Abhinav Kafare : Illustrator

Abhinav is a crazy person when it comes to his passions which include art, visiting new places and looking at the world through his illustrations and art.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I started out with fine arts and found out that I love illustrating as well. There was no clear cut transition but I feel that my grounding in fine arts has helped me with my illustrations.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I studied fine arts at Raheja School of Art.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
There is no specific timeline that I took to develop my style and I don’t believe in different styles but I believe that all styles are ingrained from the basic fundamental shapes.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My class teacher Balaji Bhange was a great influence and a role model while I was growing up.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
There have been influences but what I really feel is that each and every artist that I come across has his own style and every one of them has something new and amazing that I can learn from.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I mostly work with advertising agencies like Maccann and Grey doing illustrations for them.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising? Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
It was not a fixed decision, I generally drifted towards freelancing because it gave me the freedom to choose the kind of work I want to do. I have been freelancing for the last 5 years now.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
I love illustrating too much to ever think that, so my answer is no never.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into graphic novels?
Yes I have thought about that I think I would enjoy doing it. But for now I am concentrating on illustrations. If one day I wake up and think that I want to do a graphic novel then I’ll do it and I will enjoy doing it.

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Arnaylay Chinchpure and Vikrant Bhise are two personalities that I admire a lot and both have influenced me greatly in my illustrations.

Tell us something of your personal projects.
My personal projects right now include a mix of photography and illustrations based on everyday life.

What is your dream project?
My dream project would be to travel all over India capturing the different facets and cultures of India, the real India.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Someone I can enjoy talking to.

What’s on your iPod?
I don’t own a iPod.

Mac or PC?
PC.