Welcome to the new artist interview series where I interview talented designer makers, surface pattern designers, artists and illustrators. Today's artist, the first of the interview series is talented illustrator-sometimes printmaker Aleesha Nandhra. She creates awe inspiring screen prints/illustrations that have a playful attitude and are full of colour and fun. So without further ado here's what she has to say:
I am an Illustrator-sometimes Printmaker from London. I solve visual problems for clients, as well as constantly producing nee work that I feel others will enjoy!
I love mixing things together: drawing, painting, collage -I really enjoy printmaking too.
3.What are your favourite art materials to use?
Pencil, fine-liners and gouache paint
4.Do you have a favourite piece of artwork you have made?
That is so difficult to answer...I make every piece for different reasons, and in different ways... I can't pick! A couple of favourites from this year are my comic "Grief" that was printed in Issue 13 of OFFLINE my Space Travel inspired cards.
I don't have a preference in terms of colour, but I do try and limit the palette I use every time. I feel that it helps me make quicker decisions because there are less options. I use red a lot - it's my favourite colour.
6. What influences your work?
Music, travel, food, packaging and good stories.
7.Could you show us where you work/studio space?
8. What path did you take to get to where you are now?
After completing my A-Levels I went on to study Illustration at The Cambridge School of Art I graduated in 2014, and have since done some part time teaching, freelance work, in-house work at a toy stationery factory, and completed a screen printing internship. Now I am where you fine me now! Still doing quite a few of these thins. It's nice to be creative busy.
9. Are there any defining moments in your creative career?
The first time I went to WHSmiths and picked up a magazine with my work in it...that was a big deal. It was amazing to see my work in this tangible thing that someone could buy.
10.When did you know you wanted to be an artist/illustrator/designer/printmaker?
I've always loved drawing, and art. I think I always knew that I wanted to pursue something creative. I decided that my work fitted best in the world of illustration when I was looking to study Art/Design at higher education and visiting lots of degree shows. Everything just naturally grew from there!
11.What would be a normal day for you?
Waking up and going or a run, then after showering and having breakfast I like to be at my desk before 9am to check emails (and instagram...) Then I go through my to do-list and check what needs working on first, put some music on, and get to it! At some point I do stop for lunch...and a few cups of tea, but I like to be at my desk from 9-5. Of course some days I head over to Print Club to do some screen printing, or I head into school to do some teaching - it just depends on what day of the week it is. :)
12.What is your dream project or goal?
My dream project or goal would be to create work for a band or musician - gig posters, album artwork, merchandise etc. That or create illustrations for food packaging.
I feel that I am still in the early ages of my career myself! So I'm not sure what other advice I could give other than: Keep working hard and what you love to do!
Thank you so much Aleesha! I hope you've enjoyed this interview!
If you would like to follow Aleesha or see her work here are some links you should be sure to check out! :
This was so interesting! Thank you for sharing, I just discovered a great artist x
ReplyDeleteJessica — NinetyCo
This was an interesting read! Those illustrations are awesome.
ReplyDelete