From childhood sketches to transforming spaces!

From childhood sketches to immersive brand spaces, Khalid Merchant's journey is a story of passion, experimentation, and growth. The Environmental Graphic Designer at Wallcano shares insights on creativity, self-learning, and pushing artistic boundaries in today’s ever-evolving design world.
The Crawford Market.
The Crawford Market. A vibrant portrayal of Crawford Market, collaboratively created for Recykal Hyderabad, installed on hexagon glass to capture its dynamic energy.
3 min read
Q

Let’s start at the very beginning! Could you share a glimpse into your childhood? What were some of your hobbies, dreams, and early influences?

A

My childhood was filled with creativity and imagination. I vividly remember spending my summer holidays sketching comic book characters for hours, doodling & painting landscapes. Those two months of uninterrupted time were a playground for my creativity. Alongside sketching, I enjoyed cycling and playing games at the time. Even while in school, I found myself drawn to technology. My brother and I used to crack games and create mods, which sparked my initial interest in the IT field. However, my true creative spark came from my uncle, now the founder of Wallcano. He became my biggest inspiration. Watching him work on college assignments and create digital art left a lasting impression on me. His college friends often came to our house for their projects, and they all seemed so cool, passionate, and dedicated. I would sit there, observing and dreaming of following his footsteps. Those early influences gave me the confidence to dream of becoming an artist and pursuing a career in this field.

Whale of Wonders.
Whale of Wonders. This surreal collage for Famousstudios merges earthly roots with cosmic dreams, symbolising limitless creativity.
Q

How did your interest in art transition into a professional aspiration? Was there a defining moment or experience?

A

Art was always a big part of my life, but it wasn’t until I saw its impact on others that I truly understood its significance. A defining moment came during my school years when I consistently used to win drawing competitions. The appreciation and encouragement from my teachers, who often praised the detail and creativity in my work, gave me a sense of confidence and purpose. Their recognition motivated me to push my boundaries and take art more seriously, realizing that it had the power to leave a lasting impression on others.

A Palette of India Collage Series.
A Palette of India Collage Series. Capturing Goa’s essence with beaches, forts, music, and tropical vibes.
Q

When did collage art, illustration, and environmental graphic design capture your imagination?

A

I’ve always believed in exploring multiple mediums rather than limiting myself to just one or two. The collage art caught my attention while I was immersed in illustration, as I felt a need to push boundaries and experiment with layered and dynamic forms of expression. That’s what drew me to collage art, its ability to merge textures, colours, and imagery into something entirely new, a narrative built from seemingly disconnected elements. Illustration, on the other hand, was a natural evolution for me. It gave me the precision and freedom to transform abstract ideas into tangible visuals, making it an essential part of my creative process. Environmental graphic design became a passion during my time at Wallcano, where I was encouraged to explore diverse creative avenues. That experience opened my eyes to the potential of space branding, where art, storytelling, and design converge to redefine physical spaces. The idea of blending collage, illustration, and design to transform environments into immersive experiences, It’s the ability to combine all these creative disciplines that keep me inspired and constantly evolving as an artist.

A Palette of India Collage Series.
A Palette of India Collage Series. Kerala’s vibrancy captured through geometric shapes and photos, weaving a rich cultural narrative.
Q

You took the foundation course at the Model Art Institute. How did that shape your understanding of design?

A

It played a major role in shaping my understanding of design, introducing me to the fundamentals of art and design composition, colour theory, perspective, and form. These basics became the building blocks of my creative process, helping me approach projects with a strong foundation and a clear sense of structure.

One of the key lessons I took away was the importance of observation. The course taught me to see the world through a designer’s eye analysing shapes, patterns, and how elements interact with one another. This perspective continues to influence my work, whether I’m creating illustrations, collages, or designing spaces. Another invaluable skill was experimentation. The institute encouraged us to explore different mediums and techniques, which gave me the confidence to push boundaries and try new approaches to my art. Overall, the experience taught me to balance creativity with discipline, a mindset that continues to guide my work today.

Read the full article & much more in the Print Edition of Issue 66
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