Charbak Dipta is a Commercial Illustrator,cartoonist and graphic storyteller. An M.A. In Philosophy from Jadavpur University,Kolkata, he started his career as an illustrator in the Times of India.He worked for various tabloids, magazines in between as a cartoonist and illustrator. Currently he is working as a freelance illustrations and writing comic books all over the world. Charbak Dipta is also a trained singer/musician from ITC SRA, Kolkata and Calcutta School of Music.
Why are you an Illustrator?
I primarily consider myself a story teller. The best way to tell stories is the audio-visual medium but since its a very costly and one of the most toilsome job, I prefer illustrating my ideas. Here I am an one man team with control in everything from lighting to body language and that is without any barrier. Thus, I illustrate.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Never. I am a self taught artist. I think art cannot be taught just like the 1st ever painters i. e. the cavemen. They did not learnt painting from anyone.
You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I am drawing right from my childhood. I was looking for a signature style for myself. I am maintaining this style of my own for 4/5 years. I didn’t have to struggle to find it. Its just an extension of my personality.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Satyajit Ray is one whom I always worship. Then come Herge, Osamu Tezuka, Chraig Thompson, Uderzo, Marjane Satrapi.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
All of them above mentioned. Apart from them Bob De Moore and other Ligne Claire and Marcinell School of artists.
What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
Seeing the works of Mario Miranda, I decided to be an illustrator. I started freelancing as a cartoonist in The Times of India 6 years back while I was in college.
I work for all visual mediums like comics, graphic novel, illustrations, films and of course advertising.
Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Advertising agencies are using more photographs than illustrations these days. Even if they do, they are using low quality illustrations. These should be changed. If you use good illustrations instead of photographs then you are doing it differently. Then eyeballs too will follow automatically.
I work with publishers mostly. Personally I enjoy it most since there is endless scope of creativity as an illustrator in publishing industry than advertising, I feel .
Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Never. I am passionate about this medium. There is a lot to do with Indian illustrations to take it to the next level. There is a long way to go. I want to make films in future, but then too, no question of quitting illustrations.
Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Never thought of it. Toys/figurines are totally different medium.
Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Satyajit Ray, Mario Miranda, Ajit Ninan, R. K. Laxman. Among Bengali illustrators I am big fan of Debashis Deb, Bimal Das, Samir Sarkar and Anup Ray.
Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Among my contemporaries my favourites are Ben Heine and in India, Mukesh Singh. Though not main stream illustrator, I like works of Tim Burton.
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 am none to give advice. But if I have to do, I would ask them to be original, don’t copy. And if you work hard and deliver good things, money wont be a barrier to take it as a career option.
Whats your dream project?
There are many. I am currently working on one of them. Its a graphic novel for young adults.
Mac or PC?
Mac of course! I am gonna get one this year. 🙂
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
A nice intelligent girl.
What’s on your iPod?
Anusheh Anadil, Ornob, Mohiner Ghoraguli, Chandrabindoo, Indian Ocean.
Whats your Twitter Handle?
Charbak_Dipta
