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Sharks, Shark Tank and their Caricatures
What is a Caricature?
Shark Tank India is a popular television show that provides a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and products to a panel of angel investors known as “sharks” to secure funding and mentorship. Not only has this show made Indians fall in love with the idea of entrepreneurship, but it has also revived the Kaun Banega Crorepati golden era of television when every Indian family would come together to watch a specific show.
Shark Tank India showcases innovative and creative business ideas from diverse industries. However, what sets the Indian version apart is its focus on local and regional markets. This makes Shark Tank India an exciting and dynamic platform for showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and India’s vibrant and diverse culture.
What are Couple Caricatures?
Shark tank features self-made multi-millionaires as potential investors termed as Sharks. They judge the product pitches and decide whether to invest and mentor them.
The sharks have a wide range of expertise and experience in different industries. They bring their unique perspectives and investment potential to the show. Their interactions with contestants can be insightful and entertaining. Shark Tank India is a must-watch show for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and business.
As a Start-up itself, Stoned Santa, appreciates the difference that the “Sharks” of Shark Tank are making in the India Start-Up economy.
Welcome to our Caricature Shark Tank blog series, where we explore everything about the sharks, shark tank and their caricatures.
Let’s Meet the Sharks:
1) Anupam Mittal
Anupam Mittal, born in Mumbai in 1974, is an Indian entrepreneur and investor best known for founding Shaadi.com, one of the world’s largest matrimonial websites. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Mumbai before pursuing a Master’s degree in management from Boston University.
Anupam Mittal founded Shaadi.com in 1997, which quickly became a popular platform for people seeking marriage alliances. Over time, Shaadi.com grew into a massive business, with over 35 million users and offices in India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Apart from his enormous success with Shaadi.com, he founded the People Group, a parent company that owns Shaadi.com, Makaan.com and the Moj video app.
His success has made him a prominent figure in India’s startup ecosystem. He is an active investor and mentor to many other start-up entrepreneurs.
Through Shark Tank India, he has invested in various startups like:
Beyond Shark Tank, Anupam Mittal has invested in other big startups like TradeX, BharatX, Big Basket and many others. He has invested in more than 200 companies over the years.
Mittal’s contributions to India’s startup ecosystem and his commitment to social impact have made him a respected figure in the country’s business community. He continues to be involved in various projects and initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in India and beyond.
In his caricature by Stoned Santa’s artist, his facial expression and features are exaggerated to make him look serious and successful. His clothes and the background of the image are personalised to his real-life fashion choices and the work that he does.
2) Namita Thapar
Namita Thapar, was born on 21 March 1977 in Pune city of, Maharashtra to a Gujarati family. She is a prominent Indian entrepreneur who has made a name for herself in the business world through her astute investments and entrepreneurial mindset.
She is the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies.
Namita Thapar is a well-known name, especially when discussing progressive women in business in India. She is an inspiration to women all over the world.. Her presence on the television show Shark Tank, India is endearing and inspires many aspiring entrepreneurs.
Some start-ups she has invested in through Shark Tank India are
And many more…
Namita Thapar is a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman who has made significant contributions to the growth of the Indian economy. Her investment role as a “Shark” on Shark Tank has earned her a reputation of a savvy investor and a dynamic leader. Her entrepreneurial mindset, strategic vision, and passion for supporting innovative ideas continue to drive her success in the business world.
In her caricature by Stoned Santa’s artist, her facial expression and features are exaggerated to amplify her inspiring, warm and welcoming characteristics. Her clothes and the image’s background are also tailored to her real-life fashion choices and to show that she is the head of Emcure Pharmaceuticals.
3) Aman Gupta
Aman Gupta was born on 4 March 1982 in Delhi. He received his Chartered Accountant certificate from India’s Institutes of Chartered Accountants. He also completed his second Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
He is the co-founder and Marketing Director of Boat Lifestyle, an Indian consumer electronics company that specialises in manufacturing and selling audio devices and lifestyle accessories. He started his entrepreneurial journey in 2016 by launching his brand, which has become one of India’s leading audio and lifestyle accessories, gaining a whopping share of 27.3% in the Indian market.
It is impossible not to come across a Boat lifestyle accessory when shopping for an audio device in India. His vision for Boat was to create affordable yet high-quality products that catered to the needs of the Indian consumer. He focused on building an affordable brand with premium and luxury features.
Aman Gupta is the OG start-up wiz that every entrepreneur looks up to. Beyond building his very successful start-up into a successful business, he heavily contributes to the Indian Startup culture through his role as a Shark in the famous television show Shark tank, India.
Some companies that he has invested in during the show are:
And many more…
In his caricature, by Stoned Santa, his smile is exaggerated to show off his happy and funny nature on show. The Caricature is personalised with his clothing, iconic glasses, and background.
4) Amit Jain
Amit Jain founded CarDekho, an Indian online car search and reviews portal that allows users to research, compare, and buy cars. Jain’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2007 when he and his brother Anurag Jain started the company.
CarDekho quickly became a popular platform among Indian car buyers, offering comprehensive services that included reviews, comparisons, and financing options.
In addition to his success as an entrepreneur, he has gained popularity as a judge on Shark Tank India. His expertise in the startup ecosystem and his experience as an entrepreneur help aspiring entrepreneurs refine their ideas and secure funding.
Some companies that he has invested in during the show are:
He has made the largest offer, Shark Tank, India has ever seen. He offered 5 Crores to Pitcher Ankit Aggarwal, founder of start-up Unstop.
In his caricature by Stoned Santa, His hair and beard are the featured elements. His wardrobe is personalised to show savvy dress sense. The background of the caricature is personalised to show the company’s logo CarDekho.
5) Ashneer Grover
Ashneer Grover, born June 14, 1982, is the ex-co-founder of the famous fintech company, BharatPe. He is the man who organised the unorganised sector of payments in India.
His vision was to create a platform that made it easy for merchants to accept digital payments. BharatPe has proliferated, becoming one of India’s leading digital payment providers. The company offers a range of services, including UPI payments, QR code payments, and instant loans, all designed to help small businesses grow and succeed.
Ashneer Grover was also seen in the first season of Shark Tank, India, through which his popularity rose instantly. His expertise in the fintech industry and experience building successful startups helped aspiring entrepreneurs refine their ideas and secure funding during the first season.
Some companies that he has invested in during the show are:
In his personalised caricature made by Stoned Santa, his face is the most exaggerated feature to show off his quirky and witty personality. His clothes, eyeglasses and hair are all featured whimsically to bring out his quirky personality in the image.
6) Ghazal Alagh
Ghazal Alagh was born in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. She with her husband co-founded their company “MamaEarth”. it is one of the fastest-growing Indian Toxin-free Beauty and Baby care brands.
She co-founded Mamaearth, driven by the passion for making early parenting stress-free. Ghazal is responsible for product development and community management. She works closely with many mothers to develop a product line that addresses problems that moms face daily.
After creating her very successful beauty and baby care brand, Ghazal Alagh now concentrates on investing and helping other start-up businesses that have problem-solving visions like hers.
Some companies that she has invested in during the show are:
Ghazal Alagh inspires all women and all the new mothers in the country. She has made baby care products affordable and accessible to all mothers.
In her personalised caricature made by Stoned Santa, her beautiful hair are featured element. The artist has brought out her soothing and caring personality through her caricature. The background of the caricature is personalised with MamaEarth’s logo.
7) Peyush Bansal
Peyush Bansal co-founded Lenskart with Amit Chaudhary, and Sumeet Kapahi in Nov 2010, and ever since their inception – Lenskart has served millions of customers and is the goto brand for Indians to get eyewear.
Peyush Bansal is a fantastic entrepreneur known as a tech guru and an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs. He is a firm believer in purpose-driven business. His vision for building Lenskart was to provide vision to every Indian.
Peyush Bansal is one of the most loved Sharks on Shark Tank, India. He is known to invest in businesses with a purpose and a vision to improve the country. He is someone who believes in social entrepreneurship the most.
Some of the companies that he has invested in during the show are:
And many more…
Peyush Bansal and Lenskart are among the most trusted names in the Eyewear industry.
His smile and glasses are the two most amplified elements in his personalised caricature made by Stoned Santa. These elements show his work in the eyewear industry and his approachable and loveable personality. The background of the caricature is also personalised to display the logo of Lenskart.
8) Vineeta Singh
Vineeta Singh was born in Anand, Gujarat. She is the CEO and co-founder of Sugar Cosmetics. She established Sugar by making it accessible, affordable, and ideal for the Indian skin. Sugar Cosmetics has a cult following among millennials in the country.
She is not only a successful entrepreneur but also an inspiration to many young women across the globe. Vineeta Singh and her work with Sugar Cosmetics have put India on the global map. Through Sugar Cosmetics, she was able to break into an industry that was already saturated with big names and foreign brands.
Vineeta Singh is a testament to what perseverance and self-belief can do for an individual. Even after facing various failures, she kept on with her dream and achieved it.
Vineeta Singh has gained mainstream recognition and popularity after her appearance as a Shark in Shark tank, India. She is known to invest in creative businesses with the same feeling of perseverance as her.
Vineeta Singh, with her brand Sugar Cosmetics, is revolutionising the makeup industry and contributing to India’s start-up scene.
Her makeup and hair are amplified and exaggerated in her personalised caricature drawn by Stoned Santa to show her makeup brand and bring out her creative personality. The background of the caricature is personalised to display the logo of Sugar Cosmetics as well.
The judges or “sharks” of Shark Tank, India, play a critical role in the show’s success. Their experience and negotiation skills make them valuable mentors and investors for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. They provide valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship, helping to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. The Sharks of Shark Tank, India, have become icons in the business world.
Stoned Santa is a start-up with a vision to revolutionise the gifting culture in India. We are all about bespoke and personalised art that is meaningful, affordable and accessible to every Indian. We create artwork that cherishes important moments and creates new memories.
Stoned Santa has been a quintessential part of the handmade personalised gift, art and decor industry for over five years. The artists with Stoned Santa have successfully created thousands of handcrafted and digitally curated caricatures for corporate events, couples, weddings, and home decor and have delivered them on time worldwide.
Stoned Santa makes it incredibly simple to find a trustworthy and professional artist according to your specifications!
Looking for the perfect gift?
Look no more, our gift experts will get in touch with you and help you with all your requirements.
10 Themes and Ideas for Couple Caricatures
What is a Caricature?
Caricature art is a form of illustration that exaggerates and distorts a subject’s physical features and characteristics in a satirical way. Caricatures were typically used to create a humorous or critical commentary on a person or a social issue.
Caricature artists use various techniques to exaggerate specific features of their subjects—for example, facial features, body shape, or clothing style. The result is often a cartoon-like representation of the subject that uniquely captures their essence and personality.
Caricature art has a long history and has been used for various purposes. It has been used in political satire, editorial cartoons, entertainment, and social commentary. Today, caricature art is often used for personal and commercial purposes, such as advertising, branding, or personalised couple caricature gifts for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Related post- Everything you need to know about Caricatures
What are Couple Caricatures?
Personalised Couple caricatures are exaggerated and humorous illustrations that depict two people in a relationship. They capture each person’s unique features, expressions, and personalities in a fun and whimsical way.
Caricature artists often use their artistic skills to emphasise the distinguishing features of their subjects, such as facial features, body shape, or clothing style. When it comes to couple caricatures, artists typically exaggerate their differences and similarities, creating a playful and affectionate representation of their relationship.
Personalised couple caricatures can be used for various purposes, including personalised gifts for weddings, anniversaries, or other special occasions. They are a fun and creative way to showcase a couple’s personality and sense of humour. Whatever the reason, couple caricatures are a unique and memorable way to celebrate a relationship.
Stoned Santa brings you 10 ideas for some fantastic Couple caricatures. Each type of Couple has its unique style and purpose. We will examine each in detail to find the perfect style for your taste and personality. Visit Stoned Santa for more such ideas for your very own personalised caricature art.
1) Dynamic Duo- Couple Caricature art
Power couple caricature art is a unique and exciting way to celebrate the strength and success of a dynamic duo. This couple’s caricature art style emphasises both individuals’ power and confidence, highlighting their status as a force to be reckoned with.
In a power couple caricature, the subjects are often portrayed boldly and dynamically. This may include sharp angles and powerful poses that convey their determination and ambition.
One of the key features of a power couple’s caricature is the use of props and symbols that represent their success and status. This may include their work uniforms, items representing their line of work, expensive cars, designer clothing, or other symbols of wealth and power. The background of the caricature may also be designed to reflect their success. For example, In the picture below, we can see through their clothes, elements and features that one of them is a successful pilot and the other works in the movie business. The background of the caricature art is personalised as a reminder of their shared memories.
Successful couples often commission power couple caricature art to celebrate their achievements and share their success with others. It can be used as a gift or to promote their brand or business. A power couple caricature is a unique and memorable way to celebrate their success and inspire others.
2) The Fitness Freaks- Couple Caricature art
Fitness freaks couple caricature art is a fun and playful way to celebrate a couple’s passion for fitness and health. This style of caricature art highlights the couple’s love for physical activity and the importance they place on their health and well-being.
The subjects are often depicted in athletic poses, wearing workout gear, and surrounded by fitness equipment. Their physical features may be exaggerated to emphasise their toned muscles, defined abs, or other physical attributes that reflect their dedication to fitness.
One of the key features in this type of personalised couple caricature is the use of items and machines that reflect their fitness lifestyle. This may include gym equipment, protein shakes, workout bands, or running shoes. The background of the caricature may also be designed to reflect their love of fitness, such as a gym or an outdoor trail.
Gym-lover couple caricatures are often commissioned by couples passionate about fitness. They want to celebrate their lifestyle and inspire others to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle. It can be used as a gift or to promote their fitness business or brand. Whether it’s a caricature of a powerlifting couple or a yoga-loving duo, a fitness freaks personalised couple caricature is a unique and memorable way to celebrate their love for fitness and health.
3) The Risk Takers- Couple Caricature art
Adventure couple caricature art is a great way to celebrate a couple’s love for adventures and explorations. This caricature style highlights the couple’s sense of adventure and passion for exploring new places, trying new things and taking risks.
In an adventure couple’s caricature, the couple is often depicted in adventurous poses, wearing outdoor gear and surrounded by travel-related elements. Their physical features may be exaggerated to emphasise their strength, agility, or other attributes that reflect their love of adventure and risk-taking.
One of the key features of an adventure Couple Caricature is the use of different backgrounds, such as a mountain peak or a tropical beach to further strengthen their passion through the caricature image.
These personalised couple caricatures show how their love for adventure has blossomed into a loving relationship. They are commissioned by couples who share a love of travel and adventure and want to capture the essence of their relationship in a beautiful artistic depiction.
Whether it’s a caricature of a scuba diving duo, skydivers or of mountain climbers, an adventure couple’s caricature is a unique way to celebrate their love and cherish a memorable period of their lives forever.
4) The Animal lovers- Couple Caricature art
Animal lover couple caricature art is an adorable way to celebrate a couple’s love for animals. This personalised couple caricature art style highlights the couple’s passion for their furry friends and the joy they bring into their lives.
The characters are often depicted with their treasured pets in playful and affectionate poses. A key feature in an animal lover couple caricature is the prominent use of elements that reflect their love of animals. This may include toys, treats, or a portrait of their pets with them. The background of the caricature may also reflect their love for animals, such as a pet store or park.
Animal lover couple caricature art is often commissioned by couples who share a love of animals. For them, their pets are their whole lives and no less than their family members. This caricature style is commissioned by couples who want to celebrate their furry family members and record their limited time with them forever.
5) The Bollywood Pair- Personalised Couple Caricature
Bollywood couple’s caricatures represent the glamour and romance of Indian cinema. This caricature art style highlights the beauty and charm of Bollywood movies, the love stories and the drama that captures the hearts of millions.
In Bollywood-style caricatures, the couple is often depicted in iconic poses from movies, wearing beautiful and colourful traditional Indian outfits. Their physical features may be exaggerated to emphasise their beauty and charm or to highlight specific physical characteristics that make them stand out.
Bollywood Couple Caricatures may reflect iconic movies, character roles or songs. They may include iconic scenes and musical instruments, for example, The Mandolin from the famous Hindi movie Dilwale Dhulaniya Le Jayenge.
The background of the caricature may also be designed to reflect the atmosphere of a classic Bollywood movie, like the railway stations, airports, gardens and many more.
Fans of Indian cinema mostly commission Bollywood couple caricatures as a way to celebrate their favourite movies or movies they share a bond with or are connected with. Whether it’s a caricature of a couple depicting a classic romantic film or a trendy and modern blockbuster, it is a colourful and charming way to capture their love for each other and their love for the drama of Indian Cinema.
6) Mythology Inspired- Couple Caricature
Mythology is full of fascinating stories and characters that have captured the imagination of people for centuries. From gods and goddesses to heroes and monsters, mythology has inspired countless works of art, literature, and popular culture.
One popular way to incorporate mythology into art is through caricature drawings of mythological couples. These drawings typically depict famous mythological couples personified as real people through caricatured illustrations in lighthearted and playful poses.
For example, a real-life couple can be depicted as a playful and cartoonish caricature of Shiva and Parvati. A snake or his power drum can accompany the caricature representation of Shiva while Parvati’s caricature stands next to him in her iconic red saree with a love-filled expression for Shiva.
When creating a mythology-inspired caricature of a couple, it’s essential to do some research and gain a good understanding of the characters and their stories. This can help capture their personalities and traits in the artwork and create a visually appealing and faithful drawing of the mythological stories.
Personalised Couple Caricatures influenced by mythological caricatures are an excellent way to share and capture their love whimsically. This caricature style appreciates their cultural stories and makes them a part of their lives.
7) The Honeymooners- Couple Caricature
Another popular type of caricature art is the honeymoon couple’s caricature, which captures the essence of a newlywed couple in a loveable and a light-hearted manner.
Honeymoon couple caricature art is a perfect way to commemorate the special occasion of a wedding and the beginning of a new chapter in a couple’s life. The caricature artist can create a customised cartoon illustration showcasing the couple’s unique features and personalities. This artwork can serve as a keepsake that the couple can cherish and display in their homes for years to come.
A honeymoon couple’s caricature can feature newlyweds in various scenarios- for example, on a beach, in the mountains or in a romantic city. To create a personalised and fun illustration, the artist can incorporate details such as the couple’s wedding attire, hobbies, interests, and even their pets.
In addition to serving as a memorable keepsake, honeymoon couple caricature art can be used for various purposes, such as wedding invitations, thank-you cards, and social media posts. It can also be a great addition to the couple’s home decor or office.
Overall, honeymoon couple caricature art is a fun and creative way to capture the essence of a newlywed couple and provide them with a unique and personalised keepsake. It can be a fun reminder of their special day and the beginning of their journey together.
8) The Wedding- Couple Caricature
The most famous and popular theme of a couple’s caricatures is that of wedding couples. They are primarily seen in whimsical wedding invitations. Wedding caricature art is a popular way to celebrate the union of two individuals. It involves creating a unique cartoon illustration that exaggerates the bride and groom’s physical features and personality traits.
The caricature artist can customise the illustration based on the couple’s interests, hobbies, and wedding themes. They can incorporate details such as the bride’s dress, the groom’s suit, the wedding venue, and even the guests in attendance.
A wedding couple’s caricature art can be used in various ways. They can be turned into fun and unique wedding invitation, posters,save-the-date cards, or thank-you cards. It can also be a great addition to the couple’s wedding album or guestbook.
In addition, wedding couple caricatures can be used as a personalised gift for the couple. Overall, wedding couple caricature art is a fun and creative way to celebrate the union of two individuals and provide them with a unique and personalised keepsake. It is a fun reminder of their special day and the beginning of their journey together.
9) The Romantics- Couple Caricature art
Couples can commission a caricature art to capture a specific day or a significant moment they want to share and cherish forever—for example, the first date, the day of the proposal, and much more.
The caricature artist can personalise the illustration based on the couple’s preferences and interests. The artwork can feature the couple on a romantic date, such as a candlelit dinner, a walk on the beach, or a movie night at home. The artist can also incorporate details such as the couple’s outfits, favourite activities, and even the food they enjoy.
Romantic couple caricature art can be used in a variety of ways. It can be a unique and personalised gift for the couple’s anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or any other special occasion. It can also be a great addition to the couple’s home decor, such as a framed print or canvas.
In addition, romantic couple caricatures can be a unique way to propose to a significant other or to celebrate a wedding or engagement. Overall, romantic couple caricature art is a fun and creative way to celebrate a couple’s love story and give them a unique and personalised keepsake. It can be a fun reminder of their special moments and love for each other.
10) The Superhero Themed- Couple Caricatures
Superhero couple caricature art is a fun and creative way to showcase a couple’s love and admiration for each other in a superhero-themed illustration. It involves creating a cartoon illustration that features the couple as superheroes with exaggerated physical features and superhero costumes.
The artwork can feature the couple in action, fighting crime or saving the world, or in a more relaxed setting, such as posing for a superhero photoshoot. Superhero couple caricature art is a unique and creative way to depict a couple as powerful and heroic figures in a fun and lighthearted manner.
Through this caricature, a couple can show their shared love for science fiction, fantasy fiction, and popular culture. For example, It is a perfect gift or a memorabilia for a couple who first connected while discussing the Marvel or DC superhero comics.
Superhero couple caricatures are a fun and quirky way to capture a special moment. It can also be a great surprise gift for the significant other who loves everything related to superhero movies and comics.
The world of couple caricature art is vast and varied, offering many different options for depicting a couple in a fun and personalised way. From romantic date couple caricature art to superhero couple caricature art, each type provides its unique style and creative possibilities.
Whether for a wedding, anniversary, or special occasion, couple caricature art can be a fun and memorable way to celebrate a couple’s love story. It can be a personalised gift or a unique home decor addition.
No matter what type of couple caricature art is chosen, it’s a creative and fun way to highlight the unique personalities and characteristics of the couple in a lighthearted and humorous manner. It’s a special and unique keepsake that will always remind a couple of their love for each other and their special moments.
Are you looking for more ideas or artists who can breathe your artistic visions to life?
Look no further; Stoned Santa brings you a vast network of incredibly talented caricature artists in India. We are here to paint your memories and dreams so you can cherish them forever.
Stoned Santa has been a quintessential part of the handmade personalised gift, art and decor industry for over five years. The artists with Stoned Santa have successfully created thousands of handcrafted and digitally curated caricatures for couples, events, weddings, and home decor and have delivered them on time worldwide.
Stoned Santa makes it incredibly simple to find a trustworthy and professional artist according to your specifications!
Looking for the perfect gift?
Look no more, our gift experts will get in touch with you and help you with all your requirements.
Meet Niharika, an illustrator and a comic artist
Meet Niharika – an illustrator and a comic creator
Niharika is an illustrator, comic creator, and storyteller based in Noida.
She creates quirky anecdotal illustrations that are inspired by everyday life around us on her instagram page – Doodloo By Niharika Having a keen interest in art right from her school days, Nihaarika quit her job to pursue art, full-time.
She has been working for the past two years as a freelance illustrator. Her perseverance and ambition have gotten her opportunities to work with some big brands like Fabindia, Fortune Oil and Indigo airlines.
If you’re having a rough day, a scroll through her Instagram account can definitely lighten your mood.
Niharika spoke to us about her life as a freelance illustrator and where she gets inspiration for her illustrations from.
Have you always been inclined towards drawing or was this something that you acquired over the years?
My mother is an artist and her work influenced me to pick up art as a hobby at a very young age. I used to be fond of making handmade greeting cards for my family members for every occasion. During my school days, I used to excitedly participate in the drawing contests.
Overtime, with constant practise I got better at it and from the past 2 years I am pursuing this full time.
Have you received a formal education in art? If not, what made you pursue it?
I am a self-taught artist and have not received any formal education in the field of art. I have completed my under-graduation in English literature and a masters in mass communication. I was introduced to the designing tools and software during my post-graduation and I started learning them on my own. After this, I went ahead to work as a graphic designer in a couple of companies.
Before taking up freelancing full-time, I used to work with the Timeliners, a sister concern of TVF (The Viral Fever). I absolutely loved the energy and creativity that my colleagues had. They were the ones who encouraged me to pursue art. It’s been 2 years since I quit my job to pursue this full time, and there’s no looking back
Any exciting projects that are coming up?
I am in talks with a couple of brands for collaborations. Apart from that, I am planning to start a new comic series revolving around my newly married life. I’m also planning to resume the comic series that dealt with stories about my mother and I.
I am working on starting my own merchandise, and will soon be launching a website as well.
How do you deal with a creative block?
I was completely off doodling for the past couple of months as I was busy with my wedding preparation. Even though it was my own wedding, I always had productivity guilt on the back of my mind.
Now that I have moved in with my husband, and resumed my work. I often find myself not able to focus on work at stretch. When I find myself in situations where I am not able to think of something new, I start making notes of every tiny detail of my day, right from the time I wake up. This practice helps me notice the small little incidents that could be relatable to others, and I create comics on them.
How has the lockdown affected you?
Since my nature of work is from home, it hasn’t affected much. But, watching the news and hearing about all the suffering that’s happening around disturbs me and I wonder if I should still continue doing what I do. But on the other hand, if my comics can lighten up somebody’s mood in tough times like these, I would be truly happy.
Some of the artists whom you look up to?
Alicia Souza is an all time favourite. I completely admire her energy, consistency and work discipline.
Sumouli Dutta is another illustrator who has got such a distinct style, I just love the way she is not in competition with anyone but herself. She just focuses on spreading positivity through her comics.
If you were to go back in time and change a decision that you made? What would it be?
I would have definitely joined an arts school. This would have helped me be 5 years ahead of where I am now. In fact, I still consider joining a design school even now.
What are the problems faced by a freelancer?
The first few projects will be a struggle. Clients will have a preconceived idea of how the final output should look like. They would have seen some other artist’s work and expect you to recreate something similar, this restricts your creative freedom.
However, over time you will start getting approached by the right kind of clients who truly appreciate your style of art.
What would you advise to the budding artists?
There is a huge difference in getting inspired and simply copying. Practice alone can help you achieve your exclusive style.
If you plan on making a livelihood from art, be patient even if you might not see any immediate returns. Have other means of income until you get well established, and then you will have the freedom to pursue art full-time.
Thoughts about Stoned Santa?
Being a sucker for handmade art, I found your website to be very refreshing. There are many people out there wanting to give something memorable and you are providing it in one place by pooling in a lot of talent together.
Looking for the perfect gift?
Look no more, our gift experts will get in touch with you and help you with all your requirements.
Meet Aniruddha Lele, an illustrator and a caricature artist
Meet Aniruddha Lele – an illustrator, caricature artist and a comic creator
Aniruddha Lele is a versatile artist who creates beautiful digital portraits, concept art, illustrations, and caricatures. He spent his childhood doodling anything and everything and as he got older, his desire and passion for art only grew furthermore.
From creating personalized artwork for clients to designing illustrations for books and publications, Aniruddha speaks to us about his artistic endeavor.
Every artist has their own definition of art. What is yours?
I view art as a medium to express my thoughts. For some, it could be writing or music, but for me, it’s always been drawing and painting.
Were you inclined towards art, right from your childhood or did you develop the passion over the years?
I come from a family of artists. When I was about 2-3 years old, my mother gave me a piece of chalk and I started drawing all over the floor. Ever since then, I’ve been inclined towards art.
Are you self-taught? If yes, how has the journey been?
My mom was my first teacher, she taught me the basics of drawing right from a very young age. I also used to refer to a lot of drawing books. The journey has been absolutely wonderful.
How were you introduced to illustrations? What made you pursue it?
I joined a Fine arts college after my 12th to pursue BFA. This helped me explore many facets of commercial art, some of which being illustrations for books, storyboarding and concept art.
How do you think technology has changed the dynamics of art?
Technology has made it extremely convenient for artists to deliver quick results and address clients’ requirements. Being a commercial artist means making several changes on a particular art piece according to client’s feedback. This would have been a very lengthy process had it not been digital .
Technology has also made it much easier to learn and sharpen our skills from the abundant resources available online. We can also see the works of industry veterans on Instagram and interact with them.
Which are some of the interesting projects that you are working on?
I love working on children’s books. I did a project with the SuperKids League and Womanarelit.com to create storybooks for kids. I consider these two projects to be very dear to me.
Another project worth mentioning is a collaboration I did with Mocktale Drinks to design their packaging material and Instagram feed.
Can you name some of the artists whom you look up to?
Lois Von Barle, Bobby Chiu, Prasad Bhat, Dylan Bonner,
How is a typical day in the life of an illustrator?
Few days are really hectic and the few days are very relaxed. Working from home can make you lazy and unproductive because of all the distractions. At the same time, there are no fixed timings and you will have to stay up all night to complete certain projects.
What are the problems that you face as a freelancer? How do you think people can support artists?
Working on freelance projects makes it hard to have a steady income. The work can also get so grueling at times, that we hardly have a social life.
What advice would you give to the budding artists?
Keep practicing and creating. We need to limit our focus on consuming information through TV, phone and instead focus more on creating art.
What exciting plans do you have in the coming years?
My wife and I have been working on an interesting venture called Tooti Frooti Comics where we create humorous comics revolving around couples. We are soon going to launch a website as well.
Throughout your journey, who has been your biggest support?
My parents and my wife have been the biggest support.
What are your thoughts on Stoned Santa?
I think it’s a great platform for artists to showcase their talent and earn.
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Meet Sameera Maruvada – The creator of ‘Salt and Sambar’
Meet Sameera Maruvada, the creator of ‘Salt & Sambar’
Sameera Maruvada is a freelance illustrator based in Visakhapatnam who turned pastime doodling into her career. She is also the creator of a web-comic series called “Salt and Sambar” through which she aims to spread awareness on different social issues in a humorous way with a bit of cultural touch.
She aims to inspire young artists to pursue their passion for art through her Youtube channel – Saminspire , which has over 3.8 million views.
Read on more to find out about Sameera’s artistic journey.
Were you inclined towards art, right from your childhood or did you develop the passion over the years?
Drawing is something that came naturally to me. Ever since I was a kid I have been engrossed in drawing and coloring. I used to love participating in art competitions, I also used to win a lot of them. This did not change even after I grew up.
How did you start cartooning? What made you pursue it?
Initially, I never had cartooning on my mind. I used to mostly experiment with oil pastels, and I’ve been creating YouTube videos for the past five years.
After completing my interior designing course, I was extremely clueless about what to do next and that’s when I started drawing comics. I have always drawn cute characters for greeting cards, and I love storytelling. So, comics were the perfect mix of both.
Many of your comics are in Telugu. How have the audience reactions been?
When I started creating comics in Telugu, the primary reason was not to promote my culture or language, but it was mostly because I could express certain feelings only in my mother tongue. Adding on to it, certain phrases sound good only in a particular language.
When I started making comics in Telugu, I never expected many people to understand it. However, many Telugu-speaking-people from different parts of the world could relate to it and I’m glad I could make them feel home.
How did you come up with the name “ Salt and Sambar”?
I always wanted to give a south Indian touch to the name of the comic series. I initially thought of calling it “Idli & Sambar”, but that name was already taken. That’s when “Salt & Sambar” struck me.
There’s a phrase from a famous Telugu movie called “Aha Naa-Pellanta” which inspired me to choose this name.
Are you a full-time artist? If yes, how has the journey been?
Yes, I am a full-time artist. I take up freelance projects, conduct workshops and also have a youtube channel where I teach simple drawings with oil pastels, DIY art and crafts and the basics of coloring.
Although being a freelancer is definitely not easy, if you work hard enough it’s as good as any other profession.
Where do you derive inspiration for your comics from?
Most of my comics are based on real-life experiences. There are certain messages that I want to spread through my comics. For instance, I want to show how students are pressurised into taking IIT-JEE or similar entrance tests, and how girls are expected to marry after a certain age.
I try to address these social issues in a humorous way, with a cultural touch.
Who are some of the artists whom you look up to?
These are some of my personal favorites – Rohan Chakravarty, Alicia Souza, Bill Watterson, Foxtrot, Sarah Andersen and Marloesdevee.
What are the problems that you face as a freelancer, and how do you think viewers can help?
I strongly feel that in India, freelancers are undermined. Nobody views art as a lucrative career choice. This mindset must change.
When it comes to supporting artists, people can support artists on this website called ‘Patreon’. Again, this is a very unfamiliar concept in India. People are charged a nominal amount every month to support their favourite artists. In return, you will be given exclusive rewards, like newsletters, early updates, merchandise and more. This helps the artists to not depend entirely on freelance projects for their income and helps them focus more on creating original art.
What advice would you give to the budding artists?
No one should pursue what they don’t like just because they are being pressured by their friends, family or society.
I wish that by looking at artists like us, they should realize that art as a profession isn’t less than any other, and if you are persistent you will do great.
Even if you have to take up a day job to make your ends meet, you should always make time for doing what you love, and never let go of the passion.
Thoughts about Stoned Santa?
Helping artists get recognized and helping them reach many people is a wonderful idea. I really hope that Stoned Santa does well in the future.
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