Every canvas is a unique trip, and each brushstroke makes a new tale. S Janani Aashitha, the heart, and soul of Thoorigai Arts, paints happiness in colours, be it you on her canvas, or I or Benedict Cumberbatch!
Though coming from a fashion Tech and Management Background, Aashitha is a self-taught independent artist creating masterpieces on her Instagram account Thoorigai Arts. Eager to learn, she welcomes criticism which is a sign of a true artist. Not only for her own satisfaction, but more than that, she paints for her customer’s happiness, completing a total of 35 commission work and achieving recognition by different celebrities.
With Storiyaan, Aashitha shares secrets behind her perfect brush strokes and much more about what it is like being an independent artist in India. Continue reading to know more
S Janani Aashitha- Portraits of Joy
Interview
Questions and answers
When was the first time you realised your niche for art and what were your initial steps towards it?
My post-graduation was in fashion management which required some technical drawing skills, so I started working on perspective drawing. I was also preparing for an exam at that time which required me to work on sketching. When I drew Benedict Cumberbatch (My most fav actor), it came out really well. I began sketching for free for friends and family members which improved my skills and soon I started taking up commission works on my new page. Today I specialize in pencil portraits & digital art and am exploring the field of water and acrylic painting.
Can you explain the concept of the Thoorigai Arts to our readers?
Thoorigai is a Tamil word that means brush. It was suggested by my aunt when I was looking for interesting names for my page. Many initiated conversations because of the name.
Tell us about the major difficulties that you had to overcome in the initial days to build credibility.
Independent artists struggle to build credibility. At least 80% of the people approaching for commissioned work do not place an order and even if they do, they try hard to reduce the price or keep suggesting POI. Constructive criticism does help me grow as an artist but sometimes it crosses the silver lining of becoming a bad customer. I have had one experience wherein I had to sketch twice for a customer because they kept suggesting variations in the pic after I had completed the work.
Share with us any clientele feedback that has motivated you professionally and boosted your decision of becoming an artist.
Among the many positive feedbacks, I have got, there was one instance wherein an indirect customer through a friend came out of the way to show that they had got the sketch framed themselves because they like it a lot. It’s not just clientele, my followers play a huge role in motivating me when I post even the smallest of my work on my page.
Since you draw portraits and sketches, what are the bare requirements you expect from a client for serving them, and how much time do you need for the completion of an order?
I would require only one thing from my client
-A quality photograph of the image they want to be sketched
The timeline varies with the work. An order of a4 size with a single person will take no more than 2 days to be shipped. The shipping time varies based on the delivery location. A picture with more people in it takes more time. An a3 size with 3 persons can take a week to complete. With every addition of a person in the picture, a day gets added on average
Working in digital artwork, what are the major differences you find in this art form and how have you managed to cope with the shift from pencil to digital pens?
I have recently gotten interested in digital art and I have already learnt how to use photoshop and illustrator and now I use Sketchbook Pro for my digital works. It is very user-friendly and highly recommended for beginners. Prior knowledge of the aforementioned software will make it easy to use this software. The major difference between digital and pencil works is storage. It’s more convenient to store and share digital work.
Tell us about the newest thing you have learnt that has improved your design work.
I try to improve with every new sketch or commission I take up. The new learning can be technical oriented, approach oriented or people oriented. I have also recently started using digital pads which require a lot of hand-eye coordination. Imagine the drawing appearing somewhere else while your hand moves on another platform. But the practice has helped me improvise my skills. My latest digital artwork is as follows.
How do you keep up with the latest design trends? What resources do you use to inspire yourself?
Instagram is the best source for me to keep up with design trends. Following a lot of inspiring artists help me understand where the art world stands today and what is the technique that’s capturing people’s attention.
What are some of the ways people can connect with you, both online and offline?
They can reach out to me on Instagram where they can send a direct message or they can send an email to thoorigai.arts@yahoo.com.
Quick 5
1. One must skill an artist must possess – Patience
2. Your favorite portrait as of now –
3. One tip for new artists– Keep Practicing for the best results and never be afraid of trying new things.
4. Your Mantra in life – Everything happens for a reason & whatever happens, happens for good.
5. Your greatest motivator – Family and Friends
A hand-painted portrait can be your perfect gift for yourself or your close ones. Get it painted from Aashitha? Get in touch with her through her social media handles linked below. Thank us later!