design42day

This interview was conducted by Pool Magazine.

IDEAS FROM INTERACTIONS

Creative Supervisor at Ogilvy & Mather in Mumbai, young Saurabh Chandekar believes that being a people’s person is what helps him be a good illustrator

What makes a successful illustrator?

One has to be open to things that come your way. I have always lived each day as it comes. Local trains, buses, taxis, tea stalls, food shops are an integral part of my day…I get to see and experience a lot of interactions, and these help in developing illustration ideas. Listen to good music, talk to people, keep tabs on the latest cultural and art activities and just be natural. Be a constant explorer.

Did you always believe you’d earn a living through drawing?

It was not a day’s process. I obtained a diploma in Applied Art from Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalay in Pune, majoring in illustration.  Then I moved to Mumbai, which is a city of dreams; both work and art get well appreciated here. When I shifted to Mumbai I was more inclined towards theater and music. Academics were never my cup of tea, though I had got some awards for my illustrations during my diploma days. Staying alone in Mumbai gave me a chance to interact with a lot of people and it was at this point that the illustration bug bit me. It was an unknown gradual shift. Now, it is a vital part of my life.

What subjects do you favor in your illustrations?

Anything related to human life – behavior, expressions, everything! I like to carve out emotions on the paper. Basically I am a people’s person. I love to meet different kind of people.

Is knowledge of basic anatomy important for an illustrator?

You must be aware of it. But I think the real thing is to know it and then forget about it. Only then you can step out of the structured form. Sometimes a non-structured form attracts me more than the picture perfect drawing. A style is developed by your own perspective. It’s good to learn the technical aspects of illustration but at the end of the day, there has to be art in you.

Do you follow a specific process?

No process is my process. A texture paper, highlighter and a permanent marker, and I am ready! I prefer to use a sketchbook though I am comfortable with the computer too. Sometimes an illustration happens in the first or the second try, sometimes it may take longer. When the bell in the mind rings, I stop!

Usually, the client comes first and then the idea. For me, the brand message comes first, and ideas build around the message.

Do you have your work critiqued by someone, or do you just go with what your heart tells you?

I am my own critic. The work I do must evoke the right emotions with which it is done. If the answer is yes, it’s passed. While doing it, the heart is more important than anything else.

What is the biggest hurdle in your style of work?

I like freedom and a rhythm in my work. A lot depends on what music I am listening to… if the music gets disturbed it reflects in my work.

Who are your inspirations?

My father is my biggest inspiration. He is from a theater background, and art breathes in our house. In Mumbai, it’s my Creative Head, Vipul Salvi. He told me to blend the commercial and artistic form to reach the core in the shortest possible time, by keeping the art form intact. This is important for my profession.

What plans do you have for the future? Anything in particular you want to pursue?

I am game for anything related to human element! It’s all about people. I like to smell / feel/ touch human expressions. The connection between people and their surroundings is fascinating, and I would like to explore the socioeconomic aspect of things around me.  I have no set goals or objectives. I prefer to flow with the tide. Exploring myself as an artist is what I will do.

Special thanks to Pool Magazine for this interview