Today at Icy Tales, we have Ana Patankar, a character designer, comic artist and illustrator.
She is a freelance illustrator, practising professionally for more than 10 years and specializes in character designing, illustrations for publications (children’s books etc.), comics, graphic novels, infographics, game design and much more.
Ana’s approach to character design is to tell a story impressively and effectively. The comic artist talks about her tools of the trade, how she got started and tells how one can follow their passion and dreams while making a living doing what you love. The joy of creating art inspires Ana toward her work. She believes that art is dealing with your emotions through creativity.
Putting pencil to paper is how it all starts. Read to know more about the journey of the comic artist! Read through her interview to learn how this illustrator got to be where she is now, why she does what she does, and her advice for aspiring designers.
Q) What is that you want to do as a child? Was becoming an illustrator or comic artist always on your mind?
Ana Patankar – Not really. All I wanted was to finish my schooling as soon as possible as a child. Hated my school!
Q) What drove you toward this creative field?
Ana Patankar – Your question already has the answer. Because it is creative.
Q) How do you get inspired to produce/illustrate a piece of your artwork?
Ana Patankar – By observing and reimagining fun moments in everyday life.
Q) What have you done to improve your skills as a comic artist over these years?
Ana Patankar – Lots, lots of practice and studying works of other artists (dead or alive).
Q) What do you do to overcome a creative block?
Ana Patankar – In my opinion, there is no such thing as a ‘creative’ block. Everyone can and does feel blocked or saturated by something they do every day. It can happen to an artist, auto-rickshaw driver, or rocket scientist. Whenever this happens, I do something else for the time being – dance, cook, eat, exercise etc.
Q) Would you like to share some challenges you come across as an illustrator, and how do you overcome them?
Ana Patankar – For me, the primary challenge was how to manage difficult clients. I overcame this challenge by learning to say ‘NO’ to them regardless of any financial or opportunity loss.
Q) Your content is unique and relatable; how do you aim to engage more with your followers?
Ana Patankar – I believe in continuity and consistency. I think that helps me engage with my followers.
Q) What is the favourite part as an artist, and what is something you dislike the most?
Ana Patankar – Pretty much love everything about being an artist. I love what I do, and so there is nothing to dislike.
Q) Tell us something about your journey and what/who has been your constant support and pillar in all your ups and downs in the life?
Ana Patankar – My journey till now has been quite simple, stable and straightforward. There were no significant ups or downs, and thus have never required any support or pillar beyond my own confidence.
Q) Who is your favourite comic artist or illustrator?
Ana Patankar – I don’t have one favourite, so here are some of my favourites – Bill Watterson, Albert Underzo, Juanjo Guarnido, Pascal Campion and Loish.
Q) If not an illustrator, what do you think you would be and why?
Ana Patankar – Anything which allows me to maintain my current way of life, i.e. which allows me to work from anywhere in the world for whoever I want.
Q) Which is your favourite comic book?
Ana Patankar – My favourite comic books are Blacksad, Calvin and Hobbes, Asterix and Obelix.
Q) As a comic artist, do you think there is any need for change that is required while designing characters or writing comics?
Ana Patankar – According to me, no change is required.
Q) You are so good at what you do; according to you, what are some skills required to be a comic artist?
Ana Patankar – According to me, visual understanding (and ongoing study) of anatomy, varied environments, and lights/shadows are some required skills.
Q) Looking back to how you started and progressed with your work, is there something you would do differently if given a chance?
Ana Patankar – I will probably not waste my time designing logos and brochures.
Q) Any advice you would like to give someone who wishes to venture into this creative field?
Ana Patankar – Firstly, start with the basics of illustration with paper and pencil. Don’t start digitally. Start with your basics; train your hand & mind to draw and before investing in digital assets. Tablets, computers, digital pens, apps, software, and brushes do not make an artist.
Secondly, find and focus on your niche, which is the type of illustration that appeals to you – a character design, environment/concept design, caricatures, etc. Develop this niche in your style, practice, practice, practice, and create a varied portfolio.
And lastly, figure out your target market or ideal employer (if) and explore options on how to reach that market or employer.
Q) What sets you apart from other comic artists?
Ana Patankar – Well, I think every artist is different. My work is my work. Their work is their work.
Q) Lastly, any three things that you learned from the experiences in your life.
Ana Patankar – Be focused, practice, practice, and have fun.
Creating these characters, the worlds they rescue, and how they can live in synergy with words on a page is an art, and comic book artists have a massive worldwide following. Ana is an artist and illustrator whose work cannot be easily squeezed into one category, and her work is dynamic, vibrant and full of life. This comic artist seeks inspiration from everywhere and then distils it through her incredible artwork.
Ana Patankar is a visual artist specialising in drawing and designing characters. Her Instagram account is a fun gateway between your small office or study breaks. She can relate to the mundane daily routine to make it amusing, diverting and pleasing. Her artwork is extremely addictive, and we can’t get enough of it.
