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Interview with Anumeha, creator of comically sane.

Interview with Anumeha, creator of comically sane.

by | Dec 10, 2019 | Blog, Caricature Artist, Digital Art, Illustrations, Illustrator, interview

Interview with Anumeha

An all in one package of Designer, Illustrator and Storyteller,  Anumeha, the creator of Comically Sane has touched the hearts of many through her art.

With over 20K followers on social media, she is successfully using her talent to create hilarious and  relatable comics. Let us delve deeper into her unique world of colors and quirkiness.

 

Everyone has their own definition of Art. What is yours?

Art to me is a source of happiness and something that helps one relax. It is like meditation, you meditate to keep your sanity intact and art does the same thing.

What are your earliest memories of drawing as a child?

Diwali was usually the time when I could put my fascination with colors and obsession with art to use. I remember asking permission from my mother and then drawing rangoli in those very corners of the house which she allowed.

Are you self-taught?

Yes, I didn’t take any professional training and all that I am today is a result of practice and self-learning.

Are you a full-time illustrator? How has your journey of choosing an off-beat career been?

I am not a full-time illustrator, with a big ‘yet’ in between, for I would love to turn this into my full-time profession. Currently, I am a UX Designer by day and illustrator by night. As for the journey of choosing an off-beat career, I must say that it had its ups and downs but has been a fantastic one nonetheless.

When did you start making comics, and how do you think your comics have evolved over time?

I used to subconsciously draw at the back of almost all my notebooks since school-days. At that time, it was not a comic, but random thoughts stitched together to tell a story. It was from 2017 that my somewhat irregular journey of drawing structured (theme-based) comics began.

Towards the end of March 2019, I created my Instagram and Facebook page, Comicallysane. The idea behind creating the page was to share my work continuously which in turn would help me become regular.

My comics are still evolving as it is an on-going process, but so far I have seen my progress, both in terms of character refinement and content clarity.

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What is your favorite part about creating comics?
This is the part of the day I look forward to the most. It doesn’t seem like a task to me, for I love creating comics, and feel like I can keep doing this without getting bored or tired.

As an artist, you must have worked on several interesting projects. Could you talk about projects that deserve a special mention?

With every project I have done so far, there has been a special personal connect. One of them is the workshop I did with kids for Google, India. I could see myself in those kids and it brought back beautiful memories from my childhood.

Then there are these personalized e-invitations that I do, they too hold a special place. Trying to understand the clients, their journeys and then expressing their story in a single frame, nothing can be compared to the amount of satisfaction and relief that one feels on seeing the final piece of work.

What would be your advice for the budding webcomics?

Just start with whatever you have in mind. There is no right or wrong time, all one has is

How do you think technology has changed the dynamics of art?

It has made it more accessible to both – the creators and the consumers. It’s not restricted to either museums, physical books or newspapers.

Now you don’t necessarily need 100s or 1000s of sheets of paper to create something, as long as you have a digital drawing pad and a stylus/pencil. (But again, I will mention for the budding artists, that not having these digital pads and pencils should not be an excuse for you to not start.)

On a different note, I also think it is eco-friendly for it saves a lot of paper and clutter.

What do you wish to convey through your comics/ cartoons?

Through my art, I want to make people realize that everyone is going through something similar and nobody is alone in it.

Who are some comic creators that you admire?
I like Brownpaperbag Comics, NehaDoodles, Alicia Souza etc. to name a few. And my all-time favorite is Diamond comics.

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If you could learn another form of art, what would it be?
It definitely would be pottery.

If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I would like to say – Think less do more.

What are your thoughts about Stoned Santa?
It’s a good medium to know about the community of artists and connect and explore all that’s new in the world of art.

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Interview with Shailly Gajjar | Caricature artist

Interview with Shailly Gajjar | Caricature artist

by | Oct 31, 2019 | Blog, Caricature Artist, Digital Art, Illustrations, Illustrator, interview, Shailly Gajjar, Wedding Invitation

Interview of Shailly Gajjar

Shailly Gajjar, Illustrator.

Shailly Gajjar, is an illustrator and a comic creator. Be it illustrations, wedding invitations or comics, they definitely will put a smile on your face. 

What started as a desire to design her own wedding card, has now become her full-time career. Despite the ups-and-downs, she chose to do what her heart wanted to. Now, she is one among the loved artists who delights her clients through her striking style of art.

Read on more to find out about her journey.

 

Everyone has a story which has brought them to the career path they’re pursuing. It may be good, bad, simple or challenging. What has your experience been like in choosing art as your profession? Were there any challenges or confusions? 

I hail from a very small city of Bhuj, Kutch in Gujarat, where awareness regarding diverse career options is scarce. I ended up doing my bachelors in IT engineering.

During my second year of my college, a realisation struck me that I am not very keen on coding. I felt the  need to follow my passion, which was drawing and doodling.

I looked up about different colleges which provide courses related to my passion, such as NID. Unfortunately, I was a year late to apply for the Masters degree.

After completing my engineering I decided to appear for the entrance exam hosted by NID. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it after the second round. That’s when I met the love of my life, who’s my husband now. He encouraged me and believed in me even when I myself didn’t.

Soon after that, I started interning as a Graphic designer, and got a job in the same field which I had to leave after y marriage as I had to move to Dubai.

My initial days in Dubai was very hard, as getting a job without a relevant degree or work experience seemed impossible. That’s when I decided to devote my time for freelancing seriously. Along with the freelance projects, I took drawing classes for kids at my place.

After a couple of years, my husband and I moved back to India, and my freelance career started to see a lot of growth.

Many years have passed by and I do not regret anything. Thanks to my supporting family and my loving husband my freelance career is going well after all the hardships. Currently, I am focusing on wedding invitations and other illustration projects.

 

Anything you would like to say to your fellow artists?

Keep following your passion no matter what. Your dreams will come true eventually and on that day, all the hardwork, confusions and frustrations will be worth it!

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Interview with Shubham Khurana, the creator of Corporat Comics

Interview with Shubham Khurana, the creator of Corporat Comics

by | Oct 4, 2019 | Blog, Corporat Comics, Digital Art, Illustrations, Illustrator, interview, Shubham Khurana, Web Comics

INTERVIEW WITH SHUBHAM KHURANA,

Creator of Corporat Comics

Shubham Khurana, Comic Creator

Do boring board meetings; small talks over a coffee machine; unnecessary conference calls and the unfunny boss seem familiar to you? If yes, head out to Corporat Comics for some hilarious and hard-hitting comics on everyday madness of the corporate life.

Let’s see what Shubham Khurana has to say about his journey.

At first, you’ll laugh and then it hits you, that you’re just another “Corporat”.

Could you tell us about yourself? How did you start Corporat Comics?

I am a digital marketer by profession and have been living the corporate life for a good 9 years now. Most of my comics are based on the incidents I’ve witnessed or heard about.

I took a break of 6 months between my current and previous job to travel the world and gain perspective. That’s when I decided to decided to combine my passion for sketching with the humdrum of corporate life, through Corporat Comics.  The responses I received were overwhelming and I guess that’s what kept me going.

How do you think your comics have evolved over time?

Before corporat comics, I had a page called Comic Pencil that was more erratic and covered various topics from everyday life. Later, I decided to stick to one theme which everyone can relate to.

Do you wish to venture into different types of comics?

Definitely. I have been thinking on making comics that are more impactful, like a commentary on political and socio-economic conditions that are prevalent in the country.

Could you guide us through the process of making comics?

I usually post about 2-3 comics a week. I’m constantly thinking on what I can come up with next, whether I’m at work or travelling. 

I believe that the idea or concept behind the comic is more important than the drawings used to depict it. I spend more time analyzing the content, than in drawing.

I always carry my iPad with me just in case I decide to make last minute changes as the small details make a big difference.

How do you think technology has changed the dynamics of art?

One of the reasons I stuck to making comics was because of the ease and convenience of making them digitally. Technology has definitely made our lives, as artists a lot more easier. 

Who are some illustrators and comic creators that you admire?

There are many comic creators who have inspired me. Gavin Aung Than, the creator of Zen Pencils is one of the reasons I started this at the first place. When it comes to web-comics, theawkwardyeti and Strange Planet by Nathan W Pyle are my favourite. 

 

How often do you face creative block, and how do you get over it?

I do come across Creative block very often and I like to go about it in a very structured manner. I take some time out to note down every idea that comes to my mind and analyse it.

The only way to get over it is to get through it. So, I invest more time and effort to come up with fresh ideas.

Whenever I’ve put out a comic that I’m not very satisfied with, I’ve still got a lot of positive responses. So, I’ve learnt to let go off the fact that it should be perfect and I let my audience decide what is good and what isn’t.

What changes would you like to bring about in the Corporat-life?

I would want it be to absolutely transparent, which includes less hierarchy and bureaucracy. 

How important do you think traveling is for artists?

I’m an avid traveler. Although I don’t find any direct correlation between the two. I feel that travelling is a very humbling experience and it gives you perspective about life in general.

What would be your advice to the budding comic creators?

Don’t think, just start.

Many ask me questions about the device or the software that I use. As I said earlier, I believe that your content is king, software and devices are just mediums to execute it. Nonetheless, If you’re serious about creating comics, a tablet would always be a good investment.

Although, it’s getting harder day by day to grow organically on social media platforms, consistency and quality will help you grow. Once you reach the minimum threshold, it’s quite easy to grow.

Lastly, what is the best way that we, as readers, can support you and other original content creators?

Spread the word; share the comics and most importantly, give credits to the original creator. There have been times when my own comics used to reach me as Whatsapp forwards with my tag cropped.

In my initial days, I used to reach out to creators for feedback and shoutouts. But, not many would give a shoutout. That’s one thing I try not do do now, I always share support and encourage comics that I like.

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7 Caricature Ideas for every type of couple you know

7 Caricature Ideas for every type of couple you know

by | Sep 28, 2019 | Blog, Digital Art, Digital Illustration, Illustrations, Illustrator

7 Caricature ideas for every type of couple you know

The wedding season is around the corner, and you’re bound to get dozens of invitations from your friends, relatives and neighbors. While you get to attend fancy dinner parties and eat plenty of enticing food, you’ll also have to think of what to gift the couple.

Let’s agree, we’ve had enough of the bouquets and chocolates. You would want to gift something that’s memorable.We’re kind of experts when it comes to gifting. Our gift experts will help you find just the thing for the people you love.

One such idea is a caricature. To celebrate your bonding over the years you have been together, in a childish way of mocking and pulling each other’s legs, we bring to you caricature ideas for every kind of couple you know.

1. The Desi Couple

We all know that one couple who seems to have come straight out of a Bollywood movie. Every time they enter, a song can be heard playing in the background, and they just won’t stop giving DDLJ references. Surprise them with one of these Bollywood-themed caricatures.

2. The Wanderlusts

You know those couples, whose social media feed are full of airport check-ins, and breathtaking pictures from their vacation. If you know a couple who loves to explore the world and take on every adventure which comes in the way, these travel-themed caricatures are the way to go.

The best thing about a destination themed caricature is that you can picture yourself in your favourite destination, without having to visit it!  Truly amazing isn’t it?

3. The F.R.I.E.N.D.S Fandom

Even though it’s been 25 years since F.R.I.E.N.D.S aired for the first time, some people just can’t get over it. If you know a couple who have found their lobsters, gift them these customised caricatures, or if you have found a Chandler to your Monica you could get one too 😛

4. The Football Fanatics

Ever met a couple that bonded over mutual hatred towards a rival club? Are they ready to give up on anything to not miss that final goal? Get this football themed caricature with a personalised jersey, for the crazy football fans.

5. 1-Love

This Couple can usually be spotted in badminton courts late at night, hitting those smashes and sweating it out. The only “court” they can think of is the one badminton court. Gift them something that truly brings out the sport in them.

6. To those who believe in magic

We know that there are wizards and witches out there waiting to get a letter from Hogwarts, in order to get away from the mundane muggle life.

Our artists will use just the right amount of potion and sorcery to create this quirky caricature for all the Potter-heads out there.

7. To the Partners-in-wine

Do you know couples who absolutely love wine, and attend these fancy wine-tasting sessions. Here’s a unique gift for pour-decision makers.

Cuz, wine not?

8. To the everyday Superheroes

Here’s a crazy idea for our everyday superheroes. Whether it’s scrolling through social media while working or binging through the entire series on Netflix without sleeping for hours, it’s still a superpower. 

With customized caricatures, you could look like like your favourite super-hero.

9. We GOT this!

Do you know a couple who is a huge fan of Game of Thrones? If yes, these GOT themed caricatures will surely excite them.

With customized caricatures, you can chnage the plot, bring your favourite characters to life and much more.

10. Customized Caricature

If you know a couple who have a wide array of interests and you want to incorporate every tiny element that makes them, them, get in touch with our gift experts now and they’ll help you curate a customized caricature.

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Interview with Swarnova Datta

Interview with Swarnova Datta

by | Sep 21, 2019 | Blog, Digital Art, Digital Illustration, Digital Painting, Illustrations, Illustrator, interview

Interview with Swarnavo Datta

Swarnavo Datta, Illustrator

21st September, 2019

An engineer by qualification, a trainer by profession and an artist at heart, Swarnavo Datta creates awe-inspiring illustrations. He manages to capture the beauty in the most simple things, and isn’t that the best part about being an artist?

Famous for his illustrations on a square paper, his Instagram page is a treat to the eyes.

Here are the excerpts from the time when we caught up for a fun chat.

Could you tell us about yourself? When did you start making illustrations, and what made you start them?

I grew up in Kolkata, which is rich in art and culture. Just like every other kid, I was sent for art classes. 

In 2017, I took part in Inktober, (Every October, artists all over the world take on the Inktober drawing challenge by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month). 

As they say, anything that you do more than 21 times continuously becomes a hobby, and that’s how I got hooked on to sketching.

It’s been two years now, and there hasn’t been a single day that in which I haven’t sketched.

From where do you draw inspiration for your sketches?

Lately, I’ve realized that I enjoy creating portrait paintings the most. These portraits are inspired by people around me. Artists tend to perceive things differently.

What might look like just any other building can be our next magnificent painting. Beauty lies in the details of the most mundane things, and that’s where I draw my inspiration from.

How did you feel when you started conducting step-by-step tutorials? How were the responses?

Back when I was in Pune, I used to conduct workshops and enjoyed every bit of it. Being a trainer by profession, I have always been inclined towards teaching. I recently moved to Bangalore and haven’t been able to make time for workshops. So, I started taking step-by-step tutorials on my Instagram page, and I was overwhelmed by the responses I received.

Many feel that art is complex and that it’s too late to learn. My aim is to prove them wrong, by breaking down a painting into small and easy steps so that anyone can learn how to draw.

What are the difficulties you faced on your journey of becoming an artist?

I haven’t faced difficulties as such. But, when I wanted to pursue my career in art, I wasn’t encouraged much. Hailing from a city, that has art in every corner, it’s sad that we are forced to make mainsream career choices.

I ended up taking Electrical engineering. Luckily, I made time to stay in touch with my hobby, and establish myself as an artist.

Do you believe that art promotes relaxation?

When I start drawing, my mind is focussed entirely on the art and nothing else. I disconnect myself with the outside world. Isn’t that what meditation is? Shifting your focus soley on just one object?

 

Being an Urban sketcher, how important do you think travelling is?

More than travelling, I believe that sketching while travelling is important. If I were to make a portrait painting, I would probably choose a corner at home and not show the artwork to anyone until it’s complete. But, urban sketching kicks me out of the comfort zone. It makes me go out there in the public, observe the tiniest of details that lies in lights; shadows; walls and corners of each place.

The first time I went out in the public and started sketching, the experience was something I had never experienced before. There were several people peeping to get a sneak peak at what I was doing. Until then I had only tried to replicate either a photo or a painting.

Another important reason why I love urban sketching is that when you make a mistake while creating an urban sketch, you learn to live with and make it a part of your illustration instead of beating yourself over it.

Any projects that you’d like to talk about? What’s your ultimate dream project?

I have recently designed a book cover for an Australian author, which will be releasing a couple of weeks from now. I will also be taking part in a major pop culture convention that’s happening in Bangalore this year.

Wall murals are something I’m looking forward to do in the coming future. 

If you were to learn another form of art, what would it be?

I was a part of the college band, and have taken part in theatre as well. So, the only thing left is dance. 

If you could give an advice to your younger self, what would it sound like?

I would ask myself to not take life too seriously and stress about marks.

Who are few illustrators and artists that you admire?

Alicia Souza, for her illustrations relatble and adorable illustrations, and Upamanyu Bhattacharya for his brilliant urban sketches and illustrations.

Your thoughts about Stoned Santa?

I think it’s a great idea and I love the name.

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A comical ride – Interview with Akshara Ashok

A comical ride – Interview with Akshara Ashok

by | Sep 12, 2019 | Blog, Digital Art, Happy fluff Comics, Illustrations, Illustrator, interview, Web Comics

A comical ride – Interview with Akshara Ashok

Akshara Ashok, Comic Creator

12th September, 2019

Akshara Ashok is a well-known comic creator who is famous for her Happy Fluff Comics. She started making comics to cope up with the monotony of her college life. What started as a hobby, has now gained attention from all across the country and adored by all.

Her comics mostly revolve around everyday struggles a girl faces. They’re relatable, humorous and most of all, shatter all taboos.

Below are the excerpts from the quick chat we had with her.

When did you start making comics, and what made you start them?

I am a final year architectural student, and started making comic in the summer of 2017. I was tired of the monotonous college life and realized that this is not what I want to do.

I started channelizing my energy towards comics, and it also acted as an excellent platform to express my feelings and weird thoughts.

“Happy Fluff Comics” is your brain child. Can you share the story behind it?

To be honest, I never put much thought into the name. I just wanted to start a page, and even thought of reaming it later. But, over time it gained so much popularity, that I enjoy being called the “Fluff”.

I make comics to express my inner thoughts and also bring a smile on the faces of my viewers. Being the aggressive over thinker that I’m, these comics are just a visual representation of my thoughts.  Surprisingly, many people started relating to this, that’s when I realized that I’m not alone. My aim is to make relatable comics to give a good laugh to the readers and show them that they’re not alone.

Do you plan on taking this up full-time?

I’m a part time illustrator and a full-time architecture student. This is my final year at college. Once I’m done, I’ll focus on Happy Fluff Comics a lot more to make it better and bigger.

From where do you draw inspiration for your comics?

Thanks to my anxiety, I overanalyse every little thing around me. I notice things that most people don’t. These are simple everyday things that I go through. I can say that my life is my inspiration for the comics.

How do you think technology has changed the dynamics of art?

Technology has made it a lot easier for people like me to make art. I’m a very clumsy person, and whenever I make mistakes while doing traditional art, I break my head over it. But with technology any mistake can be undone using just a button.

Nonethless, Digital art requires the same amount of time and effort. It’s just another medium.

What do you wish to convey through your comics?

My comics are raw and I don’t try to censor anything. A lot of people stress over things thinking that it only happens to them, I just want to tell them that all of us go through similar experiences and that you’re not alone.

Any current projects that you’d like to talk about? What’s your ultimate dream project?

Not really, I’m just trying to find a balance between college work and my current projects.

Ultimate dream project would be to have a clothing line and to paint walls of an orphanage for disabled children.

What are the difficulties you faced on your journey of becoming an artist?

My growth on Instagram has been gradual. When I started out, I honestly did not think that I would get to where I am today. My comics and I were made fun of. My parents didn’t understand why I was so outspoken about things that people hesitate to speak about.

I have faced trolls like anyone else on the internet, but none of these bother me anymore. As long as I enjoy what I’m doing and give my readers a good laugh, I’m content.

 If you could learn another form of art, what would it be?

It would be some form of traditional art, like painting

Being an artist, what’s your biggest pet peeve?

I hate it when someone addresses my comics as ‘Memes’. NO! I do not make MEMES!

I also hate it when random pages post my work without credit and remove my watermark and place theirs on top.

If you could give an advice to your younger self, what would it sound like?

You’re better than what others think about you. You are good enough. The only person that can tell you what you can and cannot do, is you.

Who are few illustrators and comic creators that you admire?

Sarah Andersen was my inspiration to make comics. Other than that, Alicia Souza, Neha doodles, Ketnipz, Hannah Hillam and every other artist on the Internet.

Have you faced criticism? If yes, how did you deal with it?

Many people have criticised me for the type of content I put up and also for not getting the anatomy right. I believe that art isn’t about perfection, instead it’s the emotions that it evokes, that matter.

What are your thoughts about Stoned Santa?

First of all, love the name, it’s so creative and funny. Stoned Santa is a great platform for creators and my favourite is the String art section!

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