Interviews

Sreoshi Sinha : In conversation with an illustrator

June 9, 2014Illustration, Interviews3 comments

Sreoshi is an Illustrator, Graphic designer and Photographer. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Andhra University and a Master’s degree in Illustration and Animation from Coventry University, UK. She loves listening to music, doodling and spending time with her family. Her work can be found on her blog.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I started drawing when I was around 3 years old. I wanted to study Fine arts but I drifted towards Architecture and I enjoyed it thoroughly. But through Architecture, I realized that my forte was making illustrations and hence I decided to pursue my passion, and that lead me to UK for my Master’s.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I studied B.Arch from Andhra University and MA Illustration and Animation from Coventry University, United Kingdom.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Throughout my UK stint I got the opportunity to experiment with different medium, be it photography, animation soft wares, digital painting, water colors etc. I spent a lot of time sketching and drawing spontaneously. Through this experience I developed and enhanced my style.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My role models were my books. I used to spend a lot of time reading comics (which I still do), like Tintin, The Phantom, Asterix and Obelix and more recently The Sandman and Fables. Also the illustrations in the children’s story books (illustrated by Russian artists like Rojankovsky) and Amarchitra Katha were my definite source of inspiration.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
Well, my career as an Illustrator has just about started. The most influential people in my life would be my parents who supported my decision to shift from architecture to illustration and encouraged me to follow my passion.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
There are very few studios in India which specialize primarily in Illustration. So, freelancing was the next option. I presently work as the Creative Head of a startup company based in Gurgaon called ‘Once Upon a Time’ and whenever there is scope I try and incorporate illustrations into the projects. I have illustrated and created graphics for merchandising, posters, info graphics, communication material, social media, blogs etc. I have designed creatives for Kempinski Delhi, Biz Diva, The Pint Room etc. and also my work has been featured in the Business World.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
There are many advertising agencies and publication houses which require Illustrations services. But basically it depends on your style. If you are lucky then they’d be willing to experiment! In my experience, publication houses are less willing to deviate and try something new. I certainly hope I can work with studios or publication houses which are open to experimentation in the future.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
I knew it would be tough to make a career out of illustration and there were times when I had doubts but I knew I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. So I stuck to it and so far so good!

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
I’d love to turn my illustration into toys! They have been printed on IPad and IPhone covers, cushions, mugs and T Shirts, badges, so far. And I’ve used my illustrations in animations. So I hope I can get to turn them into toys soon.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
I love Mario Miranda’s work. His illustrations are so local, spontaneous and true. And they also have their distinct personality! I admire and relate to these qualities as an artist and illustrator.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
I follow the blogs of illustrators, designers and writers like Sam Kieth (Trout-a-verse), Dave Mckean, Neil Gaiman, Free People, Blue Bird Vintage etc. I like reading their blogs either because I relate to their design sensibilities or I am just a big fan of their work!

Your dream project?
My dream project would to around the world and document my experiences in the form of illustrations and then compile them in the form of a book.

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?
I hope in ten years’ time I can happily proclaim to have ‘wide experience as a top working professional’.
As a budding illustrator and graphic designer, I have been lucky to have got the opportunity to work on some interesting projects for some good companies. I would advise anyone interested in taking up illustration as their career to learn the craft from a good art/design school and keep at it.
Self-initiated projects are also a must do!

Mac or PC?
I’m comfortable with both but I prefer the PC.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My boyfriend!

What’s on your iPod?
I’m never without The Beatles, U2 and John Mayer. Though right now, I’m listening to Kaki King and Harold Budd.

Manish Kinger : Interview with a copywriter

June 2, 2014Interviewsinterview, kinger, manish2 comments

Manish Kinger or Bomber, as he is fondly known in the corridors of Grey (Delhi), considers himself to be an accidental writer/ad man. A compulsive reader, an incorrigible blogger and an unapologetic Facebook addict, Kinger likes to keep it simple— he reads, he writes, and advertising happens as a consequence. When not dissecting creative briefs and fishing insights, Kinger runs a book club in Gurgaon (Gurgaon Book Club) and is currently working on creating a platform that will redefine the art of storytelling.

Why are you into Advertising?
I did not choose advertising, it chose me. I was a below average Engineer who hopped from one job to the other until he finally ran out of hopptions. Joblessness for over six months, Blogging (ranting/venting) for another three, one thing lead to the other, and I got my first advertising offer. But now, almost five years down the line, I’ve surrendered to the fact that there’s nothing else in the world that I would rather do. Or can do. I am a writer; I have made my peace with it. I enjoy being woken up by a thought and the urge to pen it down. Or not being able to sleep for the same reason. Or not wanting to, because of an unfinished expression.I am in advertising because of its dynamic character.Today you think you have got a hang of it, and tomorrow, there’s something absolutely new waiting to mock at your face. Every day you learn something new. Every day, you do something new. I don’t know of any profession on the face of this Earth that comes close to the madness, chaos, or excitement of advertising.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
NO. I have a degree in Engineering (Electronics and Communications).

Tell us about your recent work campaign?
I have just moved out of Grey. And right now, I’m just focusing on enjoying my break (reading, writing, waiting for award results) before I join anywhere.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I take a lot of strength from my mother. Besides being a surprisingly powerful woman, she’s also the most sorted, sensible and intelligent force around me. How she has an understanding of things that are so beyond her sphere of existence or how she breaks every mould of a typical Punjabi housewife by being a typical Punjabi housewife; in some strange way, its things like these that keep me grounded.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
I’ve let myself get influenced by a lot of things, still do. As far as personalities go, I think Viral Pandya has a lot to do with this restlessness that has evolved in me. During my early days, I had the opportunity of working very closely with him;in a matter of months, I saw him claim Cannes, The One Show and whatever it was out there. I think that did something to me, stir up a hunger somewhere, and made me proactive. As a writer, I am a great admirer of Sabu Paul’s work, and his attitude. I think he’s undoubtedly the most nonchalant, no nonsense ad man. And an extremely secure one at that.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Every day we are exposed to an incomprehensible amount of content. And it’s changing at equally incomprehensible speed. I like to be in the center of all this content. And I try to keep my eyes on everything. From a well-written status update to an award winning long copy, everything inspires me. But most importantly, I keep the reasonably good work that I have done in the past, around me;it motivates me to do better.

Tell us about your first job in Advertising.
Though I had worked before but I would consider my stint at Noah’s Ark Creative to be my first job in ADVERTISING. It was a small design house with Viral Pandya as a Creative Consultant. Not a conventional ad-place setup, it had a very comfortable, cozy vibe to it. Limited clients, limited resources, work would get done, and more often than not, there’ll be time to kill at hand. But the best part was, every ad magazine that you can imagine was within reach. In a span of almost a year, I went through all the editions of Luerzer’s Archive, and by the end of it, I was determined to get inside it. Two years later, I did (1/2013 edition).

What do you think of the state of Print advertising right now? At least  here in India, the released work is most often too sad.
I think print advertising is recovering. Or so, I would like to believe. But I’ve seen some amazing stuff in the recent past, and from around here. There are agencies out there that dread the mediocre tag. They want to be known for their print. And they’re pretty damn good at it. Agencies like Taproot for instance; Bang In the Middle is another example. These guys have craft. I don’t know who handles the business for Roush (men’s shoes), but whoever it is, knows how to write.

Do you think brands whose advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
It’s the approach that is the key player in this argument. I have been a part of conversations where scams were organized,and insights were concocted with the intention to make it look otherwise. You’d be surprised to know how quickly brand becomes an invisible commodity in these discussions. Though they win awards, this seldom helps the brand in the market. On the contrary, there are times when you see creative completely smitten by the brand they create/work on. They want to nurture it, make it fantastic, they want everybody to love it the way they do. And with great honesty, they are able to communicate that. This product sells, and wins awards too (Coke, Volkswagen, Vodafone). Two different conversations, two different results.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
I believe the aspiring creative professionals are an aware lot. They read forums, follow Ogilvy and Bernbach, they know the inside stories and are well-connected too. They understand that advertising is not one of the highest paying professions, not even close. Hence, I’m going to assume that they want to be in it, for the love of it. That being said, this love requires investment, and lot of reassurance, more than they can imagine.
From the inside, it’s a business of validation. We are a competitive, impatient and an insecure bunch. From those who have it all to those who want to have it all,one way or the other, we all seek validation. So the moment you make a mistake there are chances that the world will know of it, and when you do something great, someone will take credit for it (not that frequently, but this happens). Every mistake would seem like a failure, and since it’s a business of ideas, you will fail a lot. These are the moments when that love will begin to fizzle. And this is when you’ll have make a choice—shake yourself of all this negative weight and move the effon or join the overpopulated league of cribbing sorry faces (the ‘advertising sucks’ brigade )orwalk out. But if you really want to be here, you would realize that gaining/regaining focus is almost as easy as losing it. With time, if you manage to find your ground and try to extract something useful out of everything (there always will be something), eventually you will improve (a lot), your ideas will see the light of the day, your work will get their attention, and you will have that delicious creative satisfaction. Without having to kiss anybody’s ass.

Your dream project?
For as long as I remember, I’ve seen myself telling me, “I wish I had done/written this” on several occasions. The ‘P& G Thank You Mom’ commercial was one such episode. It gave me Goosebumps, and anything that does that to you, is beyond exceptional. There’s an indigo ad, ‘reading inspires kids’,which had me in tears. I still remember watching it time and again, and getting overwhelmed every single time. My dream project is to create something that does ‘this’ to people.

Your upcoming campaigns, if you can talk about it 🙂
I’m currently creating a platform for readers/writers where user generated content will move between two parallel streams. Essentially, a unique story telling experience. I’m planning to use my break to set it up completely, and hopefully it’ll go live, soon enough.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
The girl that I’m attached to.Because I love her a lot. And I’m equally scared of her.

What’s on your iPod?
Beatles, Lana Del Rey, Adele, and everything Bollywood.

Mac or PC?
PC

Rahul Singh : Interview with a Designer/Illustrator

May 26, 2014Illustration, Interviewsadvertising, design, designer, hb, illustrator, interview, rahul, singh, yadav3 comments

Rahul Singh Ydav has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Media and he is currently working as an Designer/Illustrator at HB Design, Mumbai. Besides this he has started his own venture OZO apparel which supports Hip Hop culture and Street art.

Why are you into Advertising?
I always wanted to satisfy my hunger for creativity but I didn’t know which path to follow. It became more concrete when I took admission to BMM and specialized in advertising.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
No, whatever I have learnt till now and whatever have been learning all these years is because of a wondrous thing called INTERNET. I started learning stuff from sites namely psd.tuts.com , photoshoplady.com, youtube and many others.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
When I started designing, few of my friends helped me a lot. They were masters in their own right, I really look up to them. Another artist whom I have admired for his individuality and spirit is Banksy.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
There are many actually but the most influential personality in my career is my friend Sajid Wajid Shaikh.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Inspiration is the most important part to keep you going in advertising and for my daily dose I prefer to surf on sites like behance.com, illustration served.comand ffffound.com.

Tell us something about the freelance work environment. We know lots of creatives would love to go freelance…
There are some creatives who are big on independence and love to work on their own terms. Though the income maybe uncertain i think freedom is very essential to the creative process. The market for freelance creatives is also very good but its the uncertainty and instability which may be bad.

What do you think of the state of Print advertising right now. At least here in India, the released work is most often too sad?
I think india is doing really well in print media and its going to do much better in future.

Do you think brands who’s advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
No, not entirely. Awards serve a completely different purpose. Creating brand awareness and making the brand a success among consumers are the two most important goals of any advertiser. Award winning ads may not always strike a chord with the masses. It can either make advertisers work very hard or it could result in them straying from their goals if they focus too much on awards.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
I advice them to start early and chalk out a plan that they wish to follow. creative professionals should constantly up their game and update their skills. The most important thing is to develop a style of their own because they have to stand out and put something of their own on the table.
If you can dream of what you want in your life then you can achieve it too.

What’s your dream project?
There are many concepts going on in my mind but one of the best concept I would love to work on is illustration of all the gods coming back on earth and how the world would react. Ill name the project “Return Of Gods”.

Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
I see myself having developed my own venture OZO into a big recognisable name that promotes Hip hop culture. It will have joined the ranks of major brands that identify itself with hip hop. I also see myself working as an artist having honed my skills to perfection, because art is something I will never quit.

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

What’s on your iPod?
I don’t have one. but on my player i listen to breakbeats, nu metal and hip hop tracks.

Mac or PC?
I am actually ok with both of them but ill rather prefer Mac over PC.

Li-Anne Dias : In conversation with an artist

May 19, 2014Creative, Illustration, Interviewsdias, illustrator, interview, liane, portfolio, work8 comments

Li-Anne Dias is an artist and illustrator. She grew up in Mumbai, and Graduated from Sir J.J School of Art
Classic stories and scenes from urban life are her favourite subjects. She likes experimenting with various media
and aims at achieving a blend of fine art and illustration in her work. View her website here.

Why are you an Illustrator?
My interest has always been in creating images and responding to stories through my work.
Besides, I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember but it’s not that it comes easy.
I have just begun to find a niche for myself as an illustrator.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes. I graduated from Sir J.J. School of Fine Art with a Degree in Painting.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I still don’t believe that I have a definitive style but I definitely feel like I’m on my way to one.
I also think the ability to change your style from one to project to the next is essential.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
There have been many role models. I look up to Ganesh Pyne for his exemplary use of line and form, and international artists like Joan Miro, Max Ernst and Francis Berry.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
There are many people who influenced me to take up Illustration as a career.
One of my first art instructors, Mr. Narendra Pavaskar, and my professors at Art College helped me most in discovering my ability to Illustrate.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
You have the opportunity and the freedom to choose your work.
It is a luxury to be able to select the projects you work on.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Yes, there is an inclination towards the use of hand-drawn illustrations in advertising these days.
Some of the most inspiring, and award-winning campaigns of today involve the use of illustration in some way or the other.

I’m working on a few personal projects that I wish to publish soon.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
No. But there have been difficult times when I decide to take a break and explore new media.
I have been experimenting a lot lately with traditional print-making techniques.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Of course. I have always been drawn to the idea of executing my art in unconventional media.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
I find the work of Mario Miranda and Deelip Khomane very inspiring.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Tasneem Amiruddin is a friend, and a wonderful illustrator. I think her style of illustration is both highly experimental and unique.

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?
Enjoy what you do, to the extent that it is a pleasure to go beyond the call of duty. Everyone gets rejection along the way, but you have to keep going.
Illustration is a great career prospect as long as you’re extremely passionate about it, but you need to have self-discipline to pull through.

Whats your dream project?
To write and illustrate my own graphic novel.

Mac or PC?
Both. They are only tools.

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

What’s on your iPod?
Young the Giant, Porcupine Tree and a few other artists.

Ritam Banerjee : In conversation with a photographer

May 12, 2014Interviews, Photographersbanerjee, interview, photographer, portfolio, ritam, work2 comments

Based out of Mumbai, Ritam has never quite understood the need to create a niche. Shooting extensively across categories—travel, photojournalism, advertising, interiors, portraits, automobiles, fashion, food—he has always sought inspiration and challenge in variety. From training his lens at the blazing dome of the Taj Palace & Tower when Mumbai was under siege in 2008 to documenting the placid course of the middle and lower Ganges, Ritam has framed things as disparate as spas and slums, ketchup and cars.

Over the last decade, Ritam has worked with corporates and publications across continents, and has also been associated with the global agency, Getty Images.

Apart from stills, he shoots commercial AVs, and has recently won an International Best Cinematographer Award in London for his first feature film. Ritam has also been in the news for his theme-based calendars and his exhibitions.

Why are you a photographer?
Guess, I couldn’t think or dream of doing anything else. Life is all about what we see and the way we see them. So, perhaps, the innate desire to tell stories the way I see it led me to photography. Whether it’s documenting something or creating a piece of art, capturing a moment or depicting an idea, it’s really about telling a story and telling it well.

Do you remember any decisive moment when you felt ‘I want to be a photographer’?
My father, Robin Banerjee, was a serious hobbyist and still practices photography for the pure love of the medium. Seeing him and his work when I was growing up must have influenced my decision. So when I got the first opportunity to explore photography during my college days in Fergusson, Pune, I took it seriously and started my journey as a photojournalist with the Times of India, Pune edition. I haven’t looked back since.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Like I said: my father. His passion for the art was contagious. Thanks to him, I was exposed to the works of legends like Richard Avedon, Herb Ritts, Steve Mccurry, Annie Leibovitz, Ansel Adams, Robert Capa, Patrick Demarchelier, Max Vadukul, Henri Cartier Bresson, Raghu Rai, Raghubir Singh, Gautam Rajadhyaksha, Prabuddha Dasgupta and several others. Even painters, musicians and filmmakers influenced my sensibilities.

Though I grew up in a small town– Jamshedpur — my upbringing made the canvas in front of me that much wider. From Michael Jackson to Tchaikovsky, Monet to Nandalal Bose, Tagore to Shakespeare, Satyajit Ray to Vittorio De Sica, my education in aesthetics and culture has luckily been quite diverse.

Who was the most influential personality in your career in photography?
As I just mentioned, there were several who influenced my ideas and opinions. Hence, naming one personality wouldn’t do justice.

How has photography changed over the course of the last couple of decades? Is execution/art direction more important than it used to be?
With time, everything evolves. So has photography and us as practitioners of the art. Sensibilities have changed and so have the tools and techniques. The ability to instantly view the results and even tweak the images at will in post-production effectively means: one’s only limitation is the periphery of one’s imagination.

And yes, eye for detail, subtlety in styling and approach, precision in execution and innovation and imagination in art direction has resulted in a sea of change in the manner in which we even perceive an image today.

Given a choice, no other constraints, film or digital?
Both have their own charm. It’s like saying Test Cricket or T20?

What do you think of the current state of Print Advertising photography in India? Is it at par with the work done worldwide?
Print advertising has evolved many folds in India. Not only in terms of ideation, even in terms of execution, we have achieved very high standards. Not only photography, but in many cases, even CGI has had a major role to play. Several jobs done here today are definitely at par with the work done worldwide.

Where do you get your inspiration?
From sounds of nature to people on the streets, everything influences my thoughts and ideas. I keep an open mind, as one never knows what might trigger that ‘Eureka’ moment. No matter where I am, be it in a coffee shop or in the middle of maddening traffic, I keep looking around. I often shoot such moments with my iPhone. Works of different artists also influence me. Whenever I get a chance, I try and collaborate with different artists to not just create but to learn and get inspired. This year too, I did two calendars, one with the dance maestro, Astad Deboo in Mexico and the other with the sculptor, Arzan Khambatta in Mumbai.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit photography?
I would be lying if I said no. There have been times, when the work at hand hasn’t challenged me creatively or technically. There have also been moments when the demands of the job have been unreasonable to the point of being silly. Sometimes things have seemed monotonous. Thankfully, such instances have been few and far between.
What’s your dream project?
Several. But if I had to choose one, it would involve travelling across the globe and collaborating with artists, designers and models from varied ethnicities to create a seamless confluence of different worlds within each frame.

Who would you want to spend a dinner with?
Since I stay away from my family and the demands of my job don’t allow me much quality time with them, I always lookout for the next opportunity to have dinner with them.

Whats on your iPod?
I like all kinds of music. From classical ragas to rock, from Bollywood’s latest number to Hungarian folk, I love it all. What I play, from Bob Dylan to Munni badman hui, depends on my mood.

Mac or PC?
Mac. Since I have been using it for quite a while now. I guess, I am too used to it.

Ritam can be contacted via his website here.

Charudutt Chitrak : Interview with a photographer

May 5, 2014Interviews, PhotographersCharudut, Chitrak, photographer, photography4 comments

“I would rather talk about me through my pictures than in words. And may be thats why I m a Photographer.”

I have always tried to create pictures that come through self expression, even in advertising no matter how tight the clients brief is .
So you would know something about me in most of my images.

According to me a picture is pointless without a photographers view point a photographer has to put something of himself in every picture he takes whether it is for selling a product in advertising, documenting the truth in journalism or the opulence in fashion.

Why are you a photographer?
Because nothing seemed easier to me, as per me photography is extremely simple and that is what makes it so complicated.
It is one of the best ways to create art and at the same time document life ,photography gives you the power to freeze moments in time, it’s upto you how beautifully you do it.

Do you remember any decisive moment when you felt ‘I want to be a photographer’?
Wanting to give photography a try as a carrier I looked for photographer to assist.
And got an opportunity to meet Pradeep Das Gupta. It was the first meeting with him in his Khirki Studio that comes closest to that decisive moment.
I was in awe of dada as everyone fondly calls him. His personality, his work and his space left no doubt in my mind that i wanted to be a photographer.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
As I was growing up it was like any other kid in school.
My role models were Arnold Schwarzenegger in Commando, Sylvester Stallone in Rocky and Cobra, Michael Jackson, George Michael, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan. In short all the role models you can think of from my generation. I was and i am still very easily influenced . It was a great time. Sorry wish I could give a more intellectual answer.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in photography?
My mentor Pradeep Das Gupta.

How has photography changed over the course of the last couple of decades? Is execution/art direction more important than it used to be?
The shift from analogue to digital did not only changed the material, but also the pivotal moment has become a product of a more conscious thinking than what we called an accidental moment. No matter how sure or planned you were while shooting on film there was always something accidental and unforeseen to the extent of being mysterious, which you only realised when the film was later developed. That was the real juice or gift of photography to a photographer. That moment does not exists anymore. You know everything before it is printed, you are too safe and anything can be changed later on Photoshop. Todays digital photography is like knowing everything about your child even before it is born. God forbid if you had the means to design your own child your would never be satisfied and thats what digital is. Analogue is like the excitement, the joy of seeing your child for the first time.

This was exactly what we saw in the work of great masters of photography whether fashion or journalism the beauty of accident.
The technique of execution was a big part of becoming a master photographer (of course the idea was always of utmost importance).
But today you don’t have to be a photographer in the literal sense the line between a photographer and visual artist has burled out.

Today we shoot and shoot till we get it perfect or rather what we think is perfect.
Since technology is in a race to make photography a child’s play, photography has come down to only the exclusivity of subject and idea.
Which kills the romance that once revolved around execution of it, going to locations, waiting for the right moment, fabricating sets, and days of planning a shoot is in most cases has been replaced by green screen with endless days of staring into a monitor.

What do you think of the current state of Print Advertising photography in India? Is it at par with the work done worldwide?
Are you kidding..
Unfortunately today advertising and therefore advertising photography with it, is a money game. Photographers come under the category of vendors
India is going through a phase where quantity is more important than quality. Furthermore the lack of awareness and understanding of art in majority of our population makes it even worse.

To be fair we cannot compare Indian photography to the world because considering the history of advertising photography in the west we are mere infants.

I am not saying that India advertising photography is not at par with the world but there is a lack of personal style and originality in our work which is because photographers here are not encouraged or chosen for a particular assignment on the basis of there personal style but for all the other reasons like rapport, cost factors etc. May be that is why we don’t have photographers in India like David LaChappel, Helmut Newton, Antin Corbjin, Tim Walker, Steven Meisel, who have their own distinct styles. S o much so that sometimes campaigns are designed around them.

Where do you get your inspiration?
From everything around me.
Anything and everything.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit photography?
As they say once a photographer always a photographer.
You just cant stop looking at the world in light, shade , objects, perspective and shapes.

So yes quitting photography would only mean two things not earning my bread and butter through it or when i have nothing left to say.

Any current work in Indian Advertising that you find exciting? Especially Print?
Hoping to see one soon.

Whats your dream project?
My dream project would be to create fashion images influenced by social issues and current affairs. I feel in india our view on fashion photography is very limited to conventional aesthetics and beauty (what ever that means). And this is most evident in the field of celebrity portraits in India. I would really enjoy shooting a series of Indian celebrity portraits in my own way. Something that talks about there achievements, personality secrets etc. Rather than just a beauty picture.

Who would you want to spend a dinner with?
I. Cant think of one person I am more influenced and greedier than that.

Whats on your iPod?
I can’t find my i pod may be its lost. But if you want to know what was on it then everything from trance to techno, underground to U2, Sting etc.

Mac or PC?
I am not a techno loyalist.
Which ever is more convenient and simpler to use at that moment.
Currently Mac though.

Rohit Redkar Photography

April 28, 2014Interviews, Photographersphotography, redkar, rohit4 comments

Rohit is a man of few words, lets his work do the talking for him. Probably he was attracted to the camera before he noticed the opposite gender ;). As much as he is comfortable behind the camera the situation is totally reverse when he has to smile for the camera.

Why are you a photographer?
It’s the only Best thing I can do in this life. I m leaving my dream.

Do you remember any decisive moment when you felt ‘I want to be a photographer’?
Nothing specific moment, when I decided to be photographer.

I was an engineering student. I was very bad in studies, never enjoyed studying.

(more…)

Simran Nanda: Interview with a Student Illustrator

April 21, 2014Illustration, InterviewsIllustration, interview, nanda, simran3 comments

Simran Nanda is a Communication Designer specializing in illustration. She will be graduating from The Pearl Academy of Art Design and Fashion, New Delhi this year. She loves spending time with her family, friends and her pets. She wishes to get married to the city of Bombay in her near future!

Why are you an Illustrator?
Since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by cartoons. I had a collection of stuffed animals! I think this is where my vision to create different characters came from.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I’m studying at The Pearl Academy of Art Design and Fashion. I will get my degree in B.A Communication Design this year.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I have always wanted to sketch but initially I was afraid to do so. I have been observing the work of various illustrators over the years. Some of them have different styles of illustrating. It took me a while to find my own style. I feel it came from practice and a lot of passion for the work I do. I love digital work in particular, playing with different shapes and colors to create my characters. I love robots and monsters!

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My role model is and always will be Shah Rukh Khan. I admire the passion he has for his work. I have always looked up to him. Even though he doesn’t know me, I hope he does someday!

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
It’s difficult to choose one in particular but I remember going to Bombay for the first time and I was fascinated to see Mario Miranda’s work on the walls of Café Mondegar. I am truly inspired by his work.
I also love Mattias Adolfson, the German illustrator. Observing his work and made me pay attention to detail in my illustrations.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
I was motivated to do so by my mentor in college. After building on my portfolio, I have done some freelance work as an illustrator. I have illustrated characters for social media icons and graphics for toys. I haven’t got a chance to illustrate for advertising as yet.

Tell us something about your graphic design work.
My work is mostly digital based. I have a particular style that has developed over the years. I love illustrating for children in particular. I am very fascinated by monsters and robots!

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I think it depends on the brief given to us. If the ad requires illustration as a medium, then yes. I have mainly worked with design houses and advertising agencies.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Not as yet! I hope I never do. But I have always wanted to see my characters in motion. So if I ever plan to divert from illustration, I would want to specialize in animation.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
I have made graphics for paper toys that are used as night lamps! It was a concept based on reusable packaging for children. So the packaging converts into a paper toy or a lamp.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
I love Prashant Miranda’s work. He was called to our college for an interactive session where he showcased his work. It was great seeing his travel logs. I love his use of watercolors.

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?
I’m just about to graduate! So I think its too soon to give my view about taking Illustration as a career option but I think it depends on person to person. You need to be connected to your work that makes a big difference. It pays well with the amount of experience one has.

Mac or PC?
I use a Mac

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Shah Rukh Khan! I want to take him out for dinner and thank him for singing for me on my birthday!

What’s on your iPod?
I listen to The XX and Phealeh while working. I love music that helps me work in peace. Also I love bollywood!

Interview with Zohar Furniturewala– ECD Scarecrow Communications, Mumbai

April 14, 2014Interviews5 comments

Creative, adventurous, non conformist. Thats how Zohar would describe himself.
Why are you into Advertising?
Because I was convinced by my family in not joining the army. Since I was very good in art so joining an Art college was the next option, after passing out or applied arts, advertising was a natural choice.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
I have graduated from the Sir JJ Institute of Applied Arts specializing in Typography.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Not any in Particular, I was and am influenced by different people for different things at different times.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
Again no one in particular, but in college and even later was very inspired by the work done by Pentagram Designs, Saul Bass, Michael Bierut, Paul Rand, Paula Scher, Milton Glaser, Albert Watson, Herb Ritts, David Carson, Neville brody, and above all my college Professor Prof. Saynekar.  From the industry: Elsie Nanji, Divya Thakur, Cyrus Oshidar, Rajiv and Mahesh (RIP).

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Good Design around the world, in everything, not limited to only advertising.  By great work done by other creative people as well.

What do you think of the state of Print advertising right now?
What you see in the mainstream is very mediocre with flashes of some brilliant work here and there. In selective medias people are doing good work. The possibility to do great work is always there. I also don’t differentiate between print and other medias. As a communication and creative person I believe great work can be done on any platform and in any media.

How do you think Advertising should move into a new age with severely segmented media, short attention spans and declining print and TV viewership amongst the young? 
I am not an expert on advertising per se but one has to adapt to the reality of the times we live in.  If you are referring to creative work then by doing eye grabbing work, in whichever media and space one gets to do.

Do you think brands who’s advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
Yes it does.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? 
For your work to be fresh and relevant, you have to adapt with the times and trends (unless you yourself are a trendsetter).  Expose yourself to other arts outside advertising.  You are as good as the last piece of work you have done, it means the hunger to do good work has to always be there, otherwise you are on your way to becoming obsolete and outdated.  Be very serious about your work but don’t take advertising and yourself too seriously.

Mac or PC? 
Both.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My Wife and son.

What’s on your iPod?
I prefer silence.

Dharmesh Shah : Interview

March 17, 2014Interviews3 comments

Dharmesh Shah is a Creative Director at Draft FCB Ulka, Bangalore

Why are you into Advertising?
I am a trained diamond grader, have learnt jewelery manufacturing, tried selling/marketing diamond jewelery. I joined a science college to become an engineer. I don’t think I can do anything else.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
No. I did my b.Com from Bhavan’s Andheri- Mumbai. Then a one year course in advertising by Noorul Islam.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Kapil Dev.

(more…)