Reyanshh Rahul - At The Age Of 18, I Decided To Become A Professional Artist, And Now My Aim Is To Empower Aspiring Artists (Artist From India)

As a kid, I always try to make a story through my drawings. Seeing my love for art my parents always encourage me to take part in all the art competitions which I think is important to boost my creativity.

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I was born in Brajrajnagar, Odisha, and I completed my graduation there before shifting to Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. 

As a child, I was very naughty and creative at the same time. I use to break my toys just to understand what are things inside them or how it works. Since childhood, I was fascinated by drawing and colours. I always use to ask my mother how can I make a particular colour shade and whenever it comes to know about art and colours, I always became curious. As a kid, I always try to make a story through my drawings. Seeing my love for art my parents always encourage me to take part in all the art competitions which I think is important to boost my creativity.

I was the topper of my college in 12th ( commerce) 

I opted for BCom and also started Preparing for C.A But soon I realised my passion for Art is increasing day by day and need to focus on one thing. I don't believe in plan B. so I left C.And put complete focus on Art. 

With time So many good things happened. I started taking worldwide commissions, started taking my classes, become part of the jury in many Art competitions. Initially, the journey was tough but with time Everything started going very well. 

Currently, I have my team for my commissions, my social media accounts and my online university ( Reyanshh Rahul Art university). 

I am working continuously on my aim to empower aspiring Artists.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be a painter/illustrator?

I was interested in drawing and painting since childhood. After 12th I opted for C.A. but then I decided to leave C.A. and take art seriously. At the age of 18, I decided to become a professional artist.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

Yes, it is. You need to see art as a business than as a Job. Most people fail to make a career as an Artist because they just run for Art degrees and wait for jobs. NO.It's like a business. When you have strong Art skills, you need to Ask Questions to yourself. 

Like, What problem I am solving. 

How I can impact someone's life 

How can I communicate my beliefs and network with others?

How I can market my work. 

Being good at something is one skill. Being able to Market your skill needs another skill. Here is where most people fail. 

4. Who is your favourite illustrator and why?

I admire a lot of artists from different generations like Leonardo Da Vinci, Rembrandt, John Singer Sargent, Pablo Picasso and many more. One of the living masters that I admire a lot is Ceasar Santos because not only his art skills are amazing but also his philosophy about art is great. I have learnt many technical skills from him along with the kind of perspective one should have towards Art and Artist.

5. Where do you get inspired to create art?

There's no one particular thing or person that inspires me. I seek inspiration from almost everyone and everywhere. Initially, as a kid, we don't need any sort of inspiration but when we grow and become serious in our work, we face a lot of challenges and sometimes we get depressed when we are not getting the desired results and in that situation, we start looking for inspirations. Sometimes, we get inspired by someone or something and tend to wait until we get inspired again. 

Don't Let Inspiration Become Your Addition

Don't waste time waiting for inspiration. 

So, I have developed a habit of searching for inspiration from everywhere and mostly I am inspired by my vision. 

6. What does your typical day look like?

I wake up at 5:00 am, and start my day with some physical exercise then I check all my emails and set all my contacts. Around 10 am, I plan for the content that has to be uploaded on all my social media accounts. Around 11 am, I start working on my training lessons and till evening I work on my current projects after that I take some rest and I plan for my upcoming content, head a word with my team about ongoing projects, After dinner, I go for sleep at 11:00.

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring illustrators?

To all the aspiring artists and illustrators, I advise them to strengthen their foundational skills( Drawing skills and knowledge of art principles) because when the foundation is strong then everything becomes much easier in long term. Don't let beautiful Instagram posts distract you from your main goal.

8. Which is your favourite book and why?

I don't have any favourites because I rarely read any book. But I love to listen to great authors, artists and entrepreneurs. 

One thing I found common in every great personality is the kind of MINDSET they have. So I always try to develop a better Mindset whether it's for ART or LIFE. 

- Reyanshh Rahul

- Interviewed By Pratibha Sahani