Yamini is a Dubai based Freelance Illustrator/Artist.. The artist was born in Kannur, Kerala. She spent her childhood and academic years in the beautiful Indian state, later graduating from the College of Fine Arts, Trivandrum, Kerala, in 2008. She currently lives in Dubai with her husband and daughter. From creative illustrations for corporate clients such as IBM, Titan, Deepam and others, to T-shirts designs, to portraits in charcoal of her favourite footballers, to murals, to graffiti, Yamini’s creative range is truly diverse. “Originality and fluidity seem the best words to describe the work of Yamini .

Why are you an Illustrator?
I love Art and love to express everything through art. While doing illustrations I can depict more surreal, imaginary and creative visuals. I love to do free, bold and power full lines and strokes. Which is easy to express feelings… easy to tell a story… etc.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, I did my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from College of Fine Arts, Trivandrum, Kerala.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Thanks.. But I am not sure that i have developed my distinct style, because I am still experimenting with drawings. Day by day i am studying new things. In my drawings I have used to give more importance for bold lines. Maybe that gives me distinct style. I likes to do rough, bold, free strokes of charcoal… that’s my favourite medium.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
From my childhood onward till now my role models are my Parents. My father, mother were Art teachers and they taught me art. My father taught all areas relating art. My brother who is awesome in doing water colours. I am a great fan of his watercolour works.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
I can’t say like one personalities. Obviously all great masters’ drawing and painting influences me. I really like the drawings of Egon Schiele, Frida Kahlo’s paintings.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
After my BFA concentrated more in painting. Meanwhile I did some freelance illustrations for kids’ storybooks. When I was in Bangalore 2011, I got my the first illustration project for an advertising agency (Ogilvy, Bangalore). Its was quite a great experience and I enjoyed a lot. Those illustrations gave me a lot of appreciation. Thus I chose this field and till 2013 I did freelancing in Bangalore. Last year we shifted to Dubai and I did Freelance illustrations for Publicis Middle East and Mile Studios in Dubai. I am still doing paintings at home for my upcoming exhibition of paintings.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Yes. It’s quite interesting that it can express various visions, ideas, different angle of view, surrealistic visions etc. I do work more with advertising agencies.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
No never.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
I love to do small things in colour clay. I tried to depict some elements of my drawing in it. I thing i can consider this idea of turning my illustrations into toys. 🙂

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
I love mostly all of them. All of them having different styles and creativity. I admire the works of Rishidev R K, Khomane Deelip, and Sameer Kulavoor.

Do you have any favourite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Archive, Communication Arts, Idn, Creative Review and Illustration websites are helpful for me.

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?
Ohh!! i am not a well experienced person to advice other creative illustrators. But i can say that one who loves illustrations, try to do as much we can. Never give up.

Of course illustration is a wise option as a career. But in this field we need more hard work and face challenges. Success in this area comes only with continuous work and updating.

Whats your dream project?
I love to do more paintings… along with Illustrations. Become a well known Artist 🙂

Mac or PC?
I am using a Mac.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
I would like to take my dear Hubby and my sweet little Daughter for dinner, because my Hubby gives support for all my Art activities. His vision, his advice, all play a great role in my life..
and Our daughter,we named her Frida, she is our little artist 🙂

What’s on your iPod?
I don’t have an iPod but i like to listen music 🙂