fbpx
+916201162515 shashank@stonedsanta.in
Interview with Sanjana Chatlani, founder of the Bombay Lettering Company

Interview with Sanjana Chatlani, founder of the Bombay Lettering Company

by | Apr 24, 2020 | Blog, Calligraphy, Digital Illustration, Hand Lettering, Indian Artist, interview, Sanjana Chatlani

Bringing words to life with Sanjana Chatlani

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

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

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

How do you define art?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any project that you’d like to mention?

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

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

What can one expect from your workshops?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who are the artists that you admire?

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

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

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

 

Advice for young artists?

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

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

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

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 Karanveer, a water color artist

Meet Karanveer, a water color artist

by | Apr 20, 2020 | Blog, Indian Artist, interview, Water Color Paintings

Meet Karanveer – A water color artist

Karanveer is a watercolor artist and a calligraphist based in Ludhiana whose delicate and intricate paintings will make you fall in love with them. Although he’s still an engineering student, he has succeeded to make time for what he loves to do and has close to 25k followers on Instagram on which he shares his artwork.

Read on more to find out about Karanveer’s artistic journey.

What is your definition of art?

Any creation that makes others happy and provides comfort is art.

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

Right from my childhood, I have been fairly good at art and crafts. I have always had the urge to experiment with colors on the paper. I still remember how excitedly I used to fill up the sketch books during art classes.

It’s been 3 years since I started pursuing art seriously. Consistent hours of practice and persistence have helped me in refining my art style.

Are you self-taught? If yes, how has the journey been?

Yes, I have learned watercolors and calligraphy all by myself. Although initially, it was very difficult, I believe that this was the best way of learning as it has worked out wonderfully for me.

How were you introduced to water colors? What made you pursue it?

Right from my school days, I have experimented with a number of mediums including oil pastels, crayons, acrylics and charcoal. Watercolor was the one medium that I hadn’t touched.

Instagram introduced me to a whole new world of watercolor artists. This inspired me to try my hand at watercolor painting. Little did I know that this would become my forte. I love seeing the colors disperse in water, how they blend and behave to form delicate, yet ravishing artwork.

Most of your paintings are of flowers. Is there any particular reason why you enjoy doing them? 

I never enjoyed using pencils to sketch. When I saw other artists paint flowers without using a pencil, I fell in love with the free-flowing nature of the art-form and started painting lots and lots of them. Apart from flowers, I also love painting statues and lamps

Which are some of the most interesting projects that you have worked on? 

There was one project that I worked on, for a company based in London. It was a fashion company and I had to paint some very interesting floral patterns for them. I consider this project to be one of the most interesting ones that I’ve worked on so far.

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

Phatcharaphan and Adisorn. 

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

I’d love to learn digital art someday. I see artists doing amazing illustrations using their iPads. Although I would still prefer a traditional art form, I would definitely like to try my hands on digital art.

If you were to go back in time and change one decision that you made, what would it be?  

Nothing! I truly believe that a person learns from his failures and I would never go back in time to fix that. 

What advice would you give to the budding artists? 

“Learn to observe things precisely!”. That will help you so much in learning. Go and explore, have fun while painting. That’s what I do 🙂

What are your thoughts on Stoned Santa?
The art community is not very big and artists definitely need a platform. I really appreciate organisations like Stoned santa for providing a platform for artists and helping them to stand on their own feet.

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 Niharika, an illustrator and a comic artist

Meet Niharika, an illustrator and a comic artist

by | Apr 17, 2020 | Blog, Digital Art, Digital Illustration, Indian Artist, interview, Niharika

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.

 

Speak with our Gift Experts

Meet Sameera Maruvada – The creator of ‘Salt and Sambar’

Meet Sameera Maruvada – The creator of ‘Salt and Sambar’

by | Apr 10, 2020 | Blog, Cartoonist, Comics, Digital Art, Illustrations, Illustrator, interview, Sameera Muruvada

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.

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 Bijay Biswaal, whose paintings traveled the world

Meet Bijay Biswaal, whose paintings traveled the world

by | Apr 9, 2020 | Bijay Biswaal, Blog, Indian Artist, interview, Water Color Paintings

Meet the Railwayman – Artist Bijay Biswaal, whose paintings traveled the world

Artist – Bijay Biswaal, quit his full-time job with the Indian Railways to pursue his career in art full-time and is now famous for his work across the world. 

We learned about his humble beginnings and his transition from a railwayman to a world-famous painter who has traveled the world creating art and spreading joy.

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

I have never tried to define art, it’s not something that can be explained in words or phrases. It’s felt by the heart, and not the mind. For me Art is a form of expression, a form of passion with no boundaries. Art makes me truly happy.

How did you get started with art? 

When I was 3 or 4, I remember picking up burnt wood charcoal from the earthen stoves my mom would cook on, painting the walls of my house and getting scolded by my mother. As a child, I would pick any surface and start drawing and doodling.

When I joined the school I started scribbling on the slate with chalk, and I would end up drawing something or the other, irrespective of the surface. Art came to me naturally.

How did you choose Train as a subject for your paintings? 

I was posted in the Indian Railways, and the majority of my work involved spending time in the trains and the platforms, and I think I did not choose the train, it chose me. 

When I started painting trains, a lot of my friends told me – It is such a boring and metallic thing to paint, but I did not pay attention to that, and soon enough Trains have become a world-famous genre in painting. 

I think sometimes Subjects choose you, and sometimes Art chooses you. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from? 

Nature and music. I sometimes end up painting 8-9 hours in my studio listening to music, while I groove my body and the paintbrush on a canvas, and I think there is a spiritual connection, and that is my moment of ecstasy. 

How did you know it’s time to take art full-time and decided to take retirement from the Railways?

It was always in my mind, all I wanted was to paint. It would break my heart when I had to leave my canvases empty and go to work. I would wait for my shifts to get over so that I could go back and paint, no matter what time it was, I would never sleep with an incomplete canvas. Never! 

My wife –Pranati Biswaal, played a huge role in helping me gather the strength and the courage to take this decision because she always believed in me.

Talking about your transition from a traditional job to a totally different field – Art? 

I have always focused on my academics, and I am a MA First Class Degree holder, with a legal degree. I have always wanted to be financially secure so that I did not have to burden my father financially to buy me paint or canvas. 

The railways have always been very supportive of my art, and I think the best gift I got from my time serving the Indian Railways, was the exposure I got to the places of India, and the people around, it helped me discover my style. 

What sacrifices have you made to become what you are today? 

I would paint like a mad man, people would know me as the mad railwayman who paints all the time. Looking back, I realized I have always prioritized painting over cups of tea, a game of cards, or sleep. 

I wouldn’t call them sacrifices, because it never felt like one. 

“Best moment was to quit my job to pursue art full-time”

Best moments in life? 

Oscar moment when PM mentioned about me and my work in his “Mann ki Baat” in 2015. Another iconic moment for me was when Suresh Prabhu, Railway Minister invited me to “Rail Vikas Shivir”, and I was given one dedicated pavilion for Art. 

Speaking to him I put up my request to gift one of my paintings to our Prime Minister –  Narendra Modi, and when Mr. Modi saw it, he said “Biswaal Ji Nagpur Waale”, I have seen this painting several times on the internet, and seeing this in real life makes me truly happy. 

The same painting made history in 2018 when it was auctioned by the National Gallery of Modern Art – NGMA, Delhi for raising funds for the Namami Ganga Project.

What are your thoughts Corona and its impact on your work?

The best time to create art and this is the best time for me. I am truly happy to find this time to create and experiment with a lot of styles I earlier couldn’t because of other engagements I would have. 

Although I wouldn’t mind if I am locked down for another 6 months. However, I hope this gets over soon, and humanity is back to its usual track.  

How did you get started with the idea of hosting Art workshops, and what can one expect from such workshops? 

I love the ambiance that workshops give me. I have been to countries like Russia, Qatar, Nepal, Mauritius and so many more. Looking back I realize, I never planned for this. All these opportunities came to me, and I was happy to take these opportunities up. 

If you have the quality, you will be found. All you have to do is continue doing what you love with no strings and expectations attached to the outcome(s).

My main focus has always been to keep it simple. I truly enjoy sharing my experience with the people who come to experience art with me.

Throughout your journey, who has been your biggest support?

My wife is like a pillar of strength. She has always fuelled me with a lot of passion, and if I have to credit someone for where I am today, it would be my wife – Pranati Biswaal. 

She always wanted me to pursue art full-time, she’d always given me the support and the positive vibes I ever needed. I am grateful to her for everything. 

Art as a therapy? 

I am the happiest man, I am so positive, always. Whenever I am in my studio, I forget everything, I am transported to another dimension altogether. Paintings aren’t just colors, they are stories. 

Let’s take watercolor as a beautiful medium, all you need to do is put color on paper, and they blend to create a flavor that will make you feel ecstatic. I always compare watercolor to a game of 20-20 cricket, which is active, lively and gives you tremendous satisfaction. 

Any common man can experience this ecstasy, people suffering from dyslexia, or ADHD or concentration, you can engage people for longer if they are given colors. 

How do you think technology has changed the dynamics of art? Tradition and Technical? 

Gone are the days when you will have to find Buyers or approach Art galleries to showcase or sell your work. You are a couple of clicks away from potentially reaching millions with no one to stop you. 

Which are some of the most memorable projects that you have worked on?

I was in Hojer, Denmark, the only Indian artist to be invited to paint their historical sites, old barns, and distilleries. I would have made 23 paintings (Plane Air – Doing it live), the owners of the gallery that hired me would take me to different locations, we would have breakfast, and brunch, and go back in the evening. 

That feeling of capturing the rich culture of a place was ecstatic.

Have you ever felt an Art Block? How do you recommend artists to get over such creative blocks? 

Artists say I feel an Art block, writers say Writer block, people say I don’t have a mood to paint. But I am always in the mood to paint, even if I don’t want to. I will sit on the canvas and put in work to see the magic happen. 

“Just do it”, inspiration and motivation will come to you when you’re in the flow, for that state of flow you have to start, Right? 

What advice would you give to the budding artists?

Paint only if it makes you happy. Don’t add hopes to it – Will I be famous?  Will I be able to sell? Will I be able to find my own style? Put your head down and draw and sketch. 

Make as many as 20 sketches a day. Not masterpieces, just sketches and doodles.

“When asked how many artworks you would have drawn, I would have made millions of drawings and art forms”.

How can an artist discover their unique style?

The finest compliment an artist can get – “ I can identify your artwork without looking at the signature”, and I think this only comes with a lot and a lot of experience. The more you do, the closer you are to your own style. 

If you are always looking to discover your style, you will never find it. The key lies in doing what you do every day, and one day your style will find you. 

What are your thoughts on Stoned Santa?

Innovative, the fact that you are trying to show the world that Art can be gifted to people. Elegant endeavor and I hope you keep inspiring and helping more and more artists. 

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