Spreading Joy, One Doodle at a Time!
Since 2015, Anirudh has been transforming everyday moments into vibrant doodle illustrations that resonate deeply with viewers. As the creative force behind Hey Doode, a venture Anirudh co-founded with his wife Neha, he combines meticulous research, personal experiences, and a passion for storytelling to craft art that captures the essence of nostalgia and human nature. Learn how he balances creativity with storytelling and creates artwork that feels authentic and relatable.
Let’s start at the beginning—what sparked your love for illustration?
Anirudh. My love for illustration began in coll[p[0pege, where I was inspired by my seniors and captivated by drawing human figures and portraits. I enjoyed observing people and translating those unique moments into sketches, which quickly became a style of realistic doodling that my classmates admired. Over time, as I refined my work and received recognition from seniors and faculty, I knew this was my path. The appreciation I received, motivated me to pursue a career where I could bring these moments to life through my art.
What inspired you to start Hey Doode, and what vision do you have for it?
Anirudh. Hey Doode, founded by my wife Neha and me, blends our strengths—fine art and commercial art. We aim to create original, high-quality work, combining illustration and design to deliver standout solutions and build lasting client relationships.
Your work is all about capturing emotions and nostalgia. How do you approach translating feelings and memories into doodle art?
Anirudh. I connect with my work by experiencing it first. Whether it’s drawing a place, a taste, or an object, I immerse myself in that moment before sketching. For instance, if I’m illustrating a coffee scene, I’ll take time to savour the experience of drinking coffee, capturing the textures and aromas that make it memorable. This personal connection allows me to bring authentic details into my work, using colour and atmosphere to evoke the era or emotion I want to share with the viewer. These small, real-life touches make my art resonate and feel nostalgic.
How do you balance spontaneous creativity with intentional storytelling in your doodles?
Anirudh. I treat personal projects with the same discipline as client work, giving them a timeline to keep the momentum going. When a moment or experience is fresh and vivid in my mind, I sketch it out immediately, capturing the raw details and emotions while they’re still clear. I don’t focus on creating a polished piece right away...instead, I let the memory guide the flow, which helps keep the artwork authentic and relatable. This balance between spontaneity and intention allows the sketches to feel genuine and deeply connected to the moment they represent.
