"Art for Me Is Like a Positive Infection" - Suravi Sengupta

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1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I used to be this kid who’d always scribble in the back of my notebooks every other day, doodling something or the other. Less did I know that my work life would push me to resume drawing after years and that would become such a huge part of my daily life. I had a keen interest in drawing where I used to see my best friend in school drawing and draw along with her. The best gift would always be a good drawing book which my father used to buy me. Well, nothing much has changed now. Even being a working woman now, I invest more into art supplies than owning dresses. 

During my teen years, I was very intrigued to know how to design and execute ideas, so I headed forward and pursued the Textile designing degree course from NIFT. I always had full support from my family who, time and again, encouraged me to pursue what I wanted instead of getting into any engineering college. I currently work with Arvind Lifestyle Brands Limited as a UI designer (graphics) after working as a textile designer in an export house. As I come back home after work, I continue drawing every day, trying to improve my own skills. I dedicate a good 2-3hourr to this so that I can ensure that the process is going steady and better every day. 

I never really thought of making a business out of my passion. My love for illustrations will only grow as ideas can never fade away. Currently, I make customized artworks from requests vis emails/ Instagram DMs. I also create wedding invites along with greeting artworks for couples and other occasions. 

2. When did you decide you wanted to be a painter/illustrator?

The process is still an ongoing one as I strive to get better every other day from my previous version (just updating the software within me, haha!!).

I used to always scribble at the back of my diaries/notebooks since childhood. Although I was somehow disconnected from drawing for long and then during my initial career days, I could reconnect and that was when I chose the technique of stippling as I knew it was something of huge patience as one needs to keep dotting-away to create depth for any shape.

This was something that felt like meditation to me after my super hectic work hours at an export house. Back then, I used to vaguely post my artworks on Instagram and one fine day, one of my close friends pushed me to create a proper art page. Even being super skeptical about the entire thing, I launched my art page on Instagram naming it as "Inkfectious_art".

Art for me is like a positive infection that cures negativities around me,  and I can channelize any and every emotion via art. I use ink pen/ pigmented ink to draw (hence, the name was altogether born). Even being a moderately extrovert person, I like indulging myself more into art now as I feel the satisfaction it gives me.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

Every career has its own ups and downs. Art, as a career option is no different. Creativity, being a relative subject, becomes tougher at the beginning. History gives us an immense number of examples and motivation where one's passion, when combined with hard work, has created wonders. Art, as a career option may take a longer time to stabilize, but with love and dedication anybody can excel in any profession is what I believe.

4. Who is your favorite illustrator and why?

There are so many illustrators whom I religiously follow.

Kerby Rosanes, Joseph Catimbang, Justin Estcourt, Jason Limberg, Joyeeta (Joyeeta Joyart), Upamanyu Bhattacharya are few of my most favorite illustrators among all. I love their work as they do it with utter intricacy and the concept behind each work pushes me to think more and more. As much as their work is a treat to the eyes, the artworks also serve a purpose by spreading a message out there for everyone. 

5. Where do you get inspired to create art?

“The Earth without ‘art’ is just ‘Eh’!!” This phrase is a hackneyed one yet has got power in it. Nature has always been the greatest inspiration to me. 

Even the conversations I have with my folks turn into inspiration as several times an idea or a concept pop-up while those conversations take place. 

I always listen to a variety of songs, which again, give me inspiration or idea to work upon as those are already deeply- thought of concepts by the artists (songwriters) themselves.

For any artist, inspiration can come out of anything and everything, I'm no exception. Inspirations that hit me to my core goes into my art-copy!

6. What does your typical day look like?

My typical day includes all my daily chores and exercises along with a 9-7 job, and post that I dwell into my dreamy world which has no boundary and that’s how my pen and pencil run along with my imagination. Well, that can go for hours!

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring illustrators?

As another favorite artist of mine quoted once, "always try making sure that your quality of work is good. Always keep working on what other improvisation you can do. Remember, you are special and so is your artwork. People will like your work as your work gets better and better. So just focus on that". I strongly believe in myself. 

Also, you need to make art for yourself in the first place and then for those whom you're making it. This is such a form that can't be done half-heartedly, I feel. Alongside the process, you need to know what your art is worth. Check how other freelance artists work and make your mark accordingly. Never underestimate the value of your artwork and the time you have dedicated to creating a beautiful piece of artwork. It's a brainchild of yours. Nobody can take it away from you if you are true to yourself and your artwork. It will boost up your confidence and give a sense of satisfaction even while working for someone else.

8. Which is your favorite book and why?

I'm more of a movie person(I love animated movies) over books. And as far as books are concerned, the Harry Potter series is what I love reading. The world created by J K Rowling captivates me and sets a roller coaster of emotions inside me which helps me in getting the boost of creativity.

- Suravi Sengupta (Illustrator)

Interview By - Abhirup Dey