Illustration
A Storyteller Beyond Boundaries
An Artistic Journey: From Childhood Tales to Timeless Artistry
From Childhood Tales to Timeless Artistry, a Vishnu M Nair's Journey Woven with Vibrant Imagination and Universal Appeal.
Hailing from the vibrant cities of Kochi and Delhi, Vishnu's artistic voyage began with his Bachelors in Fine Arts from the renowned College of Art Delhi. He later honed his craft further, obtaining his Masters from the prestigious National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad. His upbringing and education laid the foundation for his artistic prowess, which he has since channelled into a fulfilling career.
Vishnu's journey into the world of creativity was not a mere coincidence. As a child, he was captivated by the enchanting allure of picture books and comics. "My earliest memories involve flipping through some rat-eaten Russian picture books at home". This childhood fascination with storytelling through visuals has become the driving force behind his artistry.
A striking aspect of Vishnu's work is his ability to seamlessly merge his sense of humor and narrative-forward approach into his illustrations. This skill lends itself beautifully to stories for children, allowing him to create enchanting worlds that captivate young and old alike. But don't be mistaken – he's quick to clarify that he doesn't specifically illustrate for children.
His belief is that good stories and visuals are universally appealing, transcending age boundaries. "Although picture books are aimed at kids, I try not to illustrate specifically for them," he explains. "I think good stories and pictures are universal in their appeal."
When it comes to his creative process, whether illustrating his own stories or bringing someone else's narrative to life, Vishnu's approach remains distinct. He attributes his success to alignment of sensibilities with authors and art directors who give him creative freedom. "With my own stories, the process is more visual and involves drawing before writing,".
Even when confronted with the challenge of a rigid brief devoid of a story, Vishnu approaches it with finesse. He believes in understanding the rationale behind the brief and crafting a direct response that encapsulates intention and perhaps even a hint of narrative.
The elusive concept of an artist's "style" often sparks curiosity. Vishnu's response– he hasn't actively sought a specific style. Instead, he allows his illustrations to evolve naturally, adapting to the stories he wishes to convey and the medium he uses. What remains constant is his ability to create characters that seamlessly weave into narratives, giving them a sense of belonging.
One might wonder how an artist maintain their passion when their art becomes their profession. Vishnu's wisdom shines through as he emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the creative process itself. He believes that learning to enjoy the process is an important part of being an artist or designer. To nurture his inner child, Vishnu finds solace in a personal sketchbook.
Here, he keeps his youthful wonder alive, ensuring his art stays linked to his core. Even in the face of challenges, he reminds himself that he can control the process of making art and choose to revel in it.
