"Do Quality Work, Not Quantity Work" - Sahil Kapil

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1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I am Sahil Kapil, student of MFA from Government College of Art Chandigarh. I also train students for the skill of Painting and Decorating for WorldSkills India. I am the first Indian student who represented India in the WorldSkills (Skill Olympic) in “Painting and Decorating” category.

I represented India three times in WorldSkills contests, first in Worldskills Asia (2018) held in Abu Dhabi, followed by Global Skill Challenge (2019) held in Melbourne, Australia. Then I took part in Skill Olympics Worldskills (2019) held in Kazan, Russia. I got a Silver medal in India Skills (2018) and was honoured with the Satish Gujral Award in Annual Art Exhibition (2019) held at the College of Art, Chandigarh.

My journey started from a zonal level competition in Chandigarh, where I got the third position. Then I participated in the State level competition, where I got a Silver medal, followed by regional level competition, where I got a Bronze medal.

After that NSDC provided me with expert training along with other competitors in Kolkata, to improve our skills to participate at the National level. I got a Silver medal at the National level. After a few weeks, I received a mail from NSDC, informing that I was selected to represent my skill in WorldSkills Asia (2018) in Abu Dhabi as a guest.

My expert Hakim Sir organized a training camp in Kolkata where I improved my skills. At WorldSkills Asia 2018, India participated as a guest country. It was full of learning for all competitors and I started practising at home too.

In 2019, I got another good news that I was selected to represent India as a competitor at the Global Skills Challenge (2019) in Melbourne, Australia. My parents, teachers and friends all were very happy with the achievement. I did my training in Kolkata and also started my daily practice.

I also represented India for Skill Olympics Worldskills 2019 in Kazan, Russia
I belong to a middle-class family, including my father, mother and elder brother. My father works at a club, my mother works at a school and my brother is in the Indian Navy. Now, I am training another student for the WorldSkills platforms in the trade of painting and decorating.

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

I decided to become a painter when I was in 11th standard. 

3. Is it a financially stable career?

Yes, it all depends on you which line you are working on. For instance, I know of many artists and art directors who work in Bollywood are getting paid enough. On the other hand, there are also some illustrators who use social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to get the most out of this.

4. Who is your favourite illustrator and why?

Raja Ravi Verma is my favourite illustrator. His way of painting is truly eye-catching. I love the beautiful use of the colour scheme in all his paintings.

5. Where do you get inspired to create art?

There are many sources of inspiration for an artist. Daily life happenings are one such source for me. Interestingly, I even get inspired by the national and international news channel to create art.

6. What does your typical day look like?

Most of the days are normal. I really enjoy helping my mom dad in house chores. I also spend some quality time with them and do my studies. After that, I sketch for some time. The rest of my day is spent watching the news and some new tutorials in software designing.

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

I would like to say that keep doing what you want. First things first, clear the base knowledge concept in your mind about your work. This is the most important step. Then, practice regularly and do quality work not quantity work. With that, you also need to improve your personality and communication skills.

8. Which is your favourite book and why?

Raja Ravi Varma: Painter of Colonial India because it has one of the most beautiful paintings and the story is also a good read.

Interview by - Sonam