Meet New Delhi's Own Archan Nair--Artist and Illustrator

Everyone, meet Archan a.k.a. archanN. He is a self-made artist and entrepreneur from India. I found his work on the blog of one of my fellow twitter-ers. His imagination and how he visually delivers it to his audience amazed me. Archan’s work is filled with blissful colors, energetic abstractions, passionate emotion, and intensity; his work engulfs your attention, pulling you into a different world. Make sure you take a few moments to read our interview and Archan’s links.

1. Archan, thanks for responding to my email and agreeing to do this interview. How are things there in New Delhi?

Thank you for taking your time and appreciating my art Virgo27! Delhi is rocking, it’s stressed, but going pretty cool at the moment. I’m in my small studio enjoying life.

2. So tell me a little bit about Archan. Where did you grow up? When and how did you know you wanted to become an artist?

My name is Archan Nair, aka archanN in the digital and virtual web. I’m a 26 year old Artist, Designer and Illustrator based in New Delhi, India. My vision and passion has been to create highly intricate work inspired by various phases or moments of life, and the rest so to speak can be seen in his works.

Well, I come from an entirely different industry, which is Fashion. As a family business I was running an apparel manufacturing and export industry since I was 18 years. I always had the creative stint in my since childhood days, but I guess I never discovered it properly. In 2006 I started with digital art, by remixing a friends wallpaper, and since that day each moment has been really a new step for me in exploring and creating.

3. Your work is unbelievable! You use vibrant color combinations, which caught my eye, in addition to your illustrations. It’s hard to believe you’re self-taught. What mediums do you use to create your pieces? Can various computer applications be included in that too?

I create all my works digitally; hence it is mostly done in Adobe Photoshop. Thank you Virgo27!

"The most amazing achievement is the love, appreciation, critique and support I receive from all around the world, especially from my friends and family."

4. You use an interesting eclectic mix of reality and fantasy, at least in my opinion. In your own words how would you describe your artwork? Also, when did you create your first piece?

If you speak of a style, I really don’t have a style at the moment, just trying to discover myself more. Anything or everything can inspire me, whether it is the surroundings, or maybe noticing something while driving. Mostly I’m inspired by emotions and feelings, or moments in my life or someone close I have seen which leaves an impact for me to think about. I did my first piece in July 2006.

5. I’m in love with all of your work, but I have a few favorites, The Joy Ballad: Dream Collaborative collection, Amrapali, and Joy Rising, to name a few. The all encompass that eclectic mix I mentioned. What are 3 of your favorites and why?

By the time this interview is being done, my favorites are The Peacock Dance, The Joy Ballad and Do Feelings have Taste. Oh this is difficult, I love all!!! The Peacock Dance is strongly influenced by Indian culture, and I tried to give it a modern take. The Joy Ballad is about dreams we all have when we are young. It’s special because I do portray my thoughts, which I’m sure are similar to others. Do Feelings have Taste is an intense work which was inspired by a moment of my life.

6. Do you have any other interests beside art?

I am a foodie! I love dining out, watching movies or the Discovery channel when I’m not creating. I’m a really lazy guy haha!

7. Through my fact checking, you have had such clients as PepsiCo, GQ, Conde Nast, Tiger Beer and have be featured by artists such as Kanye West. I see you have also been featured in publications such as Vanity Fair, Flair, and Advanced Photoshop. What are some of your other creative achievements?

The most amazing achievement is the love, appreciation, critique and support I receive from all around the world, especially from my friends and family.

8. You are the co-founder and creative head at Cropped Circle, an art agency. How and when did Cropped Circle come about? What do you offer your clients?

It came at the right time, when I really never worked on a commercial project before and I realized that art and design is my passion. So my closest friend and I thought of commencing a new venture, which is a creative design agency now known as Cropped Circles; we started it in 2007. Our services include branding and identity, illustrations, communication, art direction and progressive solution.

9. Any big plans or projects brewing for 2009?

I normally don’t plan much, as I think the twists and turns of the road can lead us anywhere. But yes, looking forward to more exciting projects, more creativity and fun!

"Anything or everything can inspire me, whether it is the surroundings, or maybe noticing something while driving. Mostly I’m inspired by emotions and feelings, or moments in my life."

10. Do you ever plan to show your work here in the states? In the Washington, DC area?

As I said, the road is quite uncertain, if a great opportunity arises, why not!

11. If you could give up and coming artists 3 points of advice, what would they be?

Be original, Explore, and Be passionate!

Additional Archan Links
www.archann.net
www.behance.net/archanN