Illustration

Ritaban Das : In A Chat With An Illustrator

Illustration, Interviewsno comments

Hey, I’m Ritaban Das, an illustrator/ storyboard artist/ character designer based in Mumbai, working in Animation and Gaming industry for past 8 years.
I draw, drink a lot of coffee and make music too.

Why are you an Illustrator?
Well I’ve been drawing as long as I remember and I’m always very passionate about it. I sucked at studies to be very honest with you and my parents knew that very well. I remember spending most of my time with a box of chalk and slate which was gifted to me by my father. Like every other child, I also loved to sketch my favourite cartoons. I usually sketched these animated characters on the back pages of all my notebooks and also my classmates’ notebooks. In fact, I was well-known amongst my seniors for my sketches.That’s the only thing I was good at it and I follow it blindly.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Nope. I only did a one year diploma course of 2D animation from Kolkata and then started working in a studio here in Mumbai so didn’t get a chance to enroll myself in any art or design college.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
It took me alot of time to come up with my own style. Finding your own style of work is a necessary for every illustrator or designer. After making thousands of bad drawings now I’ve come up with a style where people can say “Oh that’s Ritaban’s work!!” Most of my work is very much character driven blend with humour and very much graphical. I always try to convey some sort of stories through each and every character or Illustration I make. I like to play with various shapes and silhouettes and usually keep things simple.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I’m an ardent fan Of Satyajit Ray’s work. He was the true definition of “jack of all trade”. I used to collect all his books, his own published magazine called “Sandesh” where he used to write and illustrate himself, his movies. His work played a big role in my childhood( and still now) to get inspired and of course to choose a creative profession.

Think about a person you truly admire in whatever field Whom you choose as your hero says more about you than about that person. We tend to admire certain people because we see something of ourselves in them. We like to think that what they do and how they do it reflects what we would do if given the chance. Choose lots of heroes. You can still be you, but when you use their success to spur you to try things you normally wouldn’t, you can be an even better you. And maybe you will be a hero to someone else someday.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
My first ever studio job was in Animagic Studios where we were working on a tele feature film for Cartoon Network back in 2009. I had worked with the Director of the studio and the legendary Indian Animator Chetan Sharma and I got hugely inspired by his work. He’s my first mentor in this profession. He’s one of the most prolific,focused, dedicated artist I’ve ever seen in my 8 years of this career. He’s a one man army and someone every artist should look up to.

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

Have you considered turning your characters into toys?
I’ve given it a thought plenty of times but still haven’t materialized anything. I think this would be super cool.​

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
There are definitely couple of’em. The first name came in my mind was One of my close senior and an amazingly talented artist Korak Bhaumik. We use to hang out, draw, discuss things. He’s BRILLIANT! I really really like Anand Radhakrishnan’s work too. He’s a powerhouse.

I also follow Sameer Kulavoor, Sajid Wajid Shaikh, Abhishek Singh’s work.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Ohh man, there are too many actually. It’s a toughest job to list it out. I absolutely love “Creature box” designs (I think they are INSANE!!). Also I really go crazy about Sergi Brosa, Nicolas Marlet, Brett Bean, Miki Montello, Tyler Carter, Matias Hannecke, Sean Galloway, Michael Bills, Ryan David Jones, Wouter Tulp, Edwin Rhemrev, Cory Loftis, Skottie Young, Armand Serrano, Dan Seddon, Frank Stockton, Headless Production’s work.
Where Concept art is concerned I really dig SIXMOREVODKA, Massive Black, Calum Alexander Watt, Carlo Arellano, Eytan Zana, Anthony Jones, Vince Proce, Android Jones, Gilles Ketting, Michael Kutsche, Shreya Shetty’s work!

I know I missed a lot of people’s names but these are artist who came to my mind. They are the best!!

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?
Every industry has it’s ups and downs, you have to make a life of your own. All I can say is absorb all aspects of the world that surrounds you, observe, learn, and practice. Pursue what fascinates and inspires you and the bi-product will become what equips you to produce above and beyond for your career.

Whats your dream project?

1. To make an animated music video.
2. To illustrate a whole graphic novel.

Mac or PC?
PC.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My mom..may be? Also I have a sets of people whom I hang out mostly so yeah, them.

What’s on your iPod?
“Steps” EP by Handsome Ghost.
“Gun Shy” LP by Matt Wertz.
“Emperor of Sand” LP by Mastodon.
“Drift” LP by ERRA.
“III” LP by Great Good Fine Ok.

Whats your Twitter Handle?
I’m not at all active on Twitter but I only handle it.

Annushka Hardikar : Visual Communications

Illustration, Interviews, no comments

Annushka is a Visual Communication graduate from Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore. Her passion lies in concocting fantastical stories and illustrating them. She likes citrusy smells, tin boxes and fat dogs. She does not really like bad breath, too much red and messy rooms.

Why are you an Illustrator?
Since I was a kid I enjoyed reading books which had these gorgeous pictures. Since then I began drawing all the stories I read or made up. Going to college gave introduced me to the world of illustration. What I like most about it is that I can put down the most bizarre, personal or vague thoughts and it would actually make sense to somebody even across the globe!

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, I attended and graduated from Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore.

Tell us something about your Oh Nari So Sanskari project…
Oh Nari, So Sanskari! is a satirical take on stories of women from the great Indian epic Mahabharata. The zine sheds light on challenges that 21st century Indian women face, by placing Kunti, Gandhari and Draupadi in a modern context. On re-visiting the stories from the epic, I realized, although dynamic and capable, the women in the story were always shown dependent on the men in their lives. Being an Indian woman myself, there was a pressing need for accurate representation of the characters as aware, vocal, and opinionated. Using references from feminist history, pop culture and media, the zine comments upon stereotypes that have surrounded Indian women from time immemorial. I would want the reader to be left questioning the roles and expectations of our culturally rooted society.

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Aaron Pinto : Illustrator & Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer, Illustration, Interviewsno comments

Aaron Pinto, also known as Kidsquidy. He has been Illustrating and designing for about 4 years now. Currently working for MTV India as a Senior Designer.
He also works closely with bands and musicians from the Metal and Indie scene, Indian and Global. Also plays drums for 2 metal bands – Providence and Gutslit.
He loves drawing skulls and tentacles. He is obsessed with the grotesque and also loves the colour pink.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
I actually never planned on being a Graphic Designer. It happened by chance i guess. Was interning at MTV India in the shows department when 2 of my now close friends from the design team saw that i had a knack for designing and asked if id like to work under them. One thing led to another and now i don’t remember a life before this. Its a part of me and I’m very grateful for that one opportunity which has led to me to great heights and given me so much.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I studied 3D modelling and texturing and have a degree in animation
But i hardly use anything that i learnt over there.
Learnt Photoshop and Illustrator on the job actually.
Completely self taught.

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Pooja Bhapkar : In A Chat With A Designer / Illustrator

Graphic Designer, Illustration, Interviewsno comments

Pooja is a young Illustrator – Graphic designer. Although, 4 years of her creative career have been layered with branding & packaging, her core strength is illustration. She loves exploring things. During graduation she started her career as an illustrator at a design studio in London. After completing graduation Pooja came back to India and joined another studio where she mainly worked in packaging design. These few years kept her away from illustration. Unable to bear the gap, she changed the job and started working with HPS Group where they serve motion graphics, web and print related solutions to clients. During these 4 years Pooja switched jobs to explore new areas and learn design process within branding, packaging and now motion graphics. She also believes that she is a traveler at heart. She dreams to travel the world and draw her experiences and observations to illustrate a travelogue.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
I’m an introvert and I found art as a medium to express myself. As a designer I always wanted to be in a place where I can use my design and illustration skills. So graphic design was the ideal combination.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
My bachelors was in Applied Art and I graduated from University of the Arts, London with MA Illustration.

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Shrushti Rao : Artist and Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer, Illustration, Interviewsone comment

 

 

 A former student of Engineering, she is currently pursuing her Masters in Communication Design at IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay. Her work ranges from unique digital illustrations, clean graphic designs to detailed hand-drawn artworks. Shrushti is a keen observer and an avid reader. Her collection of graphic novels & illustrated books are her most prized possessions. Being a night owl and a dreamer occasionally turns her into a poet. Food brings her joy like no other.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I think the visual medium is a very powerful one. One, that gives you the freedom to unleash your thoughts and create something beautiful. Every time I touch a pen to a paper  or a digital pen to the surface of a tablet, a sense of joy and purpose rushes through me. That rush is what drives me to illustrate.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
No, I have studied engineering in Information Technology. During the course of that degree, I discovered the design keeda in me. I taught myself the softwares and started building a portfolio. This enabled me to apply to design schools for a Masters degree.  I got into IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay and am currently in my first year of Mdes in Communication Design. It has already been an enriching experience and I hope to learn and grow a lot more.
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Maanvi Kapur : Illustrations

Illustration, Interviews2 comments

 

Maanvi is a lover of fine art, good design and all things illustration. Fine Art was a part of her life from an early age and she received formal training in painting and sculpture. She’s a Visual Communication graduate from Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, but that’s on paper.
Her true love lies in illustration, and that means anything from portraits to nature to still life.
She also adores well-made desserts, superhero movies and Leonardo Dicaprio.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I had a fine art background since school. I found illustration early on in college and fell in love with how many diverse ways I could use to express myself through illustration.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes I attended and graduated from Srishti School of Art Design and Technology in Bangalore.
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Jit Chowdhury : Illustrations

Illustration, Interviewsone comment

Jit Chowdhury draws everything except a monthly salary. A Visual storyteller based in Calcutta. His studio is called, Jitch Art Studio. He is a keeper of sketchbooks and loves penning down every concept in his sketchbooks for safe keeping. He works with publication houses like Penguin and also does wall graffiti , interiors and graphic design. He dabbles with multiple mediums and styles and mixes them according to the concept.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I have always been a bit poor with words. So to express myself I took up sketching. Now through illustrations I can express and explain myself the best. And Illustration is what I love to do everyday, religiously.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes. I took my fine art classes at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata.
Then I learnt under an artist working in his studio for a few years. Then I joined Srishti school of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore for designing.

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Subhodeep Mukherjee : In A Chat With An Illustrator

Illustration, Interviews6 comments

 

Subhodeep Mukherjee lives in Mumbai with his wife Nandita and a 6 yrs old son Ayandeep and works as a full time illustrator and graphic artist on different National and International projects since quite some time.
“I am an advertising and retail professional, brought up in an industrial town called Rupnarayanpur 300 km away from Kolkata in Bengal and eventually settled down here in Mumbai after my MFA studies at Baroda MSU Fine Arts Faculty In the initial stages of my Mumbai days I was working in a reputed school called Kandivli Childrens Academy as a drawing teacher and use to stay with my cousin Rahul who had been a great support for me till date.
In my journey of life I have found such several great well-wishers and patrons on whose confidence I have left my school job and joined industry and eventually after being in the industry for so many years left it too because of getting inspiration from great Souls and ace industry professionals like Rashmi bansal, Gangadhran Menon sir , Ambar chakravarty, Raja sinha. To name a few from the long list , who were always confident about my illustration and Fine art skill. Because of their inspiration today I got the courage to work as an independent illustrator and pure art with confidence.”

Illustration always gives a goose bump to me…basically I am an artist. I enjoy illustrating carttoning and drawing.
when I was a kid I use to make portraits of all my near and dear ones and then gradually developed the skill of realistic drawing …then different styles eventually. I feel illustration is a wonderful medium, a pure art form through which one can convey his thoughts and in a very distinctive manner and it looks aesthetically pleasing.

Photographs can bring beautiful moods when shot through an honest attempt. but a well done illustration of the same place or object can give a completely fresh and indigenous look. More over illustration is my passion and I want to explore different nuances of it.
It has a very big global market too. With the advent of digital market, demand of illustrations for sites, game design, character design, E-learning. Digital books are growing day by day.

Interestingly agencies where I have joined there also I use to do lot of illustrations for ad campaigns. Freelance illustration projects which I started along side by side with my job bought me plenty of appreciation so all these factors inspired me to become an independent illustrator lately .and creative directors always hunts for different styles I think that has a good side. I got to explore different kind of styles for that quest.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes I did my B,fine from Visvabharati University’s Kalabhavan at Shantiniketan in painting then did my MFA from Baroda Maharaja Sayajirao university in Art history and Aesthetics.

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Aalhad Bhake : In A Chat With A Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer, Illustration, Interviews2 comments
The only way to describe this guy is the word “Metalhead”. Its pretty evident from his appearance that how much he love Metal music as the 80% of the time you see he is wearing black tshirts with prints of his favourite bands. He is a great person with a nice sense of humour. An explorer of various different skills. Thats him.
“I am a Computer Science Engineer, now a to be designer pursuing Information Arts & Information Design Practices from Srishti, Bengaluru. Heavy Metal music is my daily drug. I do play a little bit of guitar and also Tabla.  I enjoy watching TV series, Hollywood movies, Rockumentaries etc. and the only anime that I love is DBZ. Apart from that I am a big foodie and I love to cook.”
Why are you an Illustrator?
Illustrating or designing stuff are one of the ways to unleash your critical thinking and apply it to create a visual form. Initially when I was a kid, I had a book in which I used to draw only Dragon Ball Z and Pokemon characters. It used to make me feel happy and satisfied just replicating that exact form myself. That feeling has driven me till where I am now and whatever I design or illustrate is nothing but the product of my satisfaction.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
No. I am Computer Science Engineer from New Horizon College of Engineering, Bengaluru.
You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Well, I try incorporate different styles according to the need of the project having referenced and inspired from various works of extraordinary artists. I am still unsure of any specific style that I possess.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My grandmother is a brilliant artist and a painter. I guess I get the creative genes from there. Apart from that the only role models I could look up to were on the Television in Media and Cartoon. So, whatever appealed to me became my role model.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
No one I would say. I have been in the process of learning since day one and I still am. Every mentor, friend or critic that I have come across till date has influenced and helped my work become for what it is.
What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
I am not a freelancer. I am a fresher in the design community struggling to make my way through with some big goals in mind.
Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Illustrations and digital art is very in these days. Companies and Startups want their brand to look the best. And the only way to showcase that, is visually. Its a survival of the fittest out there. This graphic and visual hunger of every startup or company has opened wide doors for graphic designers which is a great thing. Hopefully our future won’t be jobless.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Apart from laziness nothing has been a hurdle. I can never think to quit illustrating. It is my only escape to not end up as a Software Engineer like most of my Engineering friends.
 
Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Nope. Never.
Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
I admire the works of Gaurav Basu(Acid Toad), Munz TDT and Reuben Bhattacharya(Visual Amnesia). Since I am more into Metal music so I like to follow their work.
Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Adhemas Batista, Daniel Nyari, Christopher Lovell, Pzychopart and Mark Riddick would be my current top 5.
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?
Well, I am yet to discover that myself if it is paying well or not. But, I have really high hopes it will, as I feel I got into this field right on time. Given that I am having this interview as a fresher with not much experience is an achievement in itself for me. For my aspiring juniors I would just say that, if your work is good, people will appreciate it and if it is not then work for it to get better. Though failure is an important teacher, it should not be a setback. Finally, never compromise on QUALITY.
Whats your dream project?
I am already pursuing it as we speak. I have just finished shooting and interviewing phase for my upcoming rockumentary “Progenies of a Counterculture” which will be addressing the past and present scenario of the Heavy metal subculture in India and also will be an awareness tool for those who are oblivious or have misconceptions regarding this bizarre form of music. I released a teaser poster for the same a day ago. Do check it out below!
Mac or PC?
PC. Though I have worked on Mac but I am a windows person from childhood so PC has been convenient. Actually, I am just waiting for my future company to gift me a Mac coz I do not plan on spending a single buck for that expensive stuff.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Any person who is hungry to spend endlessly on food and would like my company.
What’s on your iPod?
My description says it all. I have a huge playlist of heavy, death, groove and technical death metal bands such as Metallica, Godsmack, Behemoth, Lamb of God, Mesuggah, Gojira etc. But I also listen to a variety of different music in various languages as well.
Whats your Twitter Handle?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptIMNvoyk68&feature=youtu.be
Rohan Dahotare : DesiCreative

Rohan Dahotre : Illustrator

Illustration, Interviews, one comment

My name is Rohan, an illustrator/designer from Pune currently based in Bangalore working for Chumbak.
I am a nature and wildlife enthusiast. A keen observer who loves exploring the wilderness, I love illustrating animals, birds and all things wild.
In the near future, I would like to work towards the cause of wildlife awareness, conservation and welfare through my illustrations and hope to be able make a difference.

Why are you an Illustrator?
Illustrations can be happy, dark, beautiful or cruel. Some of them send a message or ask you questions. I feel illustrations have a beautiful way of communicating our thoughts. It is my way of expressing to the world.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I have graduated from Symbiosis Institute of Design as an Animator

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take for you to develop your style?
It took me few years to develop this style. I started by simplifying complex organic forms into simple basic shapes. This helped me in understanding forms and shapes especially of animals. Slowly I started learning and studying more about animal behavior, patterns, color, texture, etc.

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