Back to the drawing board!

No post from the illustrator half in a long time. Been busy busy with some filming assignments (the rozi-roti) and lots of illustration work. A Ladybird title for Puffin and a book of Animal stories for Scholastic, two covers for Puffin/ Penguin, and not to mention a mega-24 illustration assignment for Time Out, Mumbai.

The Ladybird book was the most eventful, with the art director scrapping ALL the illustrations submitted in the first round (12 spreads)! Kaboom!! A month’s work down the drain! But the art director said that she knew I was capable of delivering better stuff. The worst thing was that I knew she was right. The illustrations were just not happening – no apparent style, not great watercolor work and no character. An illustrator’s nightmare, in short. Just gritted my teeth and started off on the fresh lot. Don’t play safe – that was the mantra I gave myself – go OverTheTop!

After investing in a new set of water-colours, getting some good paper and waking up at 4am every day, I had a pretty good set to send off for approval. After a couple of days the reply came. “We all love it! Go ahead with the rest!” the art director said. Hurrah! Hallelujah!

Note to myself (and fellow illustrators!): Don’t be complacent, don’t be afraid to experiment and don’t be disheartened if somebody says your work is shit…and most importantly – don’t skimp on art-materials! Here are two illustrations from the new lot. The old ones now line the loo-window to stop the pigeons from invading… They too are scared of the baaaad illustrations!

Amit