Saloni Ramteke, 20, is an illustrator based in Mumbai. Her love for drawing put her on a path to study animation and eventually take up illustration. She enjoys watching anime, working out and playing on her Nintendo DS.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I don’t know how to express this better than just saying that I love to draw.
I was going to do medicine but realized at the last moment that it wasn’t for me and decided to do what I was truly passionate about which was animation.
Having studied it for the past three years, I realized that my interests mainly lie in illustration and pre production work and hence, decided to stick to that.

Tell us about your current institute for studying the visual arts.
I studied animation in DSK Supinfocom, in Pune. The course started off with teaching us basics of 2D Animation and Motion Graphics. Over time, the course started focusing on 3D animation. Around my 3rd year, I realized that I liked 2D more than 3D so I completed my Bachelors Degree and started investing more time and practice learning illustration and 2D animation. Currently, I am not studying in an institute. I am interning at a really fun studio!

You have a distinct style of design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I don’t think I have a definitive style of my own yet. I am still learning and have to keep molding myself to keep up with the ever changing trends in the industry. However, what I have right now is a culmination of me trying out and learning new techniques over the last three years.

How did you focus so much on graphic illustration? When did you realize you loved doing it and wanted more of it?
I realized that my passions lay in illustration when I was first introduced to it in college. I remember getting excited whenever we had a character design or an illustration class. Just knowing that I enjoyed doing it without caring about being graded was a huge indicator. I also started enjoying any classes that were complementary to these like color theory and concept art.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My parents have always encouraged me to do what I want and have told me time and again that passion is the biggest driver. Just knowing that no matter what I do, my family would always support me even if I fail, has always given me the confidence to step out of comfort zone. Hence, my parents are my biggest role models.

Who was the most influential personality in your career in graphic design/illustration?
During my second year of college, we had a masterclass by Raag Raisinghani, who is a motion designer. Seeing my interest in motion graphics, he pushed me to work harder and made me realize what I actually wanted to do. He helped widen my understandings of design and has been a constant mentor even while approaching studios for internships.

Do you freelance?
I recently graduated and started an internship straightaway so I haven’t got an opportunity to freelance yet.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit animation?
There have been times while studying 3D animation, that I felt I was out of it and didn’t feel passionate, hence, wanted to quit doing that. So I decided to stick to my instincts and pursue 2D animation and pre production.

After graduation, where do you want to work? Advertising agency? Design shop? Tech startup?
I just graduated with a bachelors degree and I’m interning at a fun studio. I would love to work at a motion design or a branding studio similar to the place where I am currently at.

Any other Indian graphic designers who you admire?
Asavari Kumar, Shaivalini Kumar, Aditi Kakade Beaufrand, Vivan Kamath, Sudeepti Tucker, Sandhya Prabhat, Chaaya Prabhat.

Is there something you wish your design college taught you?
I believe every design college should have a separate class on making invoices, charging clients and making decks to present to them. This is because a lot of times design services are underpaid or underestimated, especially if you are new in the industry. So it’s always important to know that you should not undersell yourself. Inculcating this in students will in return help uplift our field by setting a budget standard for clients who don’t believe that design is an investment.

Mac or PC?
Mac, however if you’re starting out and don’t wish to spend that much, PC works just fine.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Yukai Du

What’s on your iPod?
Yaeji – Noonside
Brad Stank – O.T.D

Whats your Twitter handle? Instagram?
You can follow my art account on Instagram: @salowknee