Simran looks at life with appreciation to illustrate her art
SHARJAH: Wikipedia, the go-to resource for every sort of explanation, definition and elucidation, defines Illustration as a “decoration, interpretation or visual explanation of a text, concept or process, designed for integration in print and digital published media, such as posters, flyers, magazines, books, teaching materials, animations, video games and films.” It also adds, rather unnecessarily, that an illustration is typically created by an illustrator.
In the world of art, illustration has at times been considered of less importance than graphic design and fine art.
Today, however, due in part to the growth of graphic novel and video game industries, as well as increased use of illustration in magazines and other publications, it is becoming a valued art form, capable of engaging a global market. Sixteen year old Simran Makvana, student of Grade 10 in Good Shepherd International School, Ooty, India, is an upcoming illustrator. Daughter of Uae-based parents, she has chosen art as her career.
Gulf Today draws her out
What attracts you to illustration? You could have been a painter...
I’m attracted to illustration because you can make your piece more detailed and precise using pen and ink and pencil medium. Also, I don’t limit myself to one medium. I do paint sometimes using acrylics and watercolours and find that quite relaxing.
What was the first illustration you did? What was the reaction of people, that of your family, friends and teachers, when they saw it?
My inspirations were cartoon characters when I first began illustrating. My family and teachers were very supportive, and my friends were awe-struck.
How do you get your inspiration? From other illustrations or only from imagination and observation?
I get ideas for illustration while scrolling through Pinterest from other illustrations and photographs of people and objects. I also draw from observing people around me.
Do you ever trace illustrations? We are sure it is free hand...
No, I don’t trace any of my illustrations. While tracing is a good exercise to learn anatomy when you’re a beginner, you should never depend on it.
Do you like to illustrate in colour or black and white or both? What are the advantages of either medium?
I like to illustrate in both colour and black and white medium. Usually, I tend to use colour when using pencils and just black colour when using pens.
Both mediums are great. You can use the boldest colour on a specific part of your piece that you wish the audience focuses upon. Black and white is advantageous because you get a good idea about the composition as a sketch.
What are the qualities needed to be an illustrator?
The most necessary quality required for an artist working with any medium is patience. They must also be passionate and consistent with their art.
Illustrators must also be more observant of their surroundings, because this will deepen their understanding of life and help you look at yourself and the world around you with profound appreciation.
Do you have any role models?
I am inspired by various forms of art and many different artists. I’m spurred to try mediums out of my comfort zone because of Tuhin sir, my Art and Design teacher, in my first two years of high school.
What is the difference between an illustration and a cartoon, according to you?
In my opinion, cartoons are filled with vibrantly coloured characters. Usually, they are moving images designed for kids. Paintings or sketches are illustrations because they are still images.
You seem to have the talent to merge surrealism and realism in your work. Comment.
Yes, I’m interested in merging surrealism and realism in my pieces. I attempt to employ the devices of levitation, juxtaposition and illusion.
What are your future plans as an illustrator?
I aspire to be involved and dedicated to any form of art I do. In the future, I want to try various mediums like charcoal, gouache, conté and oil paint.