illustrator

Rohan Dahotre : Illustrator

My name is Rohan, an illustrator/designer from Pune currently based in Bangalore working for Chumbak.
I am a nature and wildlife enthusiast. A keen observer who loves exploring the wilderness, I love illustrating animals, birds and all things wild.
In the near future, I would like to work towards the cause of wildlife awareness, conservation and welfare through my illustrations and hope to be able make a difference.

Why are you an Illustrator?
Illustrations can be happy, dark, beautiful or cruel. Some of them send a message or ask you questions. I feel illustrations have a beautiful way of communicating our thoughts. It is my way of expressing to the world.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I have graduated from Symbiosis Institute of Design as an Animator

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take for you to develop your style?
It took me few years to develop this style. I started by simplifying complex organic forms into simple basic shapes. This helped me in understanding forms and shapes especially of animals. Slowly I started learning and studying more about animal behavior, patterns, color, texture, etc.

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Ruchi Shah : In A Chat With An Illustrator

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.
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Sarang Bijagare : Illustrations

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.
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Yogesh Bhusare : Illustrations and Graphic Design

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
Just like every other student in arts I too dreamt of creating masterpieces in art ..My journey began with joining an event agency. Though it was not a design firm, it gave me that creative freedom to experiment an find the space I’m looking forward to fit in. I experimented with styles, elements and did much work on a personal level to improve myself. After some time Taproot happened! I got to learn number of things in taproot where I thought I was a nobody in the industry. It enhanced my creativity and helped me understand how curative’s in advertising works. Through all the ups and downs in my life I have always believed in one thing that is hard work pays off, maybe not immediately, but someday it will.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts from D.Y Patil College of Applied Arts and crafts, pune.

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Vrushali Somavanshi : Interview With A Graphic Designer

Vrushali Somavanshi (Artopus) is a graphic designer, an Engineer and a pattern lover. She is also an occasional poet and loves watching films. Often looking for inspiration in the nitty gritty of things, and finding ways to communicate the commonplace observations visually through her idiosyncratic art her work ranges from colourful flat illustrations to intricately detailed pattern art. She currently is freelancing and also sells her artwork online on different types of merchandise. She has never attended a design school and is planning to pursue a Post graduation degree in Visual communication

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
A quote I read sometime back by Ira Glass kind of resonated with me, she talked about how in the beginning all of us who do creative work get into it because we have good taste and it is because of that good taste that our work keeps disappointing us, so only after time and lots of practice one day our work will be as good as our ambitions.

I think it’s the joy of being able to see my ideas come alive on paper that got me started. It’s because of the funny feeling of weird satisfaction I get when I see good typography and clean design.
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Yamini PM : Illustrations

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.
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Archana Sreenivasan : Illustrator

Archana Sreenivasan illustrates for magazines, picture books, comics and lifestyle products. She enjoys exploring new styles and techniques, and has illustrated for Puffin, Scholastic, Red Turtle, Karadi Tales, Katha, Manta Ray Comics, Forbes Life magazine, and The Mint newspaper. She likes cats, traveling, exploring the great outdoors, bird-watching, and doodling in cafes. She lives in Bengaluru.

Her illustration blog is here. 

Why are you an Illustrator?
I love to draw. Plus, illustration is a wonderful combination of visual communication & self-expression, design & art, which is a space I enjoy working in very much.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes. I did my BFA at Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore, and did a Post Graduate Diploma in Animation at NID, Ahmedabad.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I’m not sure I have a distinct style. In fact, I enjoy trying different styles. If there is indeed a distinct style, I didn’t specifically spend time trying to develop it.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Growing up, I always looked up to my older sister, and her friendship and unconditional support has helped me follow my heart, and do what I love to do.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
Perhaps it was my boss, mentor, and a dear friend, from my very first job. He taught me (and terrorized me) to pay attention to little details to commit myself fully to any job that I undertake.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
Illustration studios or full-time positions for illustrators aren’t much of an option in India, so freelance was the alternative. I’ve been freelancing full-time from 2011. I’ve been working mostly with publishing houses so far. I haven’t done many projects with ad agencies, although I’ve been wanting to explore that.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I do see illustrations being used quite widely in ads, but as I said before, I’ve been working more with publishing houses than ad agencies.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
I think I will continue to draw always, because its what comes naturally, but there have been times when I’ve considered taking on/have taken on other kinds of employment, due to financial pressures.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Not really, although I’ve worked on some projects where I had to design characters intended to be made into toys/dolls.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Quite a few. Topping the list is Prabha Mallya. I also admire illustrations by Sameer Kulavoor, Priya Kuriyan, and Ajanta Guhathakurta.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
The internet is my go-to place for discovering exciting illustration resources. Pia Meenakshi aka Gumani, a fellow illustrator, maintains an art material review blog called http://brokeforart.tumblr.com/ I find her blog very interesting and useful.
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?
A career in illustration usually isn’t a very well paying one. I suppose that’s something one has to be aware of before deciding to commit to a career in illustration. But many people do supplement their income by also doing design projects in either Graphic Design or Animation, which fetch better fees. I’d say a career in illustration is best suited to those who really love the work, because it involves being lost long hours in doing what you love, but forgoing the securities offered by a steady job is probably not a comfortable choice for everyone.

Mac or PC?
Mac.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
If I could’ve, probably Dr. Salim Ali, or Kenneth Anderson, or Jim Corbett.

What’s on your iPod?
I don’t have one. I listen to random stuff on Grooveshark.barbet

bikernaut

Blue_Umbrella

chaisamosa_lowres

chimp

Chumbak

croc

Isantim

Orange

Scholastic

TwistInTheTale

wily_bedouin

 

 

Yatish Asthana : Interview with a Graphic Designer/Illustrator

Yatish is an Illustrator, Infographist and Graphic Designer . He has a Bachelor’s degree in Animation and Multimedia from Birla Institute Of Technology, Mesra , Ranchi . He has grown up watching all classic cartoons which inspired him to chose creative career.

Apart from Sketching and doodling , he loves spending time with friends and watching movies.
You can see his works at his portfolio site online.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I have been sketching since my schooldays. I am really happy being into a profession which has still kept the “small kid” inside me alive. I am paid for doing what i love to, and that’s the best part for me being an illustrator

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I attended Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi and studied animation and multimedia.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I keep experimenting with my art style. I think its good to experiment. You always get something new and unexpected which adds value to your style. I have been sketching since long, but last two two years have been prominent in this aspect. I am still working on betterment and refining of my style.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My grandfather. He has always been an inspiration. Also the amazing colleagues and people whom i have worked with.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
My family and friends. They have always supported me and my career choice. They have inspired and motivated me a lot. Besides them , the amazing artists whom I have interacted with on social media or personally. There is always a positive response while talking to any artist . I really appreciate them all.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
Although there are plenty creative agencies out there, still very few offer illustrations in specific. So its big opportunity and option for illustrators to freelance. I have been working since last 3 and half years.
I have worked with Media groups like Mail Today (India Today group) and HT Media group.
I have worked on a number of projects varying from merchandising, custom artworks to commissioned sketches.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Yes, illustration design is getting popular day by day. Today, more brands want their promotion/advertising to be done in form of illustrations, be it digital or traditional. It catches more attention than normal trend.
I have been working with News Media groups since last two and half years.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
No. I never get bored of illustrating.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
I would love to 🙂 It would be great to see my paper artwork turning into cool toys.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
I have grown up seeing cartoons by Mario Miranda and RK Laxman . They have inspired me a lot. I also follow artists like Dattraj Kamat, Amit Tayal, Abhishek Singh, Faisal Mohammad. I try to learn and gain most from these artists.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
There are a number of amazing artists i follow. Pascal Campion, Kerby Rosanes, Mattias Adolfson, Chris Sanders are few of the superb artists i admire.

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?
Practice and Patience !! Keep experimenting with your art style and most importantly ENJOY your work !
Being illustrator is amazing career choice ! It would surely pay you good if you are working hard .

Mac or PC?
I have worked both on Mac and PC, but PC is more comfortable for me.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Any pretty girl who would love to join. 🙂

What’s on your iPod?
Honestly, I don’t have any specific choice when it comes to music. I usually switch on the music at low volume and work. It adds a background and creates a peaceful environment to work.

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Adil Siddiqui : Designer

Adil Siddiqui is a Mumbai based Pixel Builder aka Designer. He is currently working with a startup called Genii where he Designs User Interfaces and Build User Experiences, he also makes simple and fun illustrations in his free time. He is very creative and passionate in whatever he does, loves his friends, loves Mumbai, loves Mustang 1967 and loves Chicken(deep fried).

His personal illustration / graphic design work can be found on his Tumblr and recently he has started posting some of his professional work on his Behance.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
Well honestly I don’t know, I never thought I will end up being one. I was one of those who never use to think about my future and what I wanted to do with my life. In college I studied Commerce and then Computer Science. I had no idea what I was doing until I stumbled upon Photoshop and Illustrator and all of a sudden I developed a keen interest in designing. ( I still can’t believe I became a designer)

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Nope.

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I’m still developing it, I normally scribble my ideas on paper and then develop them directly in illustrator. I’m horrible at traditional way of drawing so I use a Wacom tab to draw digitally which gives me the liberty of ‘ctrl + z’.

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Uttam Sinha : Graphic Designer

Introduction – “I want to be the best graphic designer in the world.” “I want to win every award that exists, from Cannes to D&AD.” “I want to be the next big thing.” Well, if you think all this matter to Uttam Sinha, you’ll be disappointed. Here’s a guy with no such ambitions. All he wants to do in life is to bring smile in people’s faces, with his work, or without it. His mantra in life is very simple: create work that’s loved by all.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
Honestly, I never desired to be a graphic designer. It all started with the doodling on he back pages of school notebooks, and gradually one thing led to the other. Frankly, I still don’t consider myself as a graphic designer. I am more engrossed in the work I do, rather than the designation people give.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I did my bachelors from College of Art, New Delhi.

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