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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 Komal Thoria, Portrait Artist

Interview with Komal Thoria, Portrait Artist

Komal Thoria is an illustrator, designer, and a freelance artist who has been a mentee to the highly respected Mr.Sadashiv Sawant, where she learnt the intricacies of applied arts, worked under him, assisted him with projects, to evolve as an artist, and be a guide to fellow artists, just like her mentor – Sadashiv Sawant. 

Komal has come a long way in her career. From working in a call center, and commissioning a portrait for just Rs. 250 to now charging as much as Rs. 15,000 for a portrait. She has seen it all, and evolved as an artist, and a professional who now has big plans for her future. 

In this interview we talk to Komal about her evolution as an artist, her dream projects and her message to fellow artists.

Komal_Thoria_Portrait_Artist_India

What’s your earliest memory of sketching?

The earliest memory that I have of sketching is when I was maybe 3 or 5 years old. My family realized that I had something in me when it came to sketching, I was naturally good at it. Since I was good at Maths my dad thought Science, or Commerce would be a suitable choice. After that, however, I failed in a couple of subjects. It was then that I realised that I wasn’t meant for this and so I took up Applied Arts and worked in a few production houses and different places. There I got the opportunity to learn and work under Sadashiv Sir.

Did you have any formal training in your formative years or was it just you figuring stuff out on your own?

It was my Mom who put me into tuition. There I got informal training for a couple of years. But mainly I used to recreate art using Youtube videos, and I have been a self-motivated learner since my childhood. My family left me on my own, they were not much concerned as long as I was doing something or the other. 

Komal_Thoria_India_drwaing

How did you transition to getting trained in a more formal setup?

I never felt like going to a fancy institute to learn Applied Arts, I wanted to be a part of an upcoming institute and actively contribute towards its growth. Hence I went to Asmita Applied art Academy, which was founded by Ashish sir. I’ve  learned a lot there but most of all I’ve enjoyed it a lot. It was there that I met Sadashiv Sir in a 3 day art workshop. 

Who has been your role model in this journey?

I’m still in the process of exploring myself and I want to make my own path. I guess that’s why my role Models keep changing. I Look up to Ashish sir and Sadashiv sir. Sadashiv Sir is like a father figure to me. I Love Sadashiv Sir’s observation skills, and that’s something which I want to learn, and incorporate more in my life. 

Over the years, you have made so many artworks, which one do you regard as your Masterpiece?

I’ve never really thought about it that way. I don’t know if I have a Masterpiece. Sadashiv Sir likes my Still Life artworks. I guess the Mountain sketch would be my best work. I have created a series on nurturance. I have done it a while back but haven’t posted it anywhere yet. I really like drawing hands for some reason. Like me and my grandmother’s, then me and my mother’s and then my father’s. I want to go deeper into this form of art, and I wonder how it’ll turn out.
How do you decide the price for your artworks?

So, the first portrait that I sold was for Rs.250. My first few clients weren’t particularly happy with my work. I took the criticism in a constructive way and identified my shortcomings. I wanted to improve, so I didn’t take any new orders for the next 6 months and I utilized this period to work on my shortcomings. After this, it got better, and I got a few foreign clients as well.

So, now I charge around 5-7k for an A4 sized portrait and around 10-15k for A3 portraits.
I know that if I take up a project, I will give my best. My clients also respect this and most clients don’t argue. I like such clients who respect the artist’s time, and their work.

Have you ever had to deal with clients who restrict your creativity?

There will always be a few clients who hamper your creativity but it’s not really their fault, they don’t perceive art the same way us artists do. Therefore, I always educate them about the process of creating art, and how I would be going about with the project, and most importantly the WHY aspect of it.

A lot of times, my clients want me to draw half a face or make a portrait out of random selfies. Now, this obviously won’t look good. I tell them quite frankly that there is significant money and effort involved on both our parts and the artwork that you’re paying me for is meant to be lifelong. Therefore it’s advisable that you select a proper image, rather than settling with poorly shot pictures, where either the photo isn’t well lit, or blurred.

A lot of clients ask me not to put my signature or even any trace of mine on the final parcel. I make it a point to charge extra to fulfill such demands.

Moreover, I have my personal projects that allow me to experiment, and style my artwork the way I want it to.

What’s your view on the much talked about ‘Artistic Temperament’?

I feel that creative temperament is necessary for an artist. Clients need to give artists the freedom that they require. Artists need that space and scope for creativity. I have had some arguments over this with my clients. On many occasions, clients give very tight deadlines. They need to understand that the work we do takes time, and if rushed, we are compromising on quality.

I, for one, like to take my time. I have also declined clients who wanted big orders within a couple of days. But when I do take up a project, I know that what I’ll give would be the best, and I have hardly had any clients who were dissatisfied with my work.

 

Over the years you may have worked with other artists. How has the experience been for you?

It has been an amazing experience. Everybody’s got their own beautiful journey, and perceptions. It has been fun sharing our experiences and to be able to be a part of someone else’s journey. One thing that I’ve realised after interacting with so many artists is that art is connected to freedom of expression. You need to be able to freely express your thoughts and feelings, if you want to progress as an artist.

How’s the role of a mentor for an artist different from being an artist?

I teach gesture drawing, realism, and I even share the common mistakes that artists usually commit early on. I speak about how your brain fools you while sketching. Once I start teaching I feel so energetic. A lot of students have approached me with questions after the workshop so I feel that maybe the workshop was good, and I think I am constantly evolving as a teacher.

Komal_Thoria_painting_for_home

How have your students fared ?

Well, I’ve seen amazing results. My students are quite talented and they’re doing really well. I just pat myself on the back when I see my students doing well. I’m a chilled out kind of a teacher. I try to be a friend, not a teacher. I’ve never felt the need of being too professional with them, and I’m always open to share my feelings

I feel my students have got a lot of potential. Some of them are as confused as I was when I started off. I help them correct their course, wherever I can so that they don’t make the same mistakes I made while I was learning, and evolving.

I’ve been teaching for almost 5 years now. I’ve taught older people as well. Their attitude of not giving up really inspires me. If someone at the age of 40-45 manages a family, a job and still makes time to pursue their interests and passion, that is something that truly inspires me. I get to learn a lot from my students.

What’s your take on Digital art ?

I don’t do a lot of digital art. Although I love handmade art, I plan to start doing digital art again. The main problem is that I’m not mindful while doing it. But, I know it is Important to know the basics of Digital Art. This year I plan to get a grip on my Digital Art skills. I have done a few digital caricatures recently but have kept them to myself, haven’t posted it anywhere, but let’s see how it goes.

Komal_Thoria_charcoal_art

Every artist has some idea of a dream project that they intend to work upon, what is your idea of a dream project?

I always wanted to make a big waterfall, maybe in my house.I don’t really know why I’m so fascinated with waterfalls. Maybe it’s the textures of a waterfall or the pounding of water which excites me. I want to make a big waterfall. This project will take the life out of me but yeah I’m excited. But as of now, I’m not really looking for a dream project, it’ll come with time. I’m more excited about small little things, at the moment.

What are some other things that you plan to do moving ahead?

I want to make people reconnect with art. Many of us do like to express ourselves through one art form or another, but not a lot of us pursue it. I wish to start with my mom who I feel is very creative. I want to give people hope. I want to be the booster in everybody’s lives. I do actually boost up people wherever I work. So spreading smiles, and joy through my art could be one of the things I’d want to continue doing.

Everyone is not able to follow their passion, let alone make a career out of it. What’s your message to those who intend to take this leap of faith on their passion?

I’d just like to say that you should be doing what you love, and that money isn’t everything. Once you realise who you are and what you’re meant to be just follow that dream. Independence comes from realizing one’s dreams. Find your purpose and work towards achieving it.

I’m always happy and dissatisfied because I always want to improve myself. That’s why I say that your dream is gonna make you happy. There’s no point running after luxuries, life is a journey. Just enjoy it, while you’re at it.

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Interview with Rohit Chari, Red Canvas Studios

Interview with Rohit Chari, Red Canvas Studios

Born and brought up in Goa, Rohit Chari is an illustrator, artist, and artpreneur who runs Red Canvas Studios, a venture he started in 2016. In this creative studio, ideas come to life in art on different canvases such as walls, frames, and memories. 

Rohit started playing around with sketches early in his school days where he’d draw, doodle, and soon enrolled into a full-time fine arts course where he learned traditional art forms and techniques in a formal setup. Today Rohit caters to special art commissions where he draws beautiful caricatures, paints on walls, has his line of merchandise; in short, he’s found his passion and made a living out of it. 

In this interviews, Parth interviewed Rohit, where they talk and explore the world of being an artist, an entrepreneur, and suggestions for the fellow community of artists and creators.

Rohit Chari Skateboarding Caricature artist

Story of your first customer? 

Well, the first few projects were majorly for friends, and I did them for free. But the first paid project came to me as a surprise. I had made a digital caricature for a photographer friend, and I think after minutes of it posting, it went viral in our little friend circle. 

Everyone wanted to know who made this caricature, and there I was flooded with requests, most of them free, but some of them translated into orders, and that’s how I kick started my Freelance career as a Digital Caricature artist

Freelancing and the early challenges 

Under pricing and not being able to strike that early balance where I get quality clients who pay decently were the initial challenges I faced. I think the first few paid projects, I was underpaid, but then I guess that’s all a learning process. 

When I realized I was charging lesser, I decided to increase my prices, but then the clients stopped coming in. With time, I reached a sweet spot where the clients are comfortable, which allows me to be satisfied. I think the sweet spot of pricing your art “just right” can be determined only by talking to customers, and this process takes time. 

How do you explain Digital Art to your customers?

I was introduced to digital art years after graduating with a degree in Art, so I am very empathetic to my customers when I explain to them about Digital Art or Digital caricatures to help them understand and appreciate the process of creation. 

Many people think making caricatures digitally is when the artist uses some apps or simply traces it, but that’s not how it works. Usually, when I encounter clients who do not know much about Digital Art, or the creation process, I educate them first about this art form because this helps set the expectations right and makes the process of creation and approval smoother. 

I walk my customers through the process, share the work in progress pictures with them, answer their queries before starting work; I think this has many advantages, and the client’s chances of negotiating to go down significantly.

 

Boy Caricature by Red Canvas Studio

How do you price your digital caricatures? 

I decide the cost of my caricatures based on the combination of the following factors, and a lot of times, if the order is to required urgently, there’s an added cost. 

    1. The number of characters – A lot of my customers think that the price of caricature quoted can include as many human figures, but that’s not how it works. Therefore one of the criteria for deciding the price is the number of people/characters drawn.

       

    2. The caricature style – Is it the Realistic Caricature or Flat(2D) Caricature? It takes me more time to work on the realistic caricature. Therefore this one is charged higher.

       

    3. Background – Clients often demand unique backgrounds, such as the Eiffel tower, or the Taj Mahal, or other requests, and to accommodate such requests, I charge extra.

      In India, it’s a little tough to find clients who will not negotiate and respect the price you quote, but it’s so much easier with foreign clients, and I can charge them higher too. 

Drawing a celebrity caricature vs. Drawing for customers 

With celebrities, I have the freedom to experiment, exaggerate, and let my creative juices flow, but I have to be very careful with client projects. People want to look cute but not funny. 

I think there’s a nice balance, where I get paid for the commissioned work I do and the time I have left after such projects; I experiment, play around with colors, strokes, and let my ideas flow without being constricted by the client’s expectations. 

(Rohit has created fan art versions of famous Netflix TV shows like – Money Heist, Scared Games, etc.)

 

Wall Murals vs. Digital Caricatures 

I like both forms of art – Making digital caricatures and murals, both of their unique charm, and I thoroughly enjoy working on both mediums. 

Still, the outcome of completing a mural is much more gratifying than a caricature, primarily because of the heavy hard work required to create a mural. 

First, we prepare a design based on the input given by the client and then get the digital design approved; post this, the digital design is transposed to the wall. This process from idea to execution takes 3-4 days, or more, depending on the size of the wall. But I love working on murals. I usually start early and work in sprints to finish it as per the agreed timelines. 

When the project is big, I collaborate with other artists, and it’s fun working on such projects.

Wall mural by RedCanvas Studio

How do you feel when people compare your work with other artists? 

I’ll be honest, early in my career, I’d get offended easily and react, saying, “if you like their work, go buy from them,” but now I try to explain to them the reason for the difference and explain to them my art process. 

Other Hobbies? Skateboarding? 

Well, I love to skateboard, and I represented my state in Skateboarding back in the days, and I think I found a lot of artists from the skateboarding community. Skateboards are usually hand-painted, uniquely communicating what the owner wishes to with colors and visuals. 

 

I’ve got many gigs because of the community, and I think having a hobby is an excellent release to your creative juices, but in a different environment.

 

ayushman khurana caricature

Future Aspirations

I aspire to work with more prominent brands where my skills are tested. I meet fellow creators, and I learn and grow while doing so. I have worked with some very famous brands in the past, and I look forward to working with more brands as I grow as an artist. 

Advice to fellow artists in the community 

Digital art is comparatively easy when you are tracing it, but I would strongly recommend against it. Try to draw it manually instead of tracing, and it’ll help you in the longer run. 

If you want to draw caricatures, don’t immediately jump into drawing caricatures. Start by drawing portraits; it’ll help you understand the human face anatomy better. Once you’ve mastered that part, it’s easier to play around with human facial features to make fun caricatures. 

Closing Notes

Rohit concludes the interview by saying, “I would just say, support all the artists, because this is a small business we are into, but when the audience supports us, we can prosper. And I would request you to respect the artists, try to understand them, and value their efforts.”

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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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