Hasta La Creative!

ABOUT ME: Being a Indian born in England, I have two cultures to be inspired by the Indian heritage brings out vibrancy while British side of me is more considered, its definitely reflected in my work, I enjoy what I do and I work hard to create great work, I have had some great clients to work with and its always nice to build up good client artist relationships. STYLE: My illustrations are bold and strong. The pieces are carefully considered and this is evident in the composition with intricate silhouettes and designs. Colour is an prominent ingredient in my work; I choose to provoke an emotional connection with my selection of palette choice. INFLUENCES: I like to create design on a daily basis, it may be a small doodle in a sketch book, which may lead to a bigger idea and design, I feel this daily process keeps me fresh as a designer, ideas are crucial to my design process. I like to collect design which appeals to me, I never throw anything out as I believe that whatever I have will be useful in some way one day.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I enjoy working as a illustrator, I cant imagine doing anything else, its not a very traditional path for a indian to take, with most of my indian family and friends taking some sort of traditional career path as a accountant or doctor. I have always been creative from a young age and it felt natural to pursue  a creative career. I enjoy working on a creative piece which has come straight from my imagination. Its not as simple as putting a pen to paper. Its very much an equation or formula which needs answering creatively. I often spend time figuring out a design, which I most often then not enjoy doing.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I have studied design from when I was at school all the way through to University where I enrolled on to a degree in Graphic design. I enjoyed my experience at university where I learned alot from my tutors and friend. It was a great environment to experiment with design. It was great time to compete with my fellow classmates and it encouraged me to always produce work to a high standard something which I still believe in today. I always want to create a piece of work which is better then the last pice of work I have created. Its what keeps me fresh as a designer

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
My creations are a blend of delicate, intricate forms, and a good use of colour,  composed together in a harmonizing way. It’s a matter of how I feel about the work I’m working on. If it feels right and im excited by it, I know I will be satisfied with the final piece.

I have developed a style over the years, which is constantly developing. Its clean and simple in its form. I like to create intricate, delicate work, which is essential to create a feminine touch to my illustrations. I trust in the composition and weight of my work. It’s a very thought through process and everything is placed coherently.

The lines are swooping and weaving through the design, which provide a sense of movement. These forms interact with elements in my illustration, which is very characteristic of my work.

I introduce and work with floral designs and nature, it’s a feature to my illustrations, depending on the brief. I like to overlay my work and have different layers come through which adds a fresh dimension.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I was influenced by designers such as Neville Brody, David Carson, Vaughan Oliver, Peter Saville, Tomato, Designers Republic, They were the designers of the time while I was studying and I very much looked up to them. Although my work bears no resemblance to their style now. At they time they were of much importance to me when I was interested in graphic design. Although I am more of an illustrator I still reference their work, when I am working on something which is of a more graphical nature.

When did you start freelancing?
I started freelancing after I left working for a fashion brand which was my very first job back in 2000. It was a great launch pad for my career as it was a very well know brand. I was finding my feet at the time, and i very much jumped in at the deep end learned to swim on the job. I has been very much a steep learning curve, I have learned from my mistakes and has been a great learning experience.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
There have been time when I have been strapped for cash, and thought about seeking something more secure. Its a tough industry with alot of competition and you have to always be at the top of your game, you have to love what you do while having a head fro business which is something I have now created.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
There are many advertising agencies using illustrations. It all depends what  is in style at the time. Your style of work can be in style and then out the next. its a vicious circle which you have to get use to. I have learned to adapt my style and try new things to always be in work. you have to be adaptable and be jack of all trades to survive, Advertising is obviously more attractive as it is the industry that pays most well.

I have been lucky to have had equally amounts of work from both advertising and publishing, obviously I would prefer more adverting, because of the exposure and pay. Experience counts in the design industry A client likes to know you are professional and can deliver a quality project on time. I learned if you have a personable and approachable attitude towards your clients you more often then not receive repeat business or are revered on a recommendation bases to someone they know.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Nishant Choksi who I share the same illustration agency i always liked his style and work.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
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?
I have to admit it is a very tough industry its a craft which you have to be good at like any career, its helps to be creative and passionate. In the beginning it can be tough to start your career, you have to preserver and not give up. you sometimes will be rejected but it only makes you stronger and encourages you to work hard. I am always working and designing, I spend time working on my ideas and my sketch books, its something which I enjoy doing and I dont see it as a job personally.

Mac or PC?
I have always been a mac person, and im not very PC literate to my frustration.

What’s on your iPod?
Presently i listen to a lot of the Beastie Boy tracks, I love the Blackeyed Peas. I listen to some bollywood tracks also.

Jitesh Patel can be contacted via his website here