Q1. Tell us about your journey.

Art has been a part of my life since childhood. I’m grateful to my dad, who discovered my drawing abilities at a young age. Growing up in South Bombay, I was exposed to Gothic and Victorian sculptures, art deco-architecture, Bora Bazar, Chor Bazar and the Heritage Girgaon gullies. I later attended art school and worked as a full-time art director for agencies like Ogilvy and Leo Burnett. However, I eventually left advertising to pursue my passion for illustration and other art forms like graphic design and photography. 

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

I have a pretty traditional, simple, playful and experimental process when it comes to creating any artwork. I enjoy taking regular trips and making visual notes, which often inspires me to explore creative concepts that capture my interest, personal experiences and observations.

From there, I use various styles, mediums, multiple layers and forms to bring my ideas to life. I typically work on one concept at a time and start with sketching, painting and inkwork on paper. I always keep a sketchbook filled with mammal, figurative drawings, objects and shapes, which I can refer back to when working on a project.

I never have a set plan for a painting or illustration. I strive to create a visual language that blends old and modern styles, one that can entertain and engage everyone. Through this approach, I can express myself honestly and imperfectly and enjoy the creative process with the same spirit each time.

Q3. How do you manage to be good at graphic design, illustration and photography?

Well, I can’t say that I’m good at everything. I’m still learning…learning to see the good in everything. To put it simply, the key to being good at anything is curiosity. When you’re curious, you keep your eyes open and your inner child alive. It makes you take risks, explore, experiment, and flow like a river. But it also requires thousands of hours of hard, focused work and practice. It’s a lifelong process.

Q4. Who are your favourite artists? 

This list isn’t short, but to list a few artists, painters, designers, photographers, architects and illustrators – Dieter Rams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alex Webb, Saul Bass, Herb Lubalin, C Y Twombly, Basquiat, Rene Magritte, Franz Kline, Jangarh Singh Shyam, All Khovar, Sohrai & Kavad artists, Zaha Hadid, Andrew Trotter, Iliana Kerestetzi, Vinu Daniel, Prashant Godbole, Vineet Vohra.

Q5. What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

I came across a hand-painted message on rocks several times while trekking in the Garhwal Himalayas. The message read, “प्रकृति का आनंद लेते हुए चले – Appreciate nature and walk, don’t just walk”. It reminded me to slow down in this 30-second content and fast-paced life, take time, look everywhere- try everything- learn and respond, be curious, work hard consistently and put it out on digital & physical platforms.

Don’t stick to a particular style/ tool/ medium – Be brave & experimental, create something every single day and do not ignore paper-pencil.

Never underestimate your body, passion, hobbies, time and loved ones. These things make you a better person and keep you young and healthy.

Most importantly be who you are, be free & travel often.