What inspires you? What do you enjoy drawing and why?

I draw my inspiration from nature. The wild offers endless lessons in forms, shapes, colors, patterns, and textures. Each aspect is unique and boundless, much like art itself. My goal is to incorporate this diversity into my work and not limit myself to a single style. There is still so much to explore - I've barely scratched the surface of what exists on this planet. This endless opportunity for learning and discovery is why I enjoy drawing wildlife; it’s a continuous journey.

 

 

What inspired you to apply your talents in art illustration to create awareness about wildlife?

I've always loved drawing, but I began focusing on wildlife about 6-7 years ago. My process often involves studying animals - looking at images, reading articles, and learning about them. During this research, I would frequently come across information about endangered species, which moved me deeply. This inspired me to use my illustrations not just for personal joy but to raise awareness. And so, my journey in illustrating wildlife began, driven by a purpose beyond the art itself.

 

 

When did you decide to go into illustration, and what factors influenced your decision?

Drawing has been a passion since childhood, something I always preferred over traditional academics. My love for cartoons led me to study animation. However, after graduating as an animator, I found the work in animation studios unsatisfying - particularly in my country India at that time. That’s when I decided to shift my focus to illustration and design, where I could better express my creativity.

 

 

Can you describe your creative process?
Every project brings its own challenges, and with experience, you learn to adapt. My process begins with research and understanding the project brief. I then develop an art style that aligns with the project’s needs.

I like to keep things simple - starting with scribbling ideas and quick sketches, deciding on the direction for the art style, details, and color palette, and finally refining those sketches into finished illustrations.

 

 

How do you stay on top of the latest techniques and trends in illustration?
While I don’t follow trends, I stay informed about what’s happening in the art world through social media and other platforms. The downside of trends is that when many artists follow them, it creates competition within the same style.

I believe in having a unique style and identity rather than following trends. Trends are fleeting, and when many artists follow the same path, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. I enjoy working in different styles, which allows me to take on a variety of projects. Sometimes, I revisit my previous styles or try to evolve them. This approach helps me stay creative without being overly influenced by trends.

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What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your field, and how do you overcome them?
As a freelance illustrator, the biggest challenge is consistently finding new opportunities and projects. I'm grateful for the projects I've worked on, considering the competition worldwide. While being an artist is relatively easy, making a living from it is difficult. To stay visible, I continuously draw and post my work online across various platforms - you never know where the next opportunity might come from.

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What advice would you give to aspiring artists who want to pursue a career in illustration?
In today’s fast-paced world, I would advise staying away from AI-generated art. Social media often pressures artists to produce and post quickly, but it’s essential not to compare yourself to others. Take your time to polish your basic skills and discover your unique style through practice and patience. Once you start working professionally, you’ll find less time to draw for yourself, so make the most of it early on.

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There are several modes of conservation today. Do you think art is a more impactful medium than others?
Art is a powerful medium for conveying thoughts and emotions. It can tell stories, evoke feelings, and raise awareness. But art isn’t just drawing - it encompasses photography, film, dance, music, and more. Each form is impactful in its way and can contribute to conservation efforts.

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How do you feel your work has developed through the years? 
I’m pleased with how my journey as an illustrator has unfolded. I’ve made mistakes and learned from them. Initially, I simplified organic forms into geometric shapes to make them easier to draw. This helped me understand proportions and hidden shapes. With practice, I’ve developed my skills in observing and drawing animals more accurately. My work continues to evolve, and I enjoy this ongoing process of growth as an artist.

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What are some of the tools or equipment you prefer for your work?
I love experimenting with different art mediums, whether it's pens, markers, pencils, crayons, or paints. When it comes to digital work, I primarily use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. I also enjoy drawing on the iPad with apps like Procreate.

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Were you ever asked to adopt a specific style or technique by a client?
I enjoy working in various styles, so clients usually have plenty of options to choose from in my portfolio. However, if a client has a specific style in mind, I believe they should seek an artist who specializes in that style. That said, sometimes project opportunities are too good to pass up, even if they don’t align with your usual style. For example, I worked on a Google Doodle project that was outside my comfort zone in terms of both the style and the project itself. But I took it on because the opportunity was too significant to ignore.

https://doodles.google/doodle/har-gobind-khoranas-96th-birthday/

 

 

What is your opinion about AI-generated illustrations? Do you think AI can replace illustrators? How can illustrators survive/use AI for ease of working?
I believe AI-generated illustrations belong to a different field altogether and shouldn’t be part of traditional illustration. I haven’t used AI myself, but from what I understand, AI can only replicate a portion of what’s in your mind. When I draw, it’s 100% my thoughts and ideas, and the spontaneous changes that occur during the process are something no technology can replicate. Using AI would, in my view, degrade my work and strip away the originality, imperfection and identity that define me as an artist.

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