Ad Land’s Young Guns: Srinidhi S, Visual Designer, Merlinwand

Srinidhi S is a Visual Designer with Merlinwand, as well as a children’s book Illustrator. She has worked on eight books, collaborated with many brands, and still practices every day to explore the art in more ways. Her passion to learn and explore more in the field of art is exciting and inspiring at the same time.

In conversation with Adgully, Srinidhi S, Visual Designer, Merlinwand, speaks about her “Life is short, but art is long” philosophy, icons who inspire her, making a career as an illustrator and more.

What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table?

I am a children’s book illustrator and a character designer. I also work on traditional air paintings and sketches. I am currently expanding my visual development skills, concept art and marketing design.

How did you join your current organisation?

I worked with Merlinwand as a freelance illustrator for two of their books and when I quit my corporate job, I got offered to lead the visual design team at Merlinwand.

Icons in this field whom you look up to and how they have influenced you and your work?

There are many artists whom I look up to, but my top two picks would be Izzy Burton and Alicia Souza, both have their own styles, but what I get inspired by is how they have incorporated art in their daily lifestyle. Izzy is an author, illustrator, animator, art director and short film director, I love her versatility and I hope to do something similar.

What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine?

I either go for a walk or do Pilates every day. I take time to catch up on traditional sketching in the mornings. I also meal prep and cook all my meals. I have the habit of journaling and also reading before bed.

Do you think a career in this field is a viable one in the long term?

Of course, especially in today’s world where art is getting the attention it deserves, making a living out of it is achievable if we put effort and pure passion into it.

What does it take to succeed in a career?

I do not measure success by a certain position or career growth, but by small wins and level ups in my skills. Art for me is long and vast. There’s no definite place where I can claim that I have succeeded in art. With time, as I get better at my skills, I might work on large scale projects, but there will still be more things that I will want to explore and learn.

What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry?

All I would say is, If you really have a calling for it, take the plunge without overthinking too much. Practice every day, get inspired, practice some more. It will all make sense one day.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Five years down the lane, I see myself working on more challenging and extensive illustration projects. I also see myself owning an extra set of skills in many areas like art direction, concept art and writing.

Is there any organisation that you would like to work with in the future?

I would like to work with international publishing houses like Penguin Kids, Harper Collins and work on concept and environment art projects with big giants like Disney, Netflix and Nickelodeon.

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