New Artist: Ekata Mandal

5 April 2024

We would like to present Ekata Mandal's enchanting portfolio to you. Ekata is based in India. She works digitally but is also able to use traditional techniques to create her illustrations.

Let's find out a little more about what has inspired Ekata, her interests and future ambitions.

What inspired you to be an illustrator?

When I was little, I always saw my grandfather painting and working at his studio with oil paints, big canvases (bigger than me), water colours, plenty of brushes. It was fascinating for me to watch and so very easily I took interest in all those things. I still remember the smell of turpentine oil from his room. It was all over the room. I started painting from then. I grew up as a fine artist, a portrait specialist just like my grandfather. Eventually I got access to social media and gained knowledge about illustrations and books which are filled with those beautiful, breathtaking illustrations. I decided to be one of them. So, I started my creator account on Instagram and never looked back. I started working on children's books and many other projects, while searching for a good agency to take me in as an illustrator. During the search I came to know about the beehive illustration agency. The lovely bunch of people who accepted my art and it was the strongest step I took towards pursuing my dream.

How long have you been working as an illustrator?

It has been almost 4 years now working as an illustrator.

How would you describe your illustration style?

My reflects a perspective of a child. How a child would see the world. My illustrations have flat perspective with vintage, aged colours. My works are inspired by nature, daily little things, fairytales and folktales. I get my inspiration from nature and its miracles.

Who/What have been your key influences as an illustrator?

In one word nature. I always crave for a country life, surrounded with greens, endless meadows, animals, and simple human beings. My imaginations are way too involved in my life. So that has been my best buddy in the case of drawing an illustration. Sometimes, I dream of an idea for my next illustration. In my childhood I was a really introverted and quiet child. I used to daydream a lot and think of magical things all the time. I then painted them from my memory and imagination. These types of magical movies influenced me a lot as a child. Fairy movies, movies about hidden worlds under the sea. I read so much about folktales around the world. Eventually it helped me to develop my and theme of my illustrations which I use now to channel my imaginations into those colourful artworks.

What type of projects, clients or illustration markets would you like to work in?

My dream is to be a picture book and children story book illustrator. The themes I would like to work in are fairytale, folktale, any stories which involve magical and beautiful themes. I like to draw vintage tales, which contain old ways and old ways of life, where there was no technology or modern facilities. I want to grow my career in literature illustration and it will be a great opportunity to work with good publishers around the world.

What do you like doing when you are not illustrating?

Well, I love watching movies and series a lot. In my free time I play with my dog Kuttus, he is a jolly little fella, full of energy. I love to travel a lot. When I am off from work, I would visit the hills and watch birds. Basically, both my work and hobby are illustration. That is a blessing I think.

If you would like to work with Ekata, click here to get in contact.