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Stick-ing to comics with Ramya Sriram, the creator of Tap comics

Stick-ing to comics with Ramya Sriram, the creator of Tap comics

Stick-ing to comics with Ramya Sriram

Ramya Sriram is a prolific writer, story-teller and the creator of “Tap Comics”. She creates minimalist yet impactful comics through simple stick figures. She says that she’s “stick-figuring” out her life. From lighthearted everyday topics to social issues, her anecdotal comics send a strong message.

She believes being truly and madly in love with your work can take you a long way. Read on more to find out what inspired her to create these thoughtful comics.

Art can be perceived differently by different people. How do you perceive art?

I think for me art has always been a way of processing the world and a means to express the result of that processing. Art has been an emotional crutch. Most of us turn to some kind of art when we’re feeling lowa good song, a book, a painting, a movie etc. I see art as a form of communication, a language, something that connects people. It’s also liberation for the artist!

Your Illustrations are so minimalistic, yet send a very strong message. What inspires you to do these?

I didn’t really plan on doing minimalistic illustrations or telling stories through stick figures. I used to draw and paint a lot as a kid, and I started doing quick comics for friends while I was in college. One thing led to another and I found that I really enjoyed making minimalistic comics.

I think one of the reasons many of the comics have some kind of a strong message is because it came from some trigger— I saw something that upset/inspired me, or I felt the need to vocalize my feelings about a topic. The emotion behind it is usually quite intense so I suppose that is reflected in the outcome.  I quite enjoy trying to say a lot in a few lines.   

Can you run us through your thought process while brainstorming for artistic inspirations?

Inspiration comes really easy– there’s SO much fuel all around! A lifetime isn’t enough to capture it all. Whether you’re appreciating a birdsong or rebelling against a politician,  there’s a lot to talk about.  A wealth of material both externally and inside our own heads. 

If an idea strikes, I usually jot it down so now I have a long list of ideas to work through. Earlier, I used to draw very impulsively: if I felt something, I would put it out there. But now I’m learning to wait and add some more flesh to the story, and refine it before I put it out. There is no conscious brainstorming for artistic inspirations, usually the idea is already there or half-there. 

How have criticisms helped you shape your career?

When I started drawing, there was very little criticism (or maybe I didn’t notice it in my excitement haha!). I was really impulsive and spontaneous, I just drew these stories for fun, without expecting anything. I remember when I got my first commission, a friend of mine was really surprised: “Someone’s going to pay you for that?” I was more amused than hurt. I took criticism very lightly.

But some criticism has helped me rethink the way I approach my work. I’ve often also been told to try another drawing style and experiment a bit more, which is something I’m still working on. Many people find stick figures a bit too cutesy, and I try to be careful while putting out a comic addressing a serious topic. I’m a bit of a brooder, so criticism stays with me for a long time. Sometimes I’ve asked people for feedback, and their honesty has been refreshing and has prompted me to take my work more seriously.

How has your perception changed after illustrating for such a long time?

I think I’ve learnt to accept myself a lot more through my work. I still find myself in an existential crisis now and then, but I think running The Tap gives me a huge sense of purpose. I’ve also realized that it’s important to periodically step back and assess your own work, without getting caught in the madness of social media attention and falling into the same repetitive loop because that’s what people like. While earlier I used to shy away from topics I found challenging, I’m now seeking those out actively to push myself. I also think it’s important to give yourself and your work time to evolve.


Have you collaborated with any other artists and brands, if yes how was this experience?

I haven’t worked on a very long collaborative series so far but would love to. I am particularly interested in working with NGOs and organizations that are working with issues such as childhood trauma or making women self-sufficient especially in India. One thing I frequently struggle with is that my work mostly reaches the same or same kind of people, and I’m curious to try something entirely new for a different kind of audience.

Have you ever faced a creative block? If yes, how do you get over it?

Writing comes naturally to me, so if I’m struggling with something, I try to put words to it first. It helps to distance yourself from your idea so I try to go for a long walk and get a change of scene. Sometimes it’s nice to let an idea sit and revisit it again after weeks. I think it also helps to not be too hard on yourself as self-created pressure can really affect your mental health//productivity which in turn affects your work. Helps to lighten up!

If you could go back in the past and change a decision that you made, what would it be?

None! From doing engineering to abandoning an MBA, from academic publishing to advertising, I’m very grateful I’ve had such a wonky career path. I’ve had an incredibly supportive family who’ve been very encouraging: my dad helped run my stall at the Comic Cons and he was quite the hero. I can’t think of anything at all I’d change in the past.

How important is traveling for an artist? Do you seek inspiration from every place you visit?

I love travelling and I find a lot of stories in every new place I visit. But I hesitate to say that it’s very important for an artist. Many people simply can’t afford to go traipsing around the country or the world. Sometimes a good story is just outside your window so it helps to be observant.

I think what’s more important is to travel in your head, to read a variety of books, ‘feel’ a variety of emotions. I personally also believe that one of the most important things is to be open to meeting new and different kinds of people, something which has really helped me grow. Getting a peak into somebody else’s head and listening to their experiences can be very enriching.

If you were to learn a new art-form, which one would it be?

There are so many! I think I would enjoy making minimalistic wire sculptures. I’m very curious to explore abstract art, especially through watercolours. I’ve also wanted to try animation for a really long time but that’s a considerable time investment. Someday!

What advice would you give for the upcoming artists?

Don’t chase likes and shares! A lot is that many upcoming artists try to imitate somebody who’s popular especially on Instagram. One of the things that can really speak for you in your art is honesty and originality, so be true to yourself. Honesty can go a long way. A lot of art is deeply personal so pick things you believe in and what you want to talk about through whatever medium you use.

Be madly in love with what you do and do it, irrespective whether you do it full-time or on the side. And lastly simply have fun and enjoy the process.

What are your thoughts on Stoned Santa?

It looks like a brilliant platform! I’ve worked on a lot of custom art especially wedding invitations and gifts and I simply love how excited the gift-er is throughout the process and how thrilled the recipient is when they see the gift. It makes the artist feel like you really matter, and that your work does mean something. And of course, custom handmade gifts are great as that’s what makes people feel really special. It’s lovely to have something that you will treasure for life, many of these art pieces typically see major life events, house moves etc. It’s like the artwork is now going travelling on a journey of its own 🙂  

 

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Interview with portrait artist, Thakur Akhilesh Singh

Interview with portrait artist, Thakur Akhilesh Singh

Interview with Thakur Akhilesh Singh

Thakur Akhilesh Singh is a young artist from Hyderabad who creates vivid pencil and charcoal sketches. From landscapes to portraits, he covers a wide range of subjects for his sketches. He believes that no one is born with an inert talent, but with passion and hardwork you can achieve anything you dream of.

Let’s read more to find out what inspires Akhilesh to create these beautiful sketches.

Art can be perceived differently by different people. How do you perceive art?
Right from when I was young, I used to be praised for my artwork and told that I’m gifted with a  special talent. But, I refuse to believe that. My only gift is the passion that I have and I view my artistic abilities as a skill that I acquired over years.

Art made me realise what I’m truly capable of. Art helps us discover ourselves better. I will carry art with me forever.

Your sketches are so life-like, What inspires you to do these?
I have been sketching since I was a 4 year old kid. As I grew older, my interest only frew deeper. 

I had no clue about any drawing or sketching techniques when I started out. I used to learn by trial-and-error methods. However, I found my niche by experimenting with different media, this fuels my motivation and inspires me to get better. The key is to discover yourself, motivate yourself and then unleash your true potential.

Can you run us through your thought process while creating art?

I love exploring and working with different media. Depending on the kind of medium that I use, I decide the subject of my artwork. For instance, If I work with colour pencils or graphite pencils I usually draw hyperrealistic portraits and when I use charcoal, I usually try to sketch a subject with dark contrast. 

How have criticisms helped you shape your career?

 I consider myself to be very lucky as everyone around me has been extremely supportive, be it my family or friends. My teachers have also encouraged me and guided me, but never criticised. 

If my work is criticised in the future, I’m sure I’ll take it in good spirit and work on it.

How has your perception changed after sketching for such a long time?

Initially, sketching for me was just a way to kill my time. As a kid, when I had no studies and absolutely nothing to do, I would take a book and start sketching. But over the years, art has made me realize a lot of things in life.

It has helped me become a better version of myself. Art has taught me to not give up no matter how big the failure is. Art is not just self-expression, but an experience and a never ending process of learning.

How do you deal with creative blocks?

I think every artist faces creative blocks, and it is very important to experience because it helps you to adapt to it and then find a solution to overcome this. I face creative blocks often mainly because of my hectic academic schedule due to which I can’t devote much time to art. 

Being highly realistic and reminding yourself about your goals help me in overcoming creative blocks.

If you had to name one person to draw up all the inspiration from, who would that be?

Leonardo Da Vinci. He was not only the greatest artist of all time but also a great scientist. He was a reserved and withdrawn man, not concerned with glory, and yet absolutely sure of  his abilities. I’m highly passionate about science, art and music and a lot of other things just like Leonardo Da Vinci was. This is the reason why I draw my inspiration from Leonardo Da Vinci.

What advice would you give for the upcoming artists?

Explore, explore, explore. Do not hesitate to move out of your comfort zone. Do not think of the result, rather focus more on the process and have faith in yourself and what you do. Never think less of yourself, because you can literally be or do anything you want in life. Keep failing, falling but just don’t give up. Everything in life is a matter of choice. Be Grateful.

What are your thoughts on Stoned Santa?

To be honest, this is the first time ever that I’m expressing myself and my artwork to a larger audience. I’m really thankful to stoned Santa for this beautiful initiative, of helping young and budding artists like me and providing them with a platform to express themselves and connect with other great artists and inspire other people. 

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Exploring the art of Mandalas with Swathi Kirthyvasan

Exploring the art of Mandalas with Swathi Kirthyvasan

Exploring the art of Mandalas with Swathi Kirthyvasan

Swathi Kirthyvasan is a UX-UI designer by the day and a mandala artist by the night, hailing from Hyderabad. She creates vivid and mesmerising mandalas that can satisfy the OCD in all of us. She believes that art is meditative and can induce mindfulness in all of us.

Read further to learn more about her work and what inspires her to create the stunning and luminous mandalas.

What is your definition of art?

Art is anything that helps me escape from the real world where I can have fun, paint and go crazy. It is also extremely therapeutic.

Do you practise art full time?

I am a UX-UI designer by the day at a startup in Hyderabad. I practise art in my free time. Although both my career and hobby are in the creative field, they are very different.

How were you drawn towards mandalas?

During my college days, I stumbled upon the front page of a magazine called Creative Gaga, which had a mandala drawn on it. Back then, I wasn’t aware that it was called a ‘Mandala’. I was instantly captivated by the design and the artform that I started trying out on my own. It was only after a friend told me that it was mandala, that I started researching about how beautiful and spiritual the art form is.

Do you believe that mandalas should have some element of free flow rather than perfect symmetry?

 It can be absolutely free flowing and need not be restricted to a grid or mathematical circles. You can always learn the rules and be free to break them. Mandala is an expression of how you feel, it can take any form or shape as long as you are enjoying the process of creation.

Which other artforms do you enjoy creating?

I like experimenting with watercolor florals, lettering and any form of abstract art.

What can one learn from your Workshops?

I conduct doodling and mandala workshops. I teach them how to draw the basic patterns, what materials to use, how to get inspired and give many references to try it on by themselves. It’s wonderful to see many participants come back with new work after attending the workshop.

Could you name a few artists that you get inspired by?

I cannot pick one or two artists as the art community as a whole is very inspiring. There are so many talented artists whom I follow who create beautiful mandalas, breathtaking landscape paintings and florals. Each artist has their own creative spark and I like to see how each of them interpret things differently.

Plans for the coming years?

I plan on taking up more commissioned projects along with conducting workshops. I am also planning on starting my own line of merchandise.

Do you connect with mandalas on a spiritual level?

I might not connect with mandalas on a spiritual level, but it is definitely meditative. It helps you shut yourself from the outside world and focus on just the art.

Advice to budding artists?

Draw your hearts out. Do it for the sheer fun of it. You should do it for the joy you get while making a piece rather than doing it for numbers and fame.

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Meet Marzia Ali, an artist and entrepreneur

Meet Marzia Ali, an artist and entrepreneur

Interview with Marzia ali, an artist and entrepreneur

Marzia Ali is a versatile artist based in Hyderabad who specializes in resin, fluid, oil, space art and watercolor. She is also the founder of  –
The Duende Box “, which is the first art subscription box from India. She is known for conducting workshops all across the country to educate people and impart artistic skills. 

Here are a few excerpts from the quick chat that we had with her.

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

More often, we live in our minds than we do in the present moment, and I believe that art is an entirely different world where you can truly be yourself and live on your own terms. Art for me is a way to express freedom of the mind and soul.

Were you inclined towards art, right from your childhood or did you develop the passion over the years?

I grew up watching my mother paint. In fact, she is the one who made sure that I got involved in creative activities. Over the years, I tried my hands on different media and found my forte to lie in resin and fluid art.

How did you come up with the idea of – The Duende Box? How has the journey been?

The idea of Duende Box popped up when I realized that there’s not a single art subscription box service in India. Having been raised with the idea of – “If you don’t find something you need, be the first to innovate it”, I started it.

I began to collaborate with brands that produce art supplies in India and artists. As my business grew, I also launched my own products. Over the years, I have been approached by other companies to launch their art supplies. 

A good understanding of the market and my passion, had led to Duende box becoming the largest subscription box chain of India, and I aim to make it the largest subscription box in the world.

The journey so far has been amazing. I have learned so much and met so many talented people who have given me an in-depth knowledge about the e-commerce industry and subscription boxes. 

Can you name some of the artists whom you look up to?

My mother and then comes Maliha Abbas, a prominent activist and an artist. She has inspired me in many ways and has helped me in becoming what I am today.

I am also deeply inspired by the amazing metaphysical artist Tanya Shatseva, she is one of the artists who beautifully strikes out the balance between science, metaphysics, mythology, and art.

What can one expect from your art workshops?

Workshops are a great way to network with fellow artists and get to know the latest trends in the field of art.  Be it Resin art , watercolor or alcohol ink workshops, one will get to experience art in a different way and learn the art form in detail. 

The instructors are always available to guide and answer the questions.  We also conceptualize new ideas to make the experience memorable, for instance we conduct paint parties. 

We ensure that even a participant who has no knowledge about the artwork will walk out confidently and will be able to create art by themselves in the future. 

What exciting plans do you have in the coming  years?

Honestly, the list is really too long. But few major plans that I am currently working on are, starting a few more subscription boxes which would eventually serve people in different fields. I also plan on starting a personal art gallery in a few upcoming years. Along with it, I’ve been working on creating a definite brand for eco-friendly art supplies.

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

I would definitely get into sculptors and pottery. These two art forms attract me the most and I have been trying to get my hands on it for a really long time. 

Throughout your journey, who has been your biggest support?

My parents have been a constant support throughout the journey; My uncle and my Grandmother who pushed me to do the things that I love; My best friends, Sharmila and Bushra, I call them the backbone of all my events as they’ve played the biggest part in all the successful events. 

Hamad Jowher, my mentor has been extremely kind when it comes to helping me with my business. My teachers have always been positive about my future. Last but not the least, my Instagram Fam who have always appreciated me for my work

What advice would you give to the budding artists?

Always accept challenges and opportunities, don’t even miss the smallest one, you never know if that is the key you’ve always been looking for! And the day you reach the top, remember to appreciate and be grateful to the people who have always supported you in your journey and lift the ones who are trying to get the key.

What are your thoughts on Stoned Santa?

If someone’s looking for some personal touch gifting ideas then their search ends here. I really love the gifting solutions that Stoned Santa offers, and the way this team has been trying to be a way for artists to communicate with the world.  I would recommend each one of you to definitely gift your loved ones with their customized string art, which I love the most. 

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Interview with Sanjana Chatlani, founder of the Bombay Lettering Company

Interview with Sanjana Chatlani, founder of the Bombay Lettering Company

Bringing words to life with Sanjana Chatlani

Sanjana Chatlani is a calligrapher, lettering artist and an entrepreneur based in Mumbai. She brings words to life through her beautiful lettering strokes. Having discovered her passion for calligraphy and lettering, she quit her corporate job to start – ‘The Bombay Lettering Company’, which has now become a home-grown brand.  

With the strong belief that calligraphy adds a handmade and personal touch that is irreplaceable, she has succeeded to create a wide range of products, from personalised letters to corporate packaging.

Let’s read more to find out how Sanjana turned her passion into a profession

How do you define art?

Art, to me, is anything that lets me express myself. It’s about pouring all my emotions onto the paper.

How were you introduced to hand lettering and calligraphy? What made you pursue it?

I have always been fascinated by art since my childhood days, but never really pursued it. After college, I started working with LVMH, as luxury brand management was something that I wanted to do back then. 

Two years into my work, I began to experiment with different hand lettering scripts in order to write inspirational quotes in my free time. Instagram introduced me to a whole new world of lettering artists, I started exploring different styles and techniques.

Around the same time, my family had planned a vacation to California. I took this opportunity to reach out to a few lettering artists in San Francisco. To my surprise, they were very generous and agreed to share their knowledge with me.

After learning from them, I started to practice everyday for about 3-4 hours after work. Consistency and dedication helped me get my initial projects, mostly from my friends and family. Over time, I was approached by others for personalized projects. This is how I started off.

How has your entrepreneurial journey been so far? Could you tell us more about your company?

I called quits to my job in July 2018 to start this full time. The transition from an artist to an entrepreneur-cum-artist wasn’t an easy one. Initially it was very overwhelming as I had to play the role of an artist, marketeer and the delivery girl. Being an extrovert, it took time to become accustomed to working in isolation. It was challenging to strike the balance between creating art and managing business. 

However, I have a small team now and I am able to focus more on the creative side. We do a lot of things, from personalized letters, to working on projects for brands, corporates, wedding planners and individuals. Some of my clients include The Ritz Carlton, Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, Rolex replica, Moet Hennessy, Zoya – A Tata product and more.

Any project that you’d like to mention?

I had the opportunity to be the calligrapher for Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’ wedding and was also asked to be present at the wedding in Jodhpur. This was a very memorable experience for me.

There was another project that was very dear to me for which I had to create a box full of handmade letters for a child who had just turned a year old so that she could read them after she grows up. I believe that calligraphy helps to bring words to life, and this project did exactly that.

What can one expect from your workshops?

I teach the introduction to pointed pen calligraphy. I make sure that they learn the basics well as that creates the foundation to build on, and I also help them understand how to use the tools as it’s the first and most important thing.

Presently, due to the quarantine, I take up one-on-one online classes for those who wish to refresh their lettering skills or want me to critique their work.

What plans do you have for your business in the coming years?

We will continue to do personalized projects and workshops. I want to focus more on our website and come up with a product line that people could choose from.

I also want to focus on conducting art therapy sessions for kids with special needs as it has given wonderful results in the past.

Could you throw some light on how art can be therapeutic?

At times we get so involved in getting the stroke correctly that we forget to breathe. Practicing a breathing pattern with every upward and downward stroke that you do is very relaxing and meditative.

Over the past 3 years, calligraphy has induced calmness in me. Calligraphy can also help kids with special needs to relax their mind. So, calligraphy and lettering are definitely therapeutic.

Who are the artists that you admire?

I look up to many calligraphers and artists who inspire me immensely. My teacher and mentor Barbara Calzolari, an Italian Master Penman, is one of my biggest inspirations. I have been trained under her to learn Copperplate calligraphy and Spencerian. 

I am also training under Achyut Palav, an Indian master calligrapher since 40 years and the most renowned in the country. He is teaching me our script – Devanagari.

Apart from them, I’ve studied and learned under different master penmen and calligraphers who have definitely helped me expand my horizon in this field. Some being – Michael Sull, Jake Weidmann, Nina Tran, Paul Antonio, Michael Ward and Sachin Shah.

 

Advice for young artists?

I never got any professional education in the field of art. Calligraphy just happened to me. My journey from passion to profession was very organic. 

I would like to say that if you have a passion for a particular art form, you should put in all your efforts, and at the same time be realistic. There is a huge difference between pursuing art with passion and creating art under pressure from clients with deadlines. You should take it slow, weigh out options and quit jobs to pursue art only when you are sure of having financial stability through what you’re doing.

Lastly, never become complacent and keep learning! Always be a student. Look for a mentor, someone you look up to, someone you respect and would like to learn from. Invest in yourself and focus on constantly improving your skills. 

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