“I’m an illustrator/graphic designer from Mumbai, I’ve been drawing my whole life and professionally since the past 6 years.”
Why are you an Illustrator?
As I said, I’ve been drawing, doodling all my life, and I wanted to turn my hobby into a profession, so here I am.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I did not. I learnt Photoshop and Illustrator watching tutorials on YouTube. I am actually just a high school graduate (10th grade). I did attend college for a while, then I dropped out after the first year. I didn’t even attend a single class. Same with my diploma course in animation, I got bored and dropped out halfway.
You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I started out by imitating the styles of my favorite artists, then ultimately settled with my current style. I still experiment with other styles, but most of those pieces get scrapped before I finish them.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My dad. He was an artist as well. I guess it runs in the family.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
Olly Moss for his color palette mostly, then Mike Mitchell, and Kevin Tong for their drawing style.
What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
I’ve worked in various industries as an artist/designer, my first proper job was designing merch for an online t-shirt store, 6 years and 5 jobs later, I quit my agency job and started freelancing in 2016. I mostly illustrate for merch, but I did do one piece for Adidas, and illustrations for a video for VICE India earlier this year.
Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I haven’t illustrated for agencies in a long time. Ever since I opened my shop, I’ve been making stuff for that.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Yeah, sometimes I think i should just get a full time job. Regular income is great but I hate every waking moment of it. I suffer from depression and anxiety, so there are days (weeks) when I’m so unmotivated I don’t even take out my drawing tablet.
Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Hell yes. I can even sculpt digitally (hello ZBrush). I haven’t looked into this yet, but it’s definitely a probability.
Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Pia Alize Hazarika (instagram.com/pi_alize), Shruti Thakkar (instagram.com/shrutisethakkar) for her lettering work, Rashi Chandra (instagram.com/rashichan), Visual Amnesia for his intense compositions, and Sameer Kulavoor to name a few.
Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Kyle’s Brushes are really the best. I bought his original pack when they came out, and now they’re free with every Adobe CC subscription. I watched Proko’s tutorial channel on youtube for human anatomy, and Concept Cookie for concept art and lighting tutorials.
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?
Being patient is super important. Drawing is just another skill like driving or cooking, you can do anything with enough practice. Discipline and patience (which I lack severely) – is all you need. Practice daily and you’ll see yourself getting better in no time. And it doesn’t pay a lot in India, so you can learn related skills like graphic design and UI design to widen your client pool.
Whats your dream project?
My dream project is my shop, which just came alive in May.
Mac or PC?
PC! I’m a big PC gamer so I’ll always choose PC.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Loish Van Baarle!
What’s on your iPod?
Mostly hip hop. A bespoke Wu Tang Clan playlist, and listening to a lot of MF Doom and Madlib these days. And 2016’s DOOM soundtrack is my current work playlist.
Whats your Twitter Handle?
My twitter and instagram handle is the same – @joogasama.
Other links: shop – studiojoog.com, portfolio – jugal.co
