Creativity isn’t something that can be created or destroyed but can be nurtured by one’s own self. Whatever creativity you’re gifted with, make proper use of it. Make people see your point of view through it because there is n number of things that are ignorant to a layman’s eyes. Make them fall in love with your creative power and leave them in awe with what can you do with a mixture of vision, imagination, and the will to make an impact.
1. Tell us more about your background and journey.
I was born on 21st November 1999 in a working-class family. Both my parents are government officials. My mother being a teacher, was quite firm with my studies and made sure that I stand out in every way. Since my first day of schooling, she worked upon my overall development as a person giving equal focus to arts, academics and sports.
My father, on the other hand, kept everything in a balance and guided me like a true companion. Both of them neither gave me any sort of pressure nor forced me to take up a particular conventional path.
I completed my schooling at The Heritage School, Rohini, in the commerce stream. I had taken up music when I was in the 5th grade and started learning guitar. I used to draw and occasionally paint at home and in school. Having a competitive spirit, it was very difficult for anyone to keep me off the stage, and till 10th grade, I played zonal level football, went to band competitions, and even made artworks for annual art exhibitions organized by my school. 11th grade onwards, I became more focused on my academics and art, music and photography became my escapes.
Being a tech-savvy guy, I started learning new ways of editing and learned adobe software which helped me to improve the way I showed my content to the world. I even began my own photography page on Instagram as @thepicturesquevision, and it gained a following of 1K+ within 5 months.
Currently, I am in the last semester of my bachelor's degree in Business Economics from the eminent Delhi University. Working for my college societies and AIESEC, I developed a keen interest in graphic designing, and my skills got refined to a very professional level. I went from creating content to attract the attention of the audience of my age to clients who are twice my age.
I practise art, either in the form of Digital Art on my iPad or making beautiful/aesthetic content such as presentations and proposals for my academics and in my work life.
I aspire to go to the United States of America next year to pursue my master's degree and have been preparing for the same. I truly believe that one’s creative thoughts really make an impact on one’s lifestyle, and the artist in oneself should be kept alive at all costs.
2. When did you decide you wanted to be an artist?
Being an art and tech enthusiast, I came across Steve Jobs when I was in 7th grade, and I have seen him as an idol ever since. He truly showed the world that everything is possible if you have a worthy and life-altering vision and are willing to work honestly towards it.
The way he brought his vision to life and the way it was presented to the audience, be it any product, left me in awe. My art is my way of expressing myself and presenting the same to my audience in a way that makes an impact on them. I never thought to become an artist, but art always provided me with content and satisfaction. It always works as a therapy for me and gives me a place where there are no bounds to my imagination.
3. How would you manage your college and life balance alongside your passion/hobby?
My parents always told and taught me to strike a balance in everything I do in life. Each aspect of life is different and should be given time in such a way so that nothing overlaps one another. I am a person who barely sits at one place and always looks for something new and interesting to do.
The same goes for my studies and art. I do what I feel I am in the right mindset for. Making a to-do list and prioritizing things definitely work; however, you can’t force creativity. So whenever I am not in a creative state of mind, I tend to study and read about new things. I get other things done, and there are quite a few times it helps me to get rid of my creative block as well.
What really important is to stay focus on the things you do and give in your 100% every time you are working upon it, even if it lasts as short as 5 minutes.
4. Who is your favourite painter/artist, and why?
There are quite a few people who truly inspire me.
As for design, I admire Steve Jobs and John I've as I love symmetry and minimalism. As for painting, I love Vincent van Gogh’s strokes and the detailing his paintings to provide. His paintings reflect his vision and can truly transport you to a dreamy land. The starry night is my favourite painting of his.
As for digital art, I learnt watching videos of Gal Shir and Samy Löwe. Their illustrations are very eye catchy, and there is always a different idea/thought behind them.
5. What is your inspiration for creating art?
Living my life at the intersection of art and technology, expressing my vision and creativity through technological and digital means, I have often tried to look and showcase beyond as to what meets the eye. Having varied interests in sketching, painting, music, gadgets, gaming and technology, my work is my idea of moving beyond one's comfort zone, exploring potential capabilities and ending up in the world of infinite possibilities.
I am a self-learnt artist, digital artist and photographer. I love to spend time looking for the minutest of the details and trying to find something extraordinary within the ordinary. Being a huge fan of Steve Jobs, I love minimalism and have a keen eye for detail. I started off with photography as it means capturing and freezing the moments; however, while creating art, my inspiration is to give tangibility to my creativity and vision.
6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring artists?
Creativity isn’t something that can be created or destroyed but can be nurtured by one’s own self. Whatever creativity you’re gifted with, make proper use of it. Make people see your point of view through it because there is n number of things that are ignorant to a layman’s eyes. Make them fall in love with your creative power and leave them in awe with what can you do with a mixture of vision, imagination and the will to make an impact.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
My favourite books are the following:
- Feck Perfection by James Victore
This is the book that keeps me wildly creative and inspired. In this book, James Victore fills you with motivation and emphasizes the fact that your creativity is deadly and is enough to make an impact on others.
- Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
This is the book that keeps me inspired and makes me gives my 100% to everything that I do. It not only gave me a sense of work ethics but also reflected as to how an innovative person should be like. There is a lot to learn from Steve Jobs, both from his good and bad qualities.
8. How do you perceive yourself as a digital artist?
I have always been into tech and being given a chance to use technology to reflect my vision and creativity made me feel thrilled. I made my first piece of digital art in 2013 on my iPad. It was a cartoon sketch of me and my parents. My interest in this field started again when apple launched the iPad Pro and the apple pencil. I couldn’t wait to use it and this is how I made sure I didn’t waste my time during the quarantine.
What started as making cartoons and illustrations in July 2020, I practiced enough to now make photorealistic portraits, design logos, and create AR art which comes to life when looked through a smartphone camera. My digital art is my way of showcasing a very tiny part as to what the future holds for art and the artists.
Some people think that digital art is easy. It is easy as you don’t have to get so much material and clean up after you’re done for the day but they forget that it gets technically difficult to learn the software, the tools and the cost of the hardware is sometimes too high.
However, there is no paper wastage or loss of any material but there are times that long hours can affect one’s eyesight. This all comes down to one thing - focus and balance. Do what you want to in life, but strike a balance. Stay creative, make art but also do something that makes you valuable as a human resource.
Chirayu Arya - Photographer & Digital Artist
Interviewed By: Nishad Kinhikar
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