Hasta La Creative!

“I, Valli Manoranjan would like to be called as “Manoj” as it sounds Cool and short of course, I am Currently working as CG Lighting Team Lead at Maya Digital Studio Pvt LTD. I am based in Mumbai and have been working in this industry for more than 6 years in which i have developed a strong understanding of production workflow, but as a digital artist my true strength lies in Lighting, Shading & Utilities, which has helped me to grow every day technically and aesthetically.”

Why are you an Digital Artist ?
From childhood I had an interest on drawing, Later on my college life my interest was into Gaming a lot, so always use to think how this world are created and that made me get into the world of Animation where i started developing my interest as a digital Artist.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
No I have not attended.

You have a distinct style as a digital artist. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I don’t have a distinct style, But i just evolve everyday. I can’t describe how long it took to develop those styles, But as an Artist what I believe that creativity has a never ending growth, So each and every day I just keep on developing myself.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Not particularly, But I am a inspired by many digital artist around the world from Artstation.com.

Who was the most influential personality on your career as a digital artist?
Yes my Previous H.O.D (ranjeet Kumar). He was the one who improvised my aesthetic sense and made me understand the subject, his critics on my work made me to evolve everyday to better myself as a digital artist, So Huge credit goes to him.

What made you decide to become a freelance digital artist ? When did you start freelancing? Do you work as a digital artist for advertising?
Well I am not much into freelancing, since i am working as a Team Leader, I hardly get time from my studio life.

Are many advertising agencies getting Digital work made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Yes it does, but I don’t work with any of those agencies.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit ?
How can i quit this, Actually this is what makes me who I am. There have been difficult days though, but never thought of quitting.

Have you considered turning your digital work into toys?
No not yet

Any other Indian Digital artist who you admire?
Yes, So many whom I worked with, Debjeet Paul, Subhendu Nayak, Kishore chennari “Their color sense knowledge are pretty good” and many more

Do you have any favorite fellow digital artist or resources relating to your fields?
The internet often becomes a great place to get inspired by talented works and do to RND. I love to follow many talented artist online. I usually go to artstation.com for inspiration, or sometimes just Google it.

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 Digital artist as a career option? Is it paying well enough?
The passion and dedication is the one thing that keeps you going. You need to be up for any challenge and Problem solvers are equally valuable. It is important to see that a artist can not only identify a problem but has a hunger to solve it.
Taking digital artist as a career option is not that easy, it’s a tough run though, where you have to prove yourself that your skill set are different and better. In the beginning is gonna be a little tough face, but Once you prove what you are capable off and management sees that then of course pay you are gonna get is also gonna be pretty good.

Whats your dream project?
To work on projects of high end studios like Pixar, disney, Dreamworks and many more…

Mac or PC?
Both.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My wife and my parents.

What’s on your iPod?
Classic 90’s and 80’s Song.

Whats your Twitter Handle?
I am not on Twitter but one can check my portfolio at – https://m4noj.artstation.com/