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Everything You Need to Know About Handmade Portraits

Everything You Need to Know About Handmade Portraits

by | Jul 8, 2023 | Blog, Digital Painting, Hyper realistic art, Portrait Artist

Everything You Need to Know About

Handmade Portraits

Gifting is a beautiful gesture to express your affection and care for your loved ones. You can choose expensive gifts off the shelf of reputable brands or go for something as simple as handmade portraits.

All that matters is the thought and love we put into giving. And what makes the gift unique and memorable is the thought behind it and the sentimental value it represents. However, finding a special gift in a sea of options may seem to be a daunting task. 

Handmade portraits are a doorway to the heart as they encapsulate the memories and feelings you share with your loved ones through art made from your favorite photos. 

This article has compiled a detailed guide on everything you need to know about Handmade Portraits.

Example of Handmade Portraits in Frame

Brief History of Portraits

Before the invention of cameras, people captured images through paintings, and drawings. Hand-drawn portraits in particular played a significant role in capturing the likeness, and preserving precious memories. 

Kings, and people of influence would hire artists, and painters to paint their loved ones, and decorate their houses and palaces with massive paintings.

Portraits have evolved over time from serving as important family records to being unique gifts for loved ones.

However, do you know how handmade portraits are made? Well, continue reading further!

Sachin Tendulkar handmade portrait by Sadashiv SawantSawant

How are Portraits Made At Stoned Santa?

In addition to handmade paintings, portraits can be made in other forms of media, such as digital media and prints. Moreover, these portraits can be made using different art mediums such as graphite and charcoals, oil portraits, water colors, pencil colors, string art, and mix-media. 

Although the techniques for each media and medium may differ, the core process of making portraits remains the same. Let us take you through a brief process of how our artists make portraits –

  • Gathering the Photo of the Subject

As the first step of making handmade portraits, we collect photos of the subject from our client. A front-facing picture of good quality is a must, as it allows our artists to analyse the facial features, and accordingly paint the features of the subject. 

A snippet of a front-facing good-quality photo shared by our client and a hyper-realistic painting by our artist!

Couple Handmade Portrait Example

  • Choosing the Medium and Surface

At Stoned Santa, we have a range of handmade portrait paintings, each curated using different art mediums. So as the next step, we require our clients to choose the medium and the surface they want their handmade portrait paintings to be. 

Choice of mediums

  1. Graphite and Charcoals
  2. Pencil Colors
  3. Oil Portraits  
  4. Portraits in String Art
  5. Mix Media Portraits 
    6. Digital Media – Caricatures, or Digital Portraits

Choice of surface

  1. Wood
  2. Canvas
  3. High-grade artist papers

One of the quirky handmade portraits

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  • Defining the Background Elements

In this step, we require our clients to define and decide on any specific customized backdrop or elements that could enhance the portraits. For instance, some clients want the same background as shared in their reference photograph, while some prefer to have an abstract background left up to the artist’s creativity.

Or we can take the creative freedom, and let our artists decide. 

Here is a snippet of a handmade portrait painting with abstract background for our client

A snippet of one of the uplifting handmade portraits

  • The Painting Process

Once the photo, medium, and background elements are decided, our artist begins with the painting process.

Stage 1

The first step to making handmade portraits

Stage 2

The second step to making handmade portraits.

Stage 3

The last phase in the creation of timeless handmade portraits

  • Seeking Approval and Shipping the Artwork

In this last step, we seek approval for the finished artwork from the client, and once they give the nod, we ship the portrait painting.

Komal Thoria Indian artist drawing a charcoal portrait

Pricing of Handmade Portraits

In this section, we will talk about the pricing of handmade portraits, which typically is based on the combination of the following factors – 

  • Size of the canvas – We allow our clients to choose the surface they prefer the handmade portrait paintings to be on. These surfaces include canvas, artist-grade papers, or wood.

    Moreover, different sizes are available for each surface, which ultimately becomes crucial in deciding the price of handmade masterpieces. If the client needs A4-sized portraits, the cost would be comparatively lower than a 20 x 24-inch canvas.

Example of picture to handmade portraits

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  • Choice of medium 

The choice of the medium plays a crucial role in deciding the price of the handmade keepsakes. For instance, if a client opts for hyper-realistic portraits with mixed media, the cost would be higher because several mediums would bring photographic realism to the handmade painting. 

  • Number of figures in the painting

Handmade portraits may involve more than one subject, so the number of figurines becomes a critical determinant of the price of the final artwork. If there is more than one subject figure, it would require more time and effort on the artist’s part, the monetary value of which is accounted for in the final price.

  • Timeline for delivery- Delivery time is an essential determinant of the final price of the handmade portraits. Urgent requirements of portraits will cost higher than a standard delivery time.

One of our graphite and charcoal based handmade portraits.

  • Graphite and Charcoal Handmade Portraits Collection 

This black-and-white collection of handmade portraits is made with graphite and charcoal. These are dry art mediums that give a vintage touch to the paintings. Both graphite and charcoals look like pencils but provide a contrasting effect when used in conjunction, leaving behind a masterpiece.

  • Pencil Colour Handmade Portraits Collection

A rather colorful collection of handmade portraits, these are made using professional, highly pigmented pencil colors. The colors in the actual photograph can be enhanced to look more appealing in the painting with the help of this medium.

  • String Art Handmade Portraits Collection

Wondering what unique gift to give to your loved ones? Well, we have nailed it for you! Our string art handmade portrait collection is a perfect choice. These portraits are hammered using nails and strings to create an excellent piece of art just for you!

One of our string art handmade portraits

  • Hyper-Realistic Mixed Media Portrait Collection

Have a special memory you want to capture in a painting the same way it took place? Our range of hyper-realistic mixed-media portrait collections can replicate the memory for you, with much more love added to it!

  • Digital Portrait Collection 

These are the most trending range of portrait paintings used for various occasions such as wedding invites, anniversary gifts, birthday invites, etc. Digital portraits can be customized to suit the event and your needs. The portraits are then digitized and sent to the client for further use

One of our quirky concept handmade portraits

Different Themes of Handmade Portraits

Running out of ideas for handmade portraits, Stoned Santa is here to save your day! Our gifting experts have curated a list of trending themes to choose from to get your customized handmade portraits made in 

  • Wedding Couple Themed 

We have various options if you want a gift for your better half or the couples in your friends and family at their wedding. These handmade portraits are available in traditional and digitized forms and can be customized by adding fun elements in the background to encapsulate the journey of the couple –

One of the realistic wedding couple themed handmade portraits.

  • Music lovers theme

Music is an art to the ears, and what better gift to give a music-lover than handmade portrait paintings of their favorite music icons?

  • Marvel-themed

Superhero fans assemble, for we have a Marvel-themed collection to choose from. So convert your loved one’s photograph into their favorite Marvel character handmade portraits, and see the joy it brings them.

A marvel themed handmade portrait

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Why Choose Stoned Santa? 

Crystallize a good memory with your loved one into beautiful handmade portraits full of love and memories. At Stoned Santa, we curate exclusive handmade portraits customized as per your need and budget to help you leave a lasting impression on the receiver.

 Our end-to-end customer support ensures that you are assisted by our gifting experts at every step, from ideation to theme selection to timely delivery of the masterpiece at your doorstep. Contact Stoned Santa today!

Looking for the perfect gift?

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Sharks, Shark Tank and their Caricatures

Sharks, Shark Tank and their Caricatures

by | Mar 17, 2023 | Animator, Blog, caricature, Caricature Artist, Cartoonist, Corporat Comics, Digital Art, Digital caricature, Digital Illustration, Digital Painting, Graphic designs, Illustration, Illustrations, Personalized caricatures, Portrait Artist, Visual art

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.

shark tank caricature collage

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.

 

Shark anupam personalised caricature

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.

Personalised Caricature of Namita Thapar

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.

Aman gupta personalised caricature

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.

Amit Jain personalised caricature

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.

Ashneer Grover personalised digital caricature

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.

Ghazal alagh personalised caricature

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.

Peeyush Bansal personalised caricature

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.

Vineeta Singh Personalised caricature

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.

 

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Interview with Komal Thoria, Portrait Artist

Interview with Komal Thoria, Portrait Artist

by | Jul 17, 2022 | Blog, Indian Artist, interview, 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.

Komal_Thoria_potrait_India

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.

 

Komal_Thoria_charcoal_drawing

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.

Looking for the perfect gift?

Look no more, our gift experts will get in touch with you and help you with all your requirements.

 

Speak with our Gift Experts

Meet Karthik Abhiram, a portrait artist

Meet Karthik Abhiram, a portrait artist

by | Apr 22, 2020 | Blog, Indian Artist, interview, Karthik Abhiram, Portrait Artist

The big world of miniature art

INTERVIEW WITH KARTHIK ABHIRAM

Karthik Abhiram is a miniature portrait  artist and a brilliant photographer based in Hyderabad. Inspired by movies right from his childhood days, he creates beautiful portraits of different movie characters in his exclusive style on his Instagram page – Daily Movie Sketch. He also creates miniature sketches that will captivate you with its intricacies

He believes that consistency and discipline can take an artist a long way. Read on more to find out about Karthik’s creative journey.

Art can be perceived differently by different people. How do you perceive art?
For me, art comprises many things – sketches, paintings, photography and music. I believe that anything that is created by an artist with their skills is art. Every piece of art is special in it’s own way.

Most of your sketches are based on movie characters. What inspired you to start these?
I’ve been a movie-buff since childhood. Drawing is my way of expressing my love for movies. Once I watch a movie, I look for key moments or visuals from there and then use that as the reference for drawings. There are many artists whom I follow on Instagram, and their work has also been an inspiration for me to improve my skills.

How have criticisms helped you shape your career?
I guess as artists, we are always very critical of our own work, and while I didn’t pursue art as a career, I still try to improve with every sketch I do. There are several aspects that one can work on – proportions, shading, colors, rendering, use of different mediums – so I try to see what other artists are doing better, and then try to apply those to my own artwork.

How has your perception of seeing things changed after painting for such a long time?
Apart from drawing, I am also passionate about photography and I think both of these have helped me to find interesting frames, patterns and visuals.

Have you collaborated with any other artists and brands, if yes how was this experience?
Brand collaborations have been very rare, but I have participated in a few art challenges. The three I can think of are –  #Inktober (where one does ink sketches in October), #DrawWithMango (theme based challenge), #AnInchAugust (doing miniature art that’s one inch square in size). The latter two are challenges initiated by friends of mine, Harish and Neha.

I always make it a point to participate in these, because the themes and concepts have helped me explore new things which were out of my  comfort zone, and also helped me to discover other artists. 

Are you ever faced with a creative block? If yes, how do you get over it?
Everyone goes through this phase. At times I feel like I do not draw enough in spite of having time due to lack of motivation or ideas. The best thing to do is to wait for the phase to pass and start looking for new sources for inspiration.

If you could go back in the past and change a decision that you made, what would it be?
I don’t think there is anything that I’d like to change.

How important is traveling for an artist? Do you seek inspiration from every place you visit?
I think travelling is definitely inspiring as it helps one to discover interesting visuals. However, for the kind of drawings I do, travelling doesn’t have a direct connection.

What advice would you give for the upcoming artists?

I would like to share a few things based on my own experience– 

Draw what you like, but do it consistently. Never compare your work with that of others as there will always be someone who’s better than you. Get inspired by others’ work and focus on getting better with your own skills. Don’t get disheartened if one sketch doesn’t turn up the way you imagined it to be, just keep moving on.

If you were to learn a new art-form, which one would it be?
If I had to pick something completely different from visual art (photography and drawing), it would be dance. 

What are your thoughts on Stoned Santa?
Any platform that helps in encouraging art and artists is appreciated! Thanks a lot Stoned Santa for the work that you are doing and thanks for this opportunity as well.

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