We Draw by Our Hands but Through Our Minds - Neha Jain


1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I am Neha Jain from Surat, Gujarat. I completed my schooling and graduation in Bachelor of Commerce from S.D.J. International College, Surat itself. Currently, I am pursuing MBA at UBS, Chandigarh. So, the talent in me of sketching was recognized during my school days.

I still remember how my friends, relatives, and my drawing teacher in school told me how interesting my drawings were. I took the call and started practising. Every finished sketch would inspire me to sketch more. And this way I honed myself. I can proudly say I am a self-made artist.

During my graduation years, I participated in painting, poster making, and rangoli competitions. My work was published in my college publications, where most of the students got merely a section of the page I was the only one to have a full page for myself containing 6-7 of my sketches. Through that, I got more recognition.

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

We all try to grab the opportunities based on our strengths and weaknesses. Earlier back, I realized that God has given internal gifts and strengths to everyone, which differs from person to person. So considering sketching to be my strength, I explored and learned more and it was when I decided to be Sketch Artist. After my 12th grade, I started making portraits by order and it is today I never stopped.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

This question banks on the demand perspective that why people want a portrait of themselves or there loved ones? They do this either to gift someone or want to keep with themselves framing it on the wall. The major demand comes from gifting methods. If we take it to ourselves, what would be the first gift coming in your mind?

A watch, A Smartphone, some clothes or stuff they like and this is the problem the art industry faces. I think it will more years to flourish. These situations are completely different when you are a big renowned artist around the world which takes many years of perseverance and practice and eyes of an artist to see art, beauty, and glory in everything.

4. Who is your favourite illustrator and why?

It would not be fair to actually name someone as every artist is unique. Every piece of art has something to say, it's not just a drawing on the paper it contains the thoughts and the message of the artist. There are several people around us who are learning or are artists or have mastered in artistry you can inspire from.

5. Where do you get inspired to create art?

Generally, what we do is the outcome of the thoughts in our minds. For me, a jolly mood, healthy environment helps in my work. We draw by our hands but through our minds.

6. What does your typical day look like?

So, I am one of those persons who put into execution management principles. I plan my day, organize things to be done, and then implement the same keeping the urgent elements at first. I make sure to illustrate even a small sketch every day to keep me up with it.


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

I went to a seminar once and I learned a very essential trait about life is to "love yourself". The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself. Accepting your weaknesses, believing in yourself, and loving what you do will help you in becoming as you hope to be.

8. Which is your favourite book and why?

In books, I prefer fictional books more than others. I am a great fan of books by DAN BROWN and Harry Porter series. While reading this type of book they make one picturise the whole plot of the drama, suspense, in the reader's mind. There are Robert Kiyosaki books which are also helpful in one's life.

Interview By - Sonam