Hari Kumar graduated from Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore. He has a passion for illustration amd graphic design. He enjoys illustrating for children and creating his own characters and environments.He also loves playing competitive video games with his friends and eventually wants to create concept art for the entertainment industry. He is most happy while reading comic books.
Why are you a Illustrator?
My interest in illustration was sparked when I was in school and read a comic book for the first time. Since then I knew I wanted to be in a creative field later in my life. I began drawing characters from comic books and cartoons, and soon began creating characters from my imagination. During my college years, I worked on my own style. I got the chance to illustrate storybooks for children, and really hone my illustration skills.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I went to Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology and studied Visual Communication.

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
My illustration style developed and evolved through my college years. Initially, I used to draw a lot of gruesome characters (probably because of the kind of music I was into at the time). In Srishti, I got the chance to illustrate storybooks for children (a total opposite to my style), and I realised I enjoy that a lot because I loved creating characters that children will remember. I still love making illustrations that stem from the weird part of my brain.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My first inspiration to start drawing was my brother who used to have a couple of sketchbooks he used to draw in during his spare time. I came across some masters like Egon Schiele who is an austrian painter who paints twisted figures and warped portraits. That drove me to start bending my rules of illustration which through constant experimentation lead to my style.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in graphic design?
Dave Mckean, most of the work that I do stems from his process. Seeing his artwork opened my eyes to a new aesthetic which eventually influenced a lot of my work.

When did you start freelancing?
I started freelancing after I graduated from College.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit graphic design?
Not really, I enjoy what I do and thats why I do it.

Are many advertising agencies hiring graphic designers? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
That totally depends on what I want to work on. I take on projects based on how interested I am in doing it regardless of wether its an agency or a publisher.

Do you have clients who give you steady work or do you advertise for new clients often?
I do have clients that give me steady work and I usually get new clients by putting up my artwork on different social media platforms. I prefer working with new clients; that way I can meet more people and gain more interesting projects too.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on graphic design as a career option?
One thing I strongly believe in is that you should never be afraid to constantly re invent yourself and put yourself in situations that are new to you. Don’t become comfortable with where you are and what you’re doing.

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 have had my share of clients who don’t understand or value the work that I do and I have also turned down a lot of projects because of that. But on the other hand, there are clients who do understand and respect that, which makes the working for them a lot more enriching.

Mac or PC?
PC, I like playing Video Games.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Bruce Wayne

What’s on your iPod?
I listen to a wide range of things and flush out my Ipod almost every week but there’s a lot of electronic music on there.

Whats your Twitter Handle?
@hashlunar