DIMAPUR — Canato Jimo, 41, has always had a keen interest in drawing since
childhood, but it remained a hobby. It was only when he decided to pursue his
Master’s in Graphic Design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad,
that he developed a deeper interest in children’s picture books, leading him
into the publishing space.
This was not his first career path. He holds a
degree in Theology and previously worked as a music teacher. However, he
eventually realised his true calling lay in creating picture books.
Now a picture book maker, Canato currently
works as an art director at Pratham Books. He scouts and commissions
illustrators from across the country and collaborates with them to create
picture books. He previously worked as a senior designer, heading the
children’s design section at Penguin Random House.
He is also a picture book illustrator and
author. Some of the books he has written and illustrated include 'Snip', 'I
Love Grey', 'Afo and I', and 'Asamo, is That You?'. Additionally, he has
illustrated picture books, such as 'Bobo and the Worms', 'Circles in the Park',
'The Very Wiggly Teeth', 'Space Rules', and 'Gawa and the Bag of Good Regards',
among others. He has also worked with publishers such as Penguin Random House,
HarperCollins, Kalpvriksh, Eklavya, Ektara, and Pratham Books.
In this interview with Eastern Mirror,
Canato shares insights on the skills required to thrive in the field, different
opportunities available, the role of formal education, and offers invaluable
advice for aspiring illustrators.
Please describe to our readers what an
illustrator does.
An illustrator is a visual storyteller, someone
who communicates an idea, a concept, or a story through images and drawings. An
illustrator can do a lot of things depending on their area of interest and
expertise. They could be working with publishing houses, illustrating for
books, covers, graphic novels, picture books, text books and study materials.
They can also be working with newspapers and magazines, offering editorial
illustrations, or with advertising agencies, design studios and companies,
illustrating for campaigns, promotions, branding, websites and user
experiences.
In most cases, illustrators work in
collaboration with editors, art directors, designers or directly with clients
for a project. The process is always very collaborative. Apart from having a
great command on their illustration skills and draftsmanship, they are also
required to have a broad understanding of design and art principles such as
colour, space, composition, layout and textures, to name a few.
The job of an illustrator can be challenging,
but it can be extremely rewarding and so much fun.
At a children’s literature
festival with fellow authors and illustrators in Srinagar.
Which skills or qualities do you think are most
important for someone starting a career in illustration?
Always have a keen sense of wonder and
observation. And of course, the passion to draw, with dedication and discipline
to sustain it.
How vital is formal art education, and what
other learning opportunities would you recommend to students?
In my opinion, formal art education is valuable
but not mandatory for someone to become an illustrator. If you are someone who
learns best with a certain sense of structure and discipline, an art school can
be a great space to hone your skills. It also helps build your network and
connections with fellow artists, art communities and industry professionals.
Having said that, a degree is not a guarantee for a successful illustration
career. There are numerous great and successful illustrators who have never had
formal art education. At the end of the day, whether you have an art degree or
you are self-taught, the quality of your work and your commitment will help you
find your space and voice in the world of illustration.
There is no dearth of access and amount of
resources, a lot of them free, that you can find now, be it online courses,
tutorials, study materials, inspiration, and even mentorship. There is enough
out there to help you develop your skills and find your voice as an
illustrator.
A session with children in a
children’s literature festival in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Receiving the ‘Mehlli Gobhai
Children’s Book Illustrator of the Year’ award for 2024.
Which colleges or institutes in India offer
strong programmes for aspiring illustrators, and what should students consider
when choosing one?
There are many reputed institutions like the
IITs, National Institute of Design, Shrishti Manipal Institute, and art
colleges that one can consider if keen to pursue formal education. These institutions
do not necessarily just teach solely illustration, but it is integrated into
the courses. As an aspiring illustrator, design and art schools can be great
spaces for one to thrive artistically, helping you broaden your knowledge and
understanding of art and design principles, medium and techniques, which are
crucial to your growth as a professional illustrator.
One advice I can give is that while these
institutions are full of possibilities, just landing there doesn’t guarantee
excellence. You have to put your hours in and make the best of what the
institution has to offer.
Which software or tools do you rely on, and how
quickly do you think aspiring illustrators need to adapt to new technologies?
As an illustrator, a pencil and paper are
enough. Software and gadgets are all tools that can help you in your creative
process and make things more convenient for you. But no amount of technology
and software can substitute for the amount of time, energy and commitment one
has to invest in to hone one’s creative skills.
One of course has to keep up with times and
technological development, but these things, in my opinion, should not define
you as an illustrator or a creator. Sometimes they can become a fancy mask to
masquerade our ineptitude.
Canato Jimo
Apart from illustrator, what other job roles
exist in the art and design field?
There is a spectrum of professions if one is
interested in the field of art and design. One can be a graphic designer, UI/IX
designer, animator, concept artist, graphic artist, type designer, visual
artist, print maker, game designer, art direction and many more. It is an
exciting and creative world out there, and one can explore the many
possibilities depending on what you are passionate about.
If you could give one piece of advice to
students hoping to pursue a career in illustration, what would it be?
Keep drawing. Put the hours in. Do not compare
yourself to others. And then draw more.
Are there specific genres or styles of art that
are currently in high demand?
I am not so much of a believer in trends. Every
genre or style, done well, will work for what it is intended for.
With AI-generated art on the rise, how do you
see it shaping illustration, and what ethical or creative considerations should
students keep in mind?
I am very weary of AI-generated art. I do not
think it is ethical at all in the first place. It is definitely affecting the
art space and its integrity. If anything, it should challenge and push us all
the more to create art that is of human’s own experience and expression.
RAPID
INSIGHTS
Pen and paper or digital tools—what’s your go-to
first?
I have to admit, it’s my iPad.
Who is an artist you look up to the most?
There are many. Jon Klassen, Sidney Smith,
Pulak Biswas, Rajiv Eipe, Priya Kuriyan and many more.
What piece of advice would you give your
younger self?
