Why are you into Illustrations and Design?
I always wanted to be a fine artist as I studied painting in Art College. But through a friend of mine who was in advertising, I was introduced to the world of advertising, design and illustration. We are witnessing such a time where the definition of fine art and applied art is getting blurred day by day. Here, you get a lot of opportunities where you can show and nurture your creative talent. So, I started doing illustration and design as an alternative of paintings. I explored a lot and got an ample chance to create something new every day in my advertising career. That is the beauty of this profession.
Did you attend any school for fine art or design or Communications?
Yes, I did a Bachelor of Visual Arts in Drawing and Painting form Govt. College of Art & Craft, Kolkata.
Tell us about your journey as advertising art director and then illustrator?
I have been lucky enough to work with some of the finest creative directors in the country. They know how to take best out of someone. I have learned a lot from them as well as got the opportunity to use my full potential. Besides doing my design jobs as an art director, I got a lot of opportunity to do illustration on several projects, be it a campaign or a pitch or a social media post. After a point of time, I realized to give more time on my illustrations. So, I quit my job and started freelancing.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I have a list of favorite artists, designer and illustrator. I can’t say them as role model. Some of them are Satyajit Ray, Edward Hooper, Aurther De Pins, Adrian Tomine, Saul Bass. I love to keep discovering new artists, their works and their process.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustration?
That is difficult to say.
You have an excellent talent in illustrations. How do you keep this part of you nourished and motivated?
As an illustrator, I am open to everything. From a typographic movie logo to a series of illustrations based on a particular theme, I do everything. That helps me a lot to explore different alleys. So, every brief is different as well as challenging. Other than that, I keep watching other artist/ illustrator’s works, their thoughts behind it and their process. This also helps me a lot to motivate myself.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspirations usually comes from different sources like my surroundings, some nostalgia or memories, travel etc. These thing trigger me to create something. I think every artist documents their time through their art. Similarly, my time inspire me to do the same.
What kind of illustration clients do you have mostly? Do you work withbook publishers or startups more?
I work mostly for a brand. I didn’t get the opportunity to do editorial illustrations. But recently, I did a graphic novel based on a short story of Satyajit Ray. That was completely different experience. I want to do more graphic novels in future.
What tools do you use for your work?
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Wacom Cintique and off course sketchbook, pencils etc.
What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
Keep doing what you love to do and can deliver with your complete potential. Taste different things and cook as your choice. Don’t fall in the trap of signature style. It will develop automatically form a body of work.
What’s your dream project?
To collaborate with Nike, to make cover design for The New Yorker.
Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
I have no such plans. I want to keep travelling like this through the path I got.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My wife and son.
What’s on your iPod? Spotify?
Indian Ocean, Arko Mukhaerjee and Yanni.
Mac or PC?
Both.
Whats your Twitter Handle? Instagram?
Instagram only- subhabrata.bose









