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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 Jay Sanchaniya | Charcoal Artist

Interview with Jay Sanchaniya | Charcoal Artist

by | Oct 26, 2019 | Blog, Caricature Artist, Charcoal Artist, Charcoal Painting, Charcoal portrait, Digital Art, interview, Jay

Interview of Jay Sanchaniya

Jay Sanchaniya, Sketch Artist

An engineer by profession, Jay Sanchaniya carries the heart of an artist. His drawings are not just sketches on paper, but artworks which speak to us as if they’re alive.

Let us give you an insight of Jay’s life and his amazing works through the wonderful tete-a-tete that we had with him.

Tell us about your childhood. What inspired you to start drawing caricatures?

In my school days, I enjoyed drawing for science projects. Being quite eclectic in nature, I seek inspiration from everything around me. Majorly, Comic books and Superhero movies led me to develop an interest in drawing.

In between my college breaks I started drawing portraits. As time passed, I wanted to try new things and explore and experiment with portraits, that’s when I took a route to the world of Caricatures. I must say, what a wonderful route it has been!

Art can be perceived differently by everyone. What is “Art” to you?

I am an engineer by profession and I developed my love for Sketching/Art as a hobby. Art is my escape from the pressures of professional life.

As Thanos said “Perfectly balanced, as all things should be”, it balances my professional life as well as helps me pursue my passion.

I would like to call myself an engineer by day and an artist by night.

Are you self-taught? If yes, how has the journey been? What keeps you going?

Yes, I am a self taught artist. I have no parameters on what is right or wrong. What I started as a hobby, has now changed my whole life. Not only did it save me from work stress, but I can now connect with so many souls all through the medium of a paper and a pencil. 

Although my journey as a freelancer has just begun, I have been applauded by many celebrities on Instagram. Netflix’s TV Series NARCOS: Season 3 actor Matias Varela & Amazon Prime’s BREATHE reposted my work.

Basically, reading comic books; watching movies and TV shows is where I derive most of my inspiration from and the energy to do this every single day comes from the love and appreciation that my work receives.

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

Although the beauty of traditional art cannot be compared with that of digital art, technology has certainly helped me to gain more insights about the dynamics of art. Software & tools help to explore an artist’s skill as well as make their artwork more impressive.

How do you manage to get the balance between realism and exaggeration?

For me realism and exaggeration take almost the same effort. Various standard proportions and distances between features is one of the most important factors to be taken care of.

What’s the first feature you observe in people?

Eyes grab my attention. As the saying goes, “Eyes are the gateways to the soul”, and I too believe that they clearly demonstrate a person’s feelings and expressions.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Oh! There are so many. I do not like it when clients request me not to sign on the sketches or stare at my artwork while I’m working on it.

Any dream project that you can’t wait to work on?

I have worked with Comedy Cafes and Merchandising companies. I really want to create something on the lines of a promotional poster for TV and Comedy shows, preferably for platforms like Netflix, Hotstar and Amazon Prime. 

If you could go back in time and change one decision that you took, what would it be?

I would’ve graduated in fine-arts, but I do not really regret being an Engineer. Both the things have worked quite fine as I have learned to balance my work life and my passion.

 To check out more of his sketches, click here.

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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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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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Nailing It! – Interview with Sushmita

Nailing It! – Interview with Sushmita

by | Sep 19, 2019 | Blog, Anjani, Comics, Handmade gifts, interview

Nailing It!

Interview with Sushmita

Sushmita, String artist

19th September, 2019

Sushmita is a working mother who juggles between her personal life and passion to create stunning pieces of string art. She believes that art can speak when words aren’t enough. 

Even though she started just an year ago, her dedication and love for her art has helped her establish herself as an artist. Always ready to explore her creativity and try new things, she has been successful in making a good number of people amazed by her work.

Every artist has their own personal definition of art. What is yours?

 I believe that everyone is an artist, and art is like therapy. I am glad that I turned my passion into my job and I believe that when I’ll look back, I would remember this decision as one of the best ones I made.

What was your childhood like? Do you believe the creative adult is the child who survived?

My childhood was pretty much normal. Surprisingly, I never explored my artistic abilities until my 12th grade. My dad was an art connoisseur. Looking at him, I got inspired and started trying out different forms of art. String art is something that I stuck on to.

Can you guide us through the process of making string art?

String art isn’t as easy as it looks. It requires a lot of patience and hardwork. There are a lot of minute details that need very careful execution, from hammering the nails to weaving the strings.

I could break the entire process into the following steps

Step 1: You have to be acquainted with hammers, plyers and nails.

Step 2: You should choose the perfect wooden base

Step 3: You should trace the outline and start hammering the nails (You could say Nail it!)

Step 4: Start weaving the designs of your choice with vibrant strings

What does your typical work day consist of?

I am a mother to an adorable two year old daughter. My entire day goes in taking care of her and playing with her. It’s during the night time, that I start work on the boards. Having a supportive husband, has made my life easier.

Every artist has that motivation from someone in their life to pursue their chosen path. Who gave you the courage to choose art as a career?

My parents and my husband have been my greatest support. Before starting string art, I was into UI designing. When I quit my job to pursue this full time, my husband was a little skeptical about it. But now, he gets more excited than me when I receive appreciation for my work.

When did you realise that art was your calling?

Although I have masters in IT, I was never interested in coding. I had to quit my job after having a baby. This is when I started making string art boards. If not for my daughter, I wouldn’t have started this.

Where do you see yourself in the next ten years, as an artist?

I don’t think much about the future and love to stay in the present. I’m happy as long as I can entertain my child as well as me. Although, I would love to live in Goa after 10  years.

How do you deal with the obstacles that come in your way?

I believe that we can achieve success only if we come across certain hurdles on our way, I try to overcome them with an optimsic approach. 

What advice would you give to those artists who are interested in pursuing a career in string art?

Not everyone would love to do this and would want to do it. It needs persistence, dedication, love and patience.

Just do what you love to do and you’ll figure it out yourself, or come to me for guidance 😛

Lastly, they say that art can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Do you agree with this?

It gets a little stressful at times when you’re pursuing art full-time, but at the end of the day I’m doing what I love the most. Art is therapeutic in many ways!

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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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