WELCOME

Sudipta

Dasgupta

Today is my first Illustrator Feature. Sudipta has graciously agreed to answer a few questions about his work and some suggestions when working with an illustrator.

What made you want to be an illustrator?

I’ve always liked to draw pictures, based on some incidents/subject etc instead of abstract painting. During my art college study, I found my core happiness in the story book Illustrations. Later it became my profession when one by one publisher and individual author started working with me. I felt more happiness doing it because it is not a monotonous job which I enjoy the most.

How long does it typically take for you to complete one color illustration of a book?

This depends on the Required style. Some have realistic; some have rather easy, simple style. So I can say one day to four days.

What tips would you give a new illustrator starting out?

Think normally, feel from their sides (like the characters you are developing in the story) then try to understand the Situation of the storyline/subject and now make a nice composition which is the Key of the illustration. Create three to four Layouts. Discuss with your clients if it’s a commissioned work. Take the best one out of it and start the final work. Make primary color page; if everything seems nice then go ahead with final color. Make it attractive.

Great advice. What warnings could you give an author looking for a new illustrator?

Instead of warning, some suggestions I can give you. Always talk a lot and friendly way to your illustrator. Try to understand if he/she is able to get your point of view, let him/her speak openly and fit himself/herself with your storyline/subject. If possible, ask him/her show a mock up or similar works he/she has done before. Then discuss price and time and other things (royalty copyrights etc). Always keep a Signed Contract paper before starting the project. The safest way is to ask them to open an account in freelancer website where the money can be saved as escort payment. Once the project is over, you can release the fund. You can release partial payment once the layout is confirmed.

Those are some excellent suggestions. When an author contracts with you, do they own exclusive rights to the images, or does that have to be purchased separately?

When I get paid, all images belong to my authors/publishers. I can request them to allow me using 1-2 samples on my website. That’s all.

Do Illustrators offer revisions of their work?

Of course they do. When it is in the layout form, authors can ask for modifications. Once the layout is approved and color is complete, Illustrator cannot change any composition, but only the color. So authors have to understand this.

That's good to know. I haven't worked with an illustrator yet, but I am sure I will in the near future. It's nice to see things from the other side of the page;)Any last words?

Hire me and feel the heavenly difference. J

Thanks so much for sharing with us. Below are some more samples of sudipta's work as well as the places you can contact him. Happy Reading!!

At my home or at this website http://www.dasguptarts.com