It took him three years and a lot of flunking and broken codes to realize that coding is not his cup of tea. So he chose to do what he did best when he was a kid. He is a self-taught illustrator and Graphic designer from Delhi.

“I am Aroop Mishra, illustrator, and Graphic designer. I have studied software engineering but was never good at it. I couldn’t code so I needed something to kill my time during lectures. It started with random doodling, then applying for design internships and luckily getting one.”

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
It’s easier for me to express myself or my thoughts with drawings or design rather than something else. It is more or less like a language for me to communicate.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Nope and I don’t think I’ll ever.

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
It took some time but it wasn’t intentional for sure. I guess it all started when I was getting frustrated that I couldn’t draw hands perfectly then I said “Fuck it”, let’s just draw however I can and others will understand that it is a HAND.

How did you focus so much on graphic illustrations? When did you realize you loved doing it and wanted more of it?
I guess Artist like Saul bass who used his illustrations with a graphic design inspired me a lot to put equal emphasis on illustrations and designing. I loved it because it gives me the option to design graphics while still adding the quirks of my illustrations to make it more personal and unique.

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

Who was the most influential personality in your career in graphic design?
After getting the first job and meeting people who love to design and are so passionate about design always helped. I think I was lucky that I met so many great people in my first job who pushed me to create good work.

When did you start freelancing?
I think I started it during my last year in college.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit graphic design?
Nope.

Are many advertising agencies hiring graphic designers? Do you work more with agencies or publishers or direct clients?
I never got the chance to work in an advertising agency yet but yes they are hiring a lot of Graphic designers to work for Particular brands. I had worked more with Social Media websites like Scoopwhoop. Currently, I’m working with the quint.

Do you have clients who give you steady work or do you advertise for new clients often?
I don’t have any fixed clients but I do get some work from time to time. I don’t advertise myself either. All I do is create and put designs out on social media and if someone likes something, they usually contact.

How do you market yourself?
The same answer, putting stuff out on social media.

Any other Indian graphic designers who you admire?
Sajid Wajid Shaikh, that guy is a beast. He works 24/7 and has such a different style too. But especially because of his work ethics, I admire him a lot.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on graphic design as a career option?
Idk, I’m nowhere close to give someone any advice but still, I’d like them to take Graphic design as a career and have fun with it.

Do you think Clients are opening up to keeping aside a decent respectable budget for design work? Do you think clients are understanding that they need to invest in Design as a communication tool and also to cut the clutter, and that good design comes at a price?
I think yes, clients are educating themselves about the importance of design, But at the same time, I still feel there is no respectable budget for artist or designers. People still think designing is easy, all you need to learn a few software and boom you’re a designer. They are not ready to understand the science behind the design, the amount of time you spent thinking for that logo. There is a perception that it is an easy job and I guess that’s why we are getting paid less. And yes I think they have understood by now that Design is a communication tool, thanks to advertising/ branding agencies.

Mac or PC?
Mac

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Banksy

What’s on your iPod?
MGMT, Weezer, Cage the elephant, Grandson.

What’s your Twitter Handle?
@aroop_mishra