spending hours n hours experimenting with it I was pretty sure that I want to be a photographer.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
It amazes me when I look back that I never had a role model in particular. When I was growing up I got inspired a lot by what was happening around me. There was not specific person or thing, I used to admire any quality of any random thing.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in photography?
Since I started assisting Prasad Naik, he became my mentor & inspiration. Whatever I am right now is majorly about what I learnt from him. Even Prabuddha Dasgupta and Patrick Demarchelier’s work fascinates me a lot. I can just keep looking at their work for hours.

How has photography changed over the course of the last couple of decades? Is execution/art direction more important than it used to be?
The photography has changed from analog to digital in recent years and I think that is a major shift we have seen. Not just the technique but even the approach has changed. In analog photographer cannot see the result instantly, also it is expensive. You cannot go on shooting hundreds of films as you can shoot hundreds of frames in digital. So study of the frame before actually shooting it was a crucial part and it demanded a lot of precision. Whereas in digital, it is convenient and economical because we can shoot a lot of frames and see the result immediately at much lesser cost. But at times because of it, photographers tend to rely on technology a bit too much. Execution & art direction have always been important, its just that now their importance has gained a wide acknowledgement.

Given a choice, no other constraints, film or digital?
Film anytime.

What do you think of the current state of Print Advertising photography in India? Is it at par with the work done worldwide?
I think the sector is emerging. With some good ad agencies coming up with better ideas and excellent execution, the print advertising is making wonderful progress. Also there is much more skilled labour available in India than it used to be earlier, may those be stylists, photographers, art directors, etc.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I’m an artist so I draw inspiration from absolutely anything. May it be an article, a poem, a painting, a song, a concept or at times my own work. But to name a few Raja Ravi Verma, Smita Patil & Frida Kahlo are some inspiring personalities. Specifically talking about photography Prabuddha Dasgupta and Prasad Naik always inspired me.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit photography?
No. Obviously there have been hard times in my life but I never doubted about my skill. I never had plan B.

Any current work in Indian Advertising that you find exciting? Especially Print?
Not really. Recently I have not come across anything striking in print advertising. But just to talk about print, editorials of Prabhudhha Dasgupta, Prasad Naik and Tarun Khiwal are really exciting.

What’s your dream project?
Shooting for Vogue cover page is my dream project. I also want to shoot Lakshmi Menon, Deepika Padukone, Kate Moss and Milind Soman. I find them just perfect as a model and a treat for a photographer to shoot.

Who would you want to spend a dinner with?
I would have gone dinner with Smita Patil and Frida Kahlo if they were with us. They have been always inspiring for me.

What’s on your iPod?
Indian Classical, Old Bollywood classics, Gazhals, Folk and country music from India and worldwide.

Mac or PC?
Mac anytime!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post Omkar Chitnis : Photographer appeared first on desicreative.

Interview with Jeevan Sebastian- Partner/Creative Director at Watercrab

Why are you into Advertising?
There’s something very uninhibited about advertising. The majority of people in the industry are good and happy people. And good begets good. So there’s a self-thriving community that’s putting out some terrific work and at the same time, there’s enough room for everyone to grow and be happier.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
Nope. I did Aerospace Engineering for a few years.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Chuck Norris & Bud Spencer

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
My writing is influenced a lot by existential & beat generation writers and filmmakers like Vonnegut, Kesey, Kurosawa, Kubrick, etc.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Life experiences and the internet.

Do you have any kind of a program to nurture and train young talent?
We just get them involved in more things than they can handle, so that there’s a huge learning curve within a short period. That and they get weekends off.

Tell us something about the Watercrab Environment.
It’s evolved from a madhouse of hung over drifters. We’ve found our creative flow and things just fall into place with ease every time a brief hits the table.

Tell us about your biggest challenge as the Creative Director.
Convincing clients. It’s challenging because you have to genuinely listen to the client. You forget it’s their money.  Of course, we have to subtly remind them we’re being paid for taking well-researched creative decisions.

Tell us about your 1st job in advertising.
I answered a classified for copywriters wanted. At the interview the guy said I had no experience or talent, so he would give me a trainee job if I paid him Rs. 2000 every month. I was given the job of calling clients who had pending payments. I learnt nothing about copywriting, but I learnt how to deal with really pissed off clients.

Do you think brands whose advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
I don’t think there’s any relation and if there is it’s coincidental. Awards celebrate creativity, not market success.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
Learn how to take and give criticism.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My wife, but if she cancels, Salma Hayek.

Mac or PC?
PC. I’m not selling my soul just for good design.

What’s on your iPod?
Hip Hop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karthik M : Interview with an advertising creative

 

Just like it says on his website, Karthik M is a guy who loves to make things, who lives with his musical better half, and who sincerely believes that one day both his feline sons will start talking to him. He loves doing side projects, just like Ji Lee and SwissMiss. He’s the author of @mysmallstories on Twitter. He keeps a thick beard to hide his double chin, and will often scratch it while pretending to think. He finds it very, very difficult to write about himself, be it in the third person, or out of that person.

Why are you into Advertising?
Because it lets me revel in my misfit-ness, and pays me for it too.
Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
Yes. R. A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics.

You are an illustrator, graphic designer and copywriter. Which of these best describes you.
None. An unromantic, absent-minded husband. That sure does.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
N.A. (Not grown up yet.)

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising? In Illustration and Design?
The Internet.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
From everyday life, and my very tolerant wife.

Tell us something about the work environment at your agency Catalyst SMC.
Leg-pulling 30%, Laughter 30%, Talks on Food 20%, Eating 10%, Alcohol sessions 5%, Abuses 5%.

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?
It could be so much better. Right now, it’s a clear case of too many cooks spoil the broth. Everybody wants to have their say in it. “Hey! It’s just advertising. Even I know a thing or two.” seems to be their thought process. And you can’t argue with that. The result? Well, we all know what that is. But I admire Taproot’s approach. They do really good ads, and most of them are released work. So hats off to them, especially the person who sells it, and the client who buys it.

Do you think brands who’s advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
Well, there cannot be so many scam ads year after year, right? There are clients out there who are brave enough to put that work out into the market, and also intelligent enough to check whether they are working or not. So I’d love to think
that yes, they do work well in the market. And I also think that “Make a great product, and you won’t
have to worry about advertising”.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
To all aspiring creative professionals (which includes me too), I’d suggest: Learn, unlearn and relearn.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My wife. She’s had way too many takeouts with me.

What’s on your iPod?
iPad chalega? Some Coke Studio, Dewarists, The Shruti Box and Bollywood.

Mac or PC?
Hey, thanks! Mac. Which model are you giving? Is it the new iMac?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bhavesh Doshi : Interview

Bhavesh Doshi is a Unit Creative Director at LinHealth, Lintas, Mumbai (at the time this interview got published)

Why are you into Advertising?
When people would ask what I did for a living and I’d say I am in Advertising, they would raise their eyebrows. Not because they knew how great this world is, but because they didn’t. What really is it? they would ask and I would go into a detailed explanation of what it is not.
Does that answer your question? No. But it did get you this far, didn’t it? That’s advertising. And I love it.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
Well, the school(s) I went to had no professors, only bosses. So no.

Tell us about your recent campaigns?
A very interesting public awareness campaign is in the pipeline. It’s interesting because it has got the magnitude and the muscle to create an impact. I am looking forward to it.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
No not really. Fashion TV came in late and I could not get my hands on Vogue or any other magazines, so no models for me.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
I had no one in particular. However, Luke Sullivan, made it really easy for me in the initial days into advertising with his book, ‘Hey, Whipple, Squeeze This’.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Inspiration is a moment. For me, it is not a place or a thing, it is purely the magic of that moment, that Eureka moment. In which, I do not realize what takes over me. Some higher energy makes me sit upright and makes me write down that damn thought that just created unexpected sparkles in my mind.

Do you have any kind of a program to nurture and train young talent?
Innocence. I try and bring innocence in my thoughts and it all just grows from there. And the belief that anything can be thought differently from the way it has always been thought.

Tell us something about the Lintas Environment
Well, I have just about joined the healthcare section of this agency, but I can say this that it is full of lovely people who are ready to help. There is this rush to do great work and to do it with all fairness.

Tell us about your biggest challenge as the Creative Director.
To deal with a client who is so clear that he wants mediocre work.

Tell us about your 1st job as a Creative Director in advertising.
When I got promoted to the role of a Creative Director, from Group Head-Copy, nothing really changed because before I got promoted I was anyway doing the job. So it was more of a designation change than role change.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
I think those aspiring to get into creative roles, really don’t need any advice, all they need is exposure and the ability to take risks with their ideas. No one has made it big, playing safe.

Would you like to tell us something about your upcoming campaigns?
Well, they are coming soon.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My 2 year old daughter.

What’s on your iPod?
Hans Zimmer

 

 

 

 

Amitav Misra : Creative Director, JWT

Professional day dreamer. Compulsive music player. Virtual comic consumer. Streaming content spooler. Habitual beard puller. Science fiction enthusiast. Avid conspiracy theorist. Juggler of words. Amitav ‘Tabhu’ Misra.
?

Why are you into Advertising?
Sometimes, when I come across an unsuspecting trainee or a clueless intern, and I take them to the side and conspiringly whisper to them –“Abhi bhi time hai tere paas. Bhaag le advertising se. Jee le apni zindagi. Kuch saal mein aadat lag jayegi, phir nahi nikal paayega.” I guess that’s what has happened to me. I got hooked to advertising! On a more serious note, advertising is a safe shelter for anyone who suffers from the creative persuasion. An honest to goodness job that parents can proudly tell their neighbours over a cup of tea. And, an environment that can sustain sensitivity while the said creative can breathe easy, knowing he is not the only weirdo in town. There’s an entire circus of us.


Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
The best way to be a good creative is to have a rollicking time growing up. And never really grow up! Did a part time post grad course in advertising after college, while working for a TV news channel. But none of it had anything to do with the Creative Department. So, no.

Tell us about your most recent campaign?
Currently working on a very big and very interesting project for a new client at JWT. And pitching in for whichever brand needs a creative S.W.A.T. team to churn wonderful creative goodies overnight. Keeps me guessing on what’s next, week to week. Love that!

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My father worked at the Indian Consulate in Japan. So grew up with Doraemon, Hattori Kun, etc. Later on, real life people like Morrison, Asimov, Rushdie, John Galt, Murakami and Luke Skywalker influenced me.??Where do you get your inspiration from?
Spontaneity. Holidays. Nature. Entertainment. I love keeping briefs in the back of my head (backburner) while I soak myself in the world around me and forget about them, till something goes ‘click’!

Do you have any kind of a program to nurture and train young talent?
Compete with them. Confide in them. Cajole them. Party with them. Push them to do better. Not necessarily in this order though.

Tell us something about the JWT Environment?
JWT is a treasure trove of opportunities. Great brands, great people. But unlike other agencies, where you get to meet everyone in a day, here it takes longer. Just because of its sheer size. One can either say “let’s make the most of this” or be cowered into a corner. Those who choose the former are the only ones who stick around.

Tell us about your biggest challenge as the Creative Director.
Too many meetings to attend.

Do you think brands whose advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
In the long run, yes. When clients approve good ideas and win awards, they see that creative ads are effective and appreciated. They are then open to buying better ideas in the future. These better ideas can do well for the brand, making it do better in the markets. So, yes.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
Read more books. See more movies. Listen to more music. Rip out your ego, lock it in your attic, and flush the key. Immerse yourself in great work from around the world. Don’t be depressed or frustrated for more than 42 seconds, it is a waste of your energy.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Spider Jerusalem from Transmetropolitan

What’s on your iPod?
60s psychedelia / classic metal / ‘morning’ trance / asian underground / avi & the uprising

Mac or PC?
Blank sheets of white A4 paper. Pen, pencil, sketch pen. Doodles. And whatever I can play music on.

 

A poem I wrote after the passing away of my Father, found its way to the HT office. And was published for around 2 years or so. Credits: Manu Gupta (Photography)

 

Released during the festive season, this was a hard hitting message to all those splurging big monies on worship. Credits: Diganto Rag Guha (Art)

 

It started off as a series of 4 posters, but spiraled into a set of 20 plus. What was intended for India, was used in British High Commissions around the world. Credits: Amit Shahi (Servicing); Sudhir Horo (Art)

 

 

 

While working on the Hewlett Packard account, several ads of mine were placed in the Best Practices Worldwide. A few of them, like this one, was printed in over 17 APAC countries. Credits: Diganto Rag Guha (Art)

 

A very cute message from Maggi on Mother’s Day. Credits: Ritika Wadhawan (Art)

 

Bringing back Gandhi’s message to the masses was a tricky brief. Many initiatives were rolled out, in a massive team effort. This is just one of them. Credits: Emmanuel Upputuru (NCD).

 

 

 

Did many campaigns for Teacher’s Achievement Awards. This is one of my favourites. Credits: Niloy Som (Art)

 

 

 

An interesting poster series that not only made a sperm cell ultra hip, but sold Adam Condom’s promise of longer lasting pleasure too. Credits: Nitesh Sah (Art)

 

A very hoarding that we made for Max Dental. Was hard to miss in the night time office traffic. Credits: Nitesh Sah (Art)

 

A cost effective ambush poster series for car parkings, demonstrating the ease of repair with Iffco Tokio Car insurance. Credits: Nitesh Sah (Art)

 

Massive posters for Paintbox, a CG SFX Studio, with a tongue in cheek message. Credits: Nitesh Sah (Art)

 

Started off as a gyaan session to juniors on how long copy is written. Then, the long copy simply insisted on being written. Got a nod from Indra Sinha and Neil French. Credits: Amitav Misra (Art)

 

While the world was celebrating the London Olympics, a small group of people were standing outside in protest. This is my contribution to the cause. Credits: Amitav Misra (Art)

 

A car manufacturer’s simple message to all those who wield the wheel. Credits: Smriti Shadra (Copy); Chandni Jain (Art); Saurabh Dawar (Art)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sreejith Kodoth : Creative Director, DDB Mudra

An alumnus of the College of Fine Arts, Trivandrum.
Then, had a fabulous year and a half as part of the Kerala Forest Department, where I fully indulged my passion for wildlife photography. And enjoyed living in the middle of a forest.?? Beginning my advertising career with JWT, Bangalore, I have had satisfying stints with Lintas, Leo Burnett and Ogilvy & Mather in Mumbai.
Currently, with DDB Mudra, Mumbai, and handling Volkswagen.?
Have been lucky to have worked on a wide selection of brands, like Cadbury, Bajaj Pulsar, Van Heusen, Kingfisher, McDowell’s, Complan, GluconD, Castrol, Red FM and Adidas
?Been awarded at places like Cannes, Adfest, New York Festivals, The Work, abbys, effies and emvies.
Photography, music, painting and traveling are my passions.

Why are you into Advertising?
I love adverting. That’s why I am in advertising: )
Coming from an art family background, I consider myself very lucky. Both my parents are enthusiastic about the arts. Father is a talented painter and musician, while my mother is a trained Kathakali dancer.  My initial plan was to join the Pune Film Institute (FTI) and study Direction. While I had some time for the entrance exam, someone told my dad about this Fine Arts college and he insisted I attended the entrance exam. And what do you know, I got in.
I found the campus and the people around interesting. Especially the library there. I was spell bound by their collection and loved browsing their advertising manuals.
Going through those books almost gave me a high. And before I knew it, I was totally hooked.


?Tell us about your recent ad campaigns?
When Volkswagen asked us to launch the new Jetta, we decided to make a bold statement – The new Jetta. You‘ll do anything to drive it.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My Grandfather.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
As a beginner, I was lucky to be surrounded by some of the most inspiring minds, at JWT Bangalore. I was always around creative people, learning new things, evolving my own tastes.

?Where do you get your inspiration from?
Like people say, there are two kinds of men.  The ones that learn by reading. The others who learn by observation. Fortunately or unfortunately, I belong to the second.
Since I’m not much into books, I get my inspiration from life. From my experiences. I love to travel, meet new people, experience new things. I believe experience is the teacher of all things.

Tell us about your biggest challenge as the Creative Director of DDB Mudra…
If a few years ago, someone told me I’d be handling Volkswagen, I’d probably take it like a joke.
Today, handling one of the world’s most iconic brands definitely keeps me on my toes.
Great responsibility. High expectations. Challenging.
Pick and tell us about one of all your past campaigns, your personal favourite…

Proud to have played a key role in the launch of Cadbury Bournville in India.

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??
Print will never lose its charm. It’s a classic medium.

In terms of quality, in a multilingual and multicultural country like India, we don’t get to do visually evolved ads, especially on FMCG or any mass brands. After all, it’s not only about making it look attractive and eye-catching. It also has to work. At the end of the day, if it’s communicating to the right audience, you can’t say it’s “sad’. Then the challenge is, within the boundaries, with all the constraints, make it look good. Set a standard and never go below it.

Sometimes, when you try to say too many things in an ad, it will be crowded and you fail to convey the massage adequately. Then it’s bad. Or as you say, sad.

?Do you think brands whose advertising wins awards, do well in the market??
Of course. I believe advertising is all about ‘problem-solution’. Most of the award-winning ads are also the best solutions to the problems. And if it’s a brilliant solution, it should work in the market by default.

?What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
I love this quote of Michael Jordan- “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Be passionate. Never give up.

?What’s on your iPod?
I love music. I feel Music. Music changes my mood instantly.
Generally, I like to listen to soft music. Classical, instrumental, Ghazal, Hindustani, folk, kathakali music.
Occasionally, on a party, love to do wild steps on loud beats

Mac or PC?
Mac.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography nd Art by Sreejith:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Van Golsalves : Interview with an Advertising Art Director

“I’m a little crazy and a little funny and a little musical and a little cartoony and a little anti-social and a little kid.”

???Why are you into Advertising?
I’m not into advertising. Who said I’m into it? Sue them.? I’m into music and drawing and sarcasm.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
Yes I did attend a commercial art college but it was totally useless.? The best artists are the ones for whom art comes from within.? Luckily my bad college in a way helped me from becoming stereotypical.


Tell us about your recent campaigns?
I recently worked on Rin Neel. Our tvc should still be on air.? Currently working on Smirnoff.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up???
My friend Surhud Pawar was my role model. I really started drawing after watching him. He is like an older brother to me. I am always grateful to him.

?Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
Stefan Sagmeister. I love his approach to work.

?Where do you get your inspiration from???
I get my inspiration from music. I draw according to the music I listen to.
You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style???
3 minutes precisely. True story.

?Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire???
Audrey Kawasaki, Dan Wolfe plus millions of others.

?Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields???
deviantart.com has been helping me since ancient times.

Do you have any kind of a program to nurture and train young talent??
Not yet. I think young talent needs space and time more than nurturing to explore their potential.

Tell us something about the JWT environment.
JWT lets me do my thing.

Tell us about your biggest challenge as Creative Supervisor – Art, in JWT.
Travelling in the train to come to office. Once you start working everything just happens.

Tell us about your 1st brief as a creative in the field of advertising?.
Ahaaaaa… It was a joke. I was doing illustrations for an encyclopedia.

Pick and tell us about one of all your past campaigns, your personal favourite…
I really enjoyed working on a pitch for Zint while I was in Grey.

You recently won  AdFest 8 Young Lotus Workshop 2012 for the topic ‘Arrest Cyber Crime’ with Mayuresh Dubhashi. Can you please enlighten our readers what was it all about?
The Adfest 8 competition in Thailand won us a silver. The national leg of the campaign won us 1st place in India. It was all about creating awareness in the fast growing digital market in india.

Having worked in Grey, Mudra and now JWT, can you please tell us what qualities these Ad Agencies respectively  have appended to you as a professional and as an human?
It’s not the agency that makes the people. It’s the people that make the agency.

Tell us any one thing that you miss the most about Grey and Mudra?
The double bhurji and the mysore cheese sada dosa.

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???
Lets just say we are like this only. When we get the time and budget we do good stuff.

?Do you think brands who’s advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
It’s subjective.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
Eat less. Have a lot of green tea and humility. Wiggle your toes.

What is your dream project?
Getting more sleep in life.

Who would you like to take out for dinner??
The love of my life ofcourse.

What’s on your iPod?
A price tag.? My Ipod is in the shop waiting for me to buy it.

??Mac or PC?
Both.