Hasta La Creative!

Nithin is an illustrator based in Bangalore. He does illustrations for many advertising agencies and publishers. He has also worked as an art director in leading advertising agencies.

Why are you an Illustrator?
It’s a fun thing for me. Even though I started my career as an art-director, becoming an illustrator was my aim.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes. I studied in Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad, and got BFA in applied arts.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
It’s hard to say how much time it takes. I’ve been sketching and painting even before I joined school. I myself didn’t realise how I got here. It’s like how DiCaprio explains in the movie Inception “you never remember where the dream begins. You just know where you are now”.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Ya many. Including my teachers to movie stars. I believe it’s good to have role models from every field.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
Artist P.S. Punchitaya. He guided my parents to put me in fine arts when I was 10years old. While discussing about art he never spoke to me like I’m a kid. Which made me realise I’m good at what I do.

You have worked in various agencies like O&M, McCann, Triton etc. What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing?
I started freelancing as full time from the month of January this year. It’s not that I don’t like art-direction. But I like illustration more than art-direction. In every brief I was searching for ideas where I can use illustration. Then I decided to stop searching and jump into freelancing as illustrator.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Ha ha.. No never. Everyone like drawing in school. Few continue even after they are out of school. I’m one of them.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Yes  now almost every agency is keen on using illustrations. What is disappointing is some people end up referring books for style and play safe. But there are people who believe in illustrator and give freedom to express ideas.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
I love toys. Whenever I pass by any toy store or McDonald I pause for a while and see what are the new toys. My desk has collection of toys. But to make my own toys I’ll have to come up with a character which will run into comic strips. I’m not sure about that.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Hadimani, John Fernandes
Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
I like illustrations of Sanjay who works in McCann Bangalore. His knowledge of perspective and camera angles is amazing.

You have such a wide experience as a top working professional. What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on Illustration as a career option? Is it paying well enough?
Illustration as a career is a good choice for those who are good at it. Don’t be scared whether it will pay enough or not. It pays really good if you keep updating yourself. And not many of them are there. So this place belongs to you.

Mac or PC?
PC

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Megan Fox. Isn’t she hot!

What’s on your iPod?
Bob Sinclar

Nithin can be contacted via his website here