Ruchi Shah is an independent illustrator based in Mumbai. She is an alumnus of IDC, IIT Bombay and the University of the Arts, London. She draws for small books and large walls. Her work allows her to explore places, spaces, materials and techniques.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I love drawing. Complex lines, textures and colours fascinate me. Chaos with overflowing and over filled windows, houses … an excess of anything is what I find visually stimulating. People, their faces and daily life with its momentary relationships; is what keeps the wheels spinning in my head – And creating images has become second nature to me.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes. Sophia Polytechnic for Applied Art. Visual Communication at the Industrial Design Centre SOD – IIT Bombay and another Master’s at Camberwell College – University of the Arts in London where I pursued Illustration.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
It’s roughly developed across a decade.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My parents – both of them are designers. Walt Disney, Mario Miranda, Bill Watterson and
Saul Steinberg.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
Enid Blyton. Mario Miranda. Arcimboldo – a 15th century Italian painter. Durgabai – a Gond tribal artist. Janet Woolley – my tutor from Camberwell. Shilpa Ranade and Ajit Rao. The list gets longer and each person has played different roles in my life.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
Speaking to practicing illustrators helped a lot, and the fact that I could finally pull it off.
I enjoy struggling with the freedom, responsibility and challenges that are typical to a freelancers role. It requires constant attention and awareness. I tried freelancing in 2010 it did not span out beyond 10 months. I started out again a year later as a part-time illustrator, and have been working full time now for over 2 years.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I work more with Publishers. Pratham Books and Tulika Books are amongst some of them.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Yes, when I wanted to train in dancing. And when I thought I would make a great PA or a De-Cluttering Expert as I am very good with organizing things and spaces. But I still make a better illustrator.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Oh Yes!

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Pulak Biswas, Prashant Miranda, Bhajju Shyam, Durga Bai, Shilpa Ranade, Nina Sabnani, Ajit Rao, Sanjay Patel. I can go on and on.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Poonam Athalye, Harikrishnan Panicker, Harshvardhan Kadam, Sameer Kulavoor, Lokesh Karekar...

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?
Sketch, read, travel and absorb. Don’t give way to self – doubt. Be stubborn for quality and be selective with the type of people you work with. Be ignorant (at times) of what the whole world is doing with their life, as this path might make you feel like you are swimming against the wave. Surround yourself with things you value.

Illustration is an amazing field with endless possibilities and opportunities. It has the potential to be very rewarding over time, depending on the type of work you do.

What’s your dream project?
Spending an entire year illustrating a book. And collaborating on a giant mural that spans multiple rooftops.

Mac or PC?
Mac.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Amitav Ghosh

What’s on your iPod?
Mumford and Sons. Coldplay.