Curiosity creates art
I have always been interested in art since childhood. As a neurodivergent kid, growing up I had a lot of questions about the world. Especially regarding the rules imposed on women and the taboos surrounding us. My questions were mostly ignored as these topics weren’t openly discussed. So, art became an outlet for me.
My art has helped me explore my thoughts and process my feelings while finding answers on the way! The censorship on social media has affected my work heavily in the past. And there’s always a certain level of judgement you face for being an outspoken woman, which does discourage me sometimes.
Akshara Ashok, 28
LOG ON TO @happyfluffcomics
Artists who inspire me: Sarah Andersen and Beatrix Potter
Taking a dive and keeping afloat
After graduation, I approached my parents to give me one year to prove I can make a living as an artist. Their worry made sense since we don’t hear of many artists in India who earn a living in my field. It’s important to have the confidence and proof to take their worries away.
I worked as an animator for four years and a year as a storyboard artist before finally deciding to dive into the world of comics.
The biggest challenge is always about being financially independent since it requires different skills that are not typically taught, unlike marketing. Pick up such skills, and things get good really fast.
Vibha Rao, 31
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Artists who inspire me: Masashi Kishimoto, Bill Watterson, and Gomyang
Nurturing the change
I’ve been in this field for a very long time now [nearly 15-16 years]. From then to now, everything in the world has changed. When I began, I didn’t even know if this field would go in the direction I would like it to go, and if it would make financial sense.
But it worked out, thanks to technology and social media. The one place I feel is gender-neutral is commercial art, as people look at the end product as opposed to the person behind it. A lot of my drawings are based on the things I see and do in my life, and motherhood is a big chunk of it.
Alicia Souza, 39
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Artist who inspires me: Quentin Blake
