Hasta La Creative!

“Workaholic, Researcher, Self-Efficient, Moody, Thinker, Observer, Committed, Confident, Innovative, whimsical.”

Why are you an Illustrator?
I used to be good in art from childhood so while selecting a career I joined the Art school and chose Illustration for the Specialization. I cannot think of myself other than an artist.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, to develop the Illustration in better way, its necessary to take the guidance through proper path and the same I got from Sir J. J. School of Applied Art. I consider some of my professors for developing my art during my education.
The surrounding of J. J was excellent as in terms of creative thinking. J. J. helped me to grow in my professional career as an Illustrator.
So J. J. is definitely an important part of my professional career.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
While in J. J., when I used to refer different artists I observed that, I really like the detailed and realistic artist. And when I started working professionally on Photoshop and other digital media, I started exploring further for those techniques, which I use to do traditionally like in pastel, pencil, acrylic, oil colors, or water color to achieve digitally. And later I started realizing that these became my style.
And I personally feel that as an artist when you do the work it should come out naturally and not by force. Your thinking, influences and experience affects on your work. Style is not which looks good or bad on the surface but the inner satisfaction makes your work natural & different.
It’s always fascinating to develop a new style every time. I love to be innovative so I’m happy that I’m always getting a chance to develop new kind of art for my portfolio. Interesting part is I get bored very easily, so I always look for new styles to create which is the main reason that I always try to work one level up and makes my boundaries wider & wider.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Role models were many at that time as well and now as well. As I’m very much optimistic towards my thoughts and work, so everyday I’m learning new things. Hundreds of artists, which are my inspiration. Everyone has something great which inspires me. It’s difficult to write single name or few names. And If I’ve to write all of them then no. of pages will go on & on.  But Norman Rockwell, J. C. Leyendecker, Drew Struzan, Robert Heindel are my all time favorite.
Everyday new artist comes in my search and either I like their compositions or styles or concepts which inspires me to bookmark them. So thanks to Internet & Google. Earlier the source was books and now Internet.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
Norman Rockwell is the most influential personality who inspired me to work in the field of Illustration.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Yes, in agencies many type of Illustrations are done not only for Print Ads but also for POP, Posters, Broachers, Packaging, Story Board, Animation, Web etc. I worked with both Agencies & Publishers. Both are totally different field so it’s a nice experience to work for various media.

 You have worked with Top most agencies of India like O and M, Leo Burnett, Publicis etc. Share your experience for working in such big agencies and now as a freelance illustrator.
I never worked under any agencies but it was nice to work with the agencies. I always preferred to work as a freelancer. It gives me freedom.

How special it was on winning Gold at Abby’s and creating Contemporary illustrations for the first time in your life.
It was a surprising moment.
When I accepted the project, I was tensed & stressed rather I should say scared coz whenever I saw other Contemporary illustrations where the poses & figures are anatomically distorted & whimsical which were never accepted by my mind. And I always wonder, how a person can draw in such a way and call it Contemporary. Might be coz my preference & liking towards more realistic and anatomically good-looking drawings.
But when this project came, I decided to try for this kinda art. And I able to manage myself.  Art Director Shailesh Khandeparkar gave me enough time to complete as well. I’m grateful to him.

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 started working as a freelancer from my 2nd year in J. J. School of Applied Art.
One major point that encourages me to become a freelance illustrator is that I prefer to work in comfortable peaceful environment. Also I prefer to give more time to art rather than travelling and meetings.
Now a days, I prefer to work online through my blog. Many small & big design studios approach me through Internet. I receive many enquires and from them I accept the work which is more appealing to me as per style or subject. So I think sometime that World is becoming smaller & convenient so do not have to run physically & can provide more time to the project.
I work with both Agencies and Publishers. There are no restrictions.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Just can’t think of quitting. I should keep doing & doing & doing.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into graphic novels?
If I’ll get an opportunity to do so, will surely do.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Recently I saw a Graphic Novel on Mahabharata by Mukesh Singh. His work is stunning. Great Guy! From the previous generations of Indian Illustrators, many names are coming to my mind. Dinanath Dalal, Ravi Paranjape, John Fernandes, Prabhashankar Kavdi, etc.

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?
Frankly, I’m a very small person to advice something as many great personalities are already there in this field but After working for many years, I have one thing to tell, “Become your own critic and develop more & more better illustrations. It’s a sign of growth & learning process.” In our industry, Portfolio speaks about you so develop it as better as you can and then sky is a limit.

Tell us something of your personal projects.
Will not able reveal as of now.

What is your dream project?
I’ll be happiest, if I get the chance to work with Disney or ILM.

Mac or PC?
Comfortable with both but surely MAC coz MAC is MAC.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My Family.

What’s on your iPod?
Instrumental, Classical Music, Old Hindi Songs.

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