Q1. Tell us about your journey.

My fascination with the realm of comic book art stems from a lifelong passion for drawing. While I indulged in animated cartoons, comic books remained an undiscovered treasure. My literary adventures revolved around ‘Diwali ank’ and summer holiday reads until the allure of superhero cinema, particularly Spider-Man, Marvel and DC films, ignited a fervent interest in comics. Delving into comic-centric YouTube channels and social media platforms became my educational pursuit, expanding my understanding of this vibrant medium. It wasn’t long before I uncovered India’s diverse comic landscape, sparking a profound desire to contribute to this rich tapestry of storytelling.

Q2. We would love to know a bit about your creative process.

My creative process doesn’t adhere to a strict formula; it’s more fluid and adaptive. Whether immersing myself in a script or nurturing a budding concept, I instinctively translate ideas into visual narratives, a habit honed by my background as a storyboard artist. I cultivate the concept in my mind, keeping it vibrant and dynamic. As I prepare to bring it to life, I embark on a journey of gathering references, absorbing pertinent details and refining the essence of the story. Thumbnailing becomes my compass, ensuring each panel contributes to the overarching storytelling. Throughout this iterative process, I meticulously assess whether the intended message resonates, fine-tuning and experimenting until the work achieves its desired impact.

Q3. Are there any particular themes or messages that you want your work to convey?

Humour serves as a cornerstone in much of my work, serving as a conduit for delivering messages with a lighter touch. I firmly believe that embedding messages within comedic narratives not only entertains but also mitigates the risk of causing offense. While acknowledging the increasing sensitivity prevalent in today’s discourse, I maintain that humour remains an effective mechanism for engaging audiences. Beyond comedy, I strive to imbue my creations with substantive messages, ensuring that each piece contributes to a broader conversation or imparts a meaningful takeaway.

Q4. You’re a storyboard artist, a comic book illustrator, a cartoonist. Where do you get most of your assignments from? Is it agencies, brands, publications/ magazines?

Transitioning from employment to freelancing posed its challenges, particularly in securing and retaining clients. Initially, I reached out to friends and acquaintances within the industry, as well as established studios, to secure projects. Leveraging social media platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn also proved fruitful in connecting with potential clients. Additionally, I’ve been approached by various publications, which have contributed to my workload. Presently, the majority of my assignments stem from animation studios and publications/magazines, indicating a growing network and diverse range of projects.

Q5. What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators and comic book artists?

Absolutely! While I may not consider myself a prominent figure in the industry to dispense advice, there are several principles I adhere to, which I believe can be beneficial for aspiring illustrators and comic book artists. Firstly, I firmly believe that the pursuit of art is intrinsically linked to spiritual practice; thus, nurturing one’s craft should be approached with a sense of dedication. Continuously honing your skills is paramount; don’t shy away from acknowledging and learning from your mistakes, rather than concealing them under the guise of ‘style’. Prioritize your craft over the allure of social media algorithms, instead, cultivate patience and dedicate yourself to consistent daily practice. Above all, embrace life fully, drawing inspiration from its highs and lows, as this authenticity will infuse your creations with genuine emotion and resonance.

Q6. What are the challenges you face of being an illustrator and comic book artist? How do you overcome them?

One of the constant challenges I face as an illustrator and comic book artist is consistently delivering my work in the most compelling form. I am always mindful of ensuring that my creations do not fall into a pattern of repetition, striving to explore new innovative ways of storytelling with each project. To tackle these hurdles, I engage in extensive research, immersing myself in various sources of inspiration. If I encounter a particular skill or technique that proves elusive, I dedicate time to deliberate practice. However, if I find myself hitting a creative roadblock, I adopt a more relaxed approach—I step away from my work, indulge in other activities like watching a movie or simply taking a stroll, allowing inspiration to naturally find its way back to me. Ultimately, I remind myself to take things in stride and not to place undue pressure on the creative process.

Omkar’s answers have been translated by Shrutika Suryawanshi.