Interviews

Nidheesh Bharathi : Illustrator

Illustration, Interviews2 comments

I’m Nidheesh, from Kerala, I’m highly motivated and passionate about art, I cant think a day without sketching, I take my sketchbook with me where ever I’m going. I use to observe other artists works when I get free times through their online portfolios like behance.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I love illustrations, because its a process of creating images, Image making, I can experiment evertything in that,

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I did my fine arts diploma in my home town, school of fine atrs, Tirur, after that I completed my degree in fine atrs (BFA) in Govt. college of fine atrs, Thrissur ,

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Actually i started started to concentrate illustration when i started fine arts degree, From that time i’m trying to get my own style, a style is like a sign for an artist, viewers can understand whoes work is that if there is no sign of him.

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Nikheel Aphale: Calligraphy And Graphic Design

Graphic Designer, Interviews, 3 comments

Nikheel is calligrapher and graphic designer. He is passionate about calligraphy and letterforms, especially Devanagri script. Currently working at the intersection of design and art through commissioned art and commercial calligraphy projects, alongside mainstream graphic design assignments. Nikheel has designed many book covers for leading publishers from India using calligraphy & hand lettering. His calligraphy practice primarily emphasizes on the abstraction of letterforms, which further gets translated into different mediums, be it paintings, logos or products.

Nikheel is born as a mumbaikar and now working out of Delhi. Nikheel religiously collects macthboxes, vintage stuff, plain-notebooks. A avid foodie and wanderer, he is still figuring out the cliche “How someone from Bombay is liking and adjusting to Delhi”.

Tell us something about you. How did you develop an interest in Calligraphy/Typography?
My fascination with alphabets began as a child, when I first began shaping letters through handwriting. My primary school teachers noticed the good handwriting and that earned me a permanent place decorating the classroom blackboard. By college my tendency towards good handwriting turned into a full-blown passion for seeing alphabets as more than words.

It was this fascination for letterforms that connected me with calligraphy while woking full time as a graphic designer in a design studio in Delhi. After studio hours or on weekends I kept fiddling with my calligraphy tools; polishing my skills with some compositions and amateurish artworks. I started sharing them on my blog. It received a very positive response and boosted my confidence along with getting me small jobs like invites, greeting-cards, nameplates etc. And also an opportunity to participate in a group art exhibition.

After that various assignments kept flowing in and I decided to leave my full time job and focus on calligraphy as profession.

Tell us something about Leehkin. What is your vision with Leehkin.
Leehkin, was next step of formalising my practice – channelising my work and making it more of a professional business rather than the perception of a hobby.
Apart from art & commercial assignments, I am exploring another dimension where I can combine letterart with other materials. I would like to develop an exclusive product line purely based on calligraphy also to collaboarte my calligraphy with other design disciplines like furniture, textile, lighting, ceramics, landscape architecture or may be a programmer? Why not?. It’s challenging for myself as an artist to keep updating with innovation and skills and as a person to keep searching for individuality.

And what does Leehkin mean? Simply, Nikheel spells reversely. First four letters ‘Leeh’ means ‘Write’ in my mothertoungue (Marathi) – too much serendipity; this I noticed much later.

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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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Shreya Gune, Graphic Design

Shreya Gune : Graphic Design

Graphic Designer, Interviews, one comment

A designer with a strong passion for surrealism, currently working in Designflyover (Mumbai, India.)

She focuses on typography, branding, packaging, and illustration and believes that design is an opportunity to tell a story, communicate an intention and provoke thoughtful action while being creative.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?

I was that artsy creative kid in school, who loved drawing and craft classes.Everything else has grown from there; the only that has been consistent is having an unwavering passion for art. I’m lucky that my parents have always supported my interest in the arts even though they don’t belong to creative career fields. I joined Abhinav an art school in Pune and was then introduced to various fields like painting, sculpture and commercial arts. I was unaware of graphic designing, until my third year in art school. After graduation, I decided to join a design studio to explore graphic design. It was a good experience and I learnt a lot there and my journey as a graphic designer started.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes. Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune.

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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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Lavanya Naidu : Animation and Illustration

Animator, Graphic Designer, Interviewsno comments

“Hello! I love to animate, illustrate, tell stories, I also love dogs and food. You might occasionally find me playing my ukulele or trying very hard to pick up a new language.”

Why are you an Animator/Illustrator?
I have loved to draw since I was 3 or 4 years old, it’s always been something that has helped me express myself. My love for animation started with watching cartoons on Sundays with my family when I was a child. It was my closest association to magic after storybooks. However when the time came to go to college, I was preparing to be a doctor. It was on my parents’ suggestion and convincing that I decided to sit for the entrance test for The National Institute of Design (NID). I hadn’t prepared for it at all, and walked straight into the exam hall with not a clue of what to expect. It is, and possibly will remain the most excited I have ever been after taking a test. The rest is history!
Today, I am animator and illustrator, because of the same reasons, I love to tell stories and I love to draw. Something about bringing these two things together, and breathing life into it with animation, is now my closest association to magic.

Did you attend school for fine art or films?
I attended The National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, and am a graduate of Animation Film Design.

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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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