Coming from a small city of Yavatmal, Sarang Bijagare took to Polytechnic instead of Art College. He graduated as a Civil Engineer, and worked for a while before diving into the world of Art. He admitted himself to Abhinav Art College in Pune, and started his exciting journey in Art.

Why are you an Illustrator?
Because drawing is my first love.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, I did my G.D.Art (Applied Arts) from Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I basically focus on realistic drawings & try to simplify them with different forms & styles.
I can adapt any style of illustration, because we all know how advertising illustration is.
Creative directors are always looking for something new.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
They have changed with time.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
Mario Miranda & John Fernandez.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
After completing my G.D Art, I came to mumbai. My rangoli, realistic drawings & paintings came with me as always. But in mumbai I got chance to work with many national & international clients at Thoughtline Design Studio.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Yup, I worked with many advertising agencies like Ogilvy & Mather, McCann Erickson, BBDO Philippines, Leo Burnett, Taproot India. In my initial days, I worked with Thoughtline design studio. Beacause of that, I got opportunity to work with some big national & international clients . I am thankful to Nishikant Palande for trusting me.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Yes, many times. e.g. When someone rejected my work, upon which I took lots of efforts.  But my unbreakable bonding with illustrations always pulled me back. And yes, there are some of friends like Ranjeet Wankar, Nishikant Palande & Tejas Phanasekar dragged me on the track.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Ohh… not yet but this is really nice idea. Definitely i will think about it in future.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Sameer Kulavoor, Lokesh Karekar, Nilesh Jadhav.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Yup, I like Nishikant Ramesh Palande & Anant Nanvare work style.

You have such a wide experience as a top working professional. What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you like to advise them to take  ‘Illustration’ as a career option? Is it paying well enough?
Creative field is so wide. I advice all aspiring creative professionals first you have to find out all sections of our field. Never say no to any work because every work gives you new experience. Obviously, if illustration is your passion, defiantly go for it. Good work always gets paid well.

Whats your dream project?
I want to draw world’s biggest figurative rangoli at India-Pakistan border to make peace between two countries.

Mac or PC?
I prefer Mac with Cintiq.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Because of my job profile I am always taken out for dinner by my clients.
Jokes apart but.. now I have to think about someone special.

What’s on your iPod?
From Kishore Kumar to Bruno Mars.

Whats your Twitter Handle?
@sarangbijagare

His work can be seen here.