Tuesday 15 December 2015

S I M P L E  &  P L A Y F U L   

by Hina Nitesh

How many times have you sat down for a lecture with a pen and paper to take down notes and ended up with squiggles in the corners? Speaking for me - well  my mind was more on these little pen/pencil drawings than on the (often) boring lectures. In fact, one of my friends even experimented by closing her eyes and let her pencil 'respond' to the tone and tenor of the the lecturer's voice...The things we did in college!!



The lady I am introducing to you has taken 'doodling', as it is known, to another level. On OTDB today is Rachna Raghuram, an artist and a doodler. She is also the owner of the very aptly and cute sounding Doodle Doo. Though not formally trained as an artist, Rachna, has been doodling since her school days. She has a degree in business management and mass communication and even worked in the corporate sector for sometime.



While working a 9 to 5 job, she would doodle after work and on weekends. With her heart set on art, she sent mails to publishers of children's books and got successful when one of them responded. From here, there was no looking back. She gave up the cushy corporate job in favor of her of world of pens, pencil and colors. It was decision that she did not have to repent about. Presently, she works out of her home studio in Mysore and sells beautifully illustrated products through her online site Doodle Doo. She also customizes illustrations for clients as per their needs.




As I sit back and browse through DoodleDoo, there is a smile on my face that refuses to go. On the site you will find some lovely pocket mirrors (that's how it all started), calendars, fridge magnets, laptop sleeves etc. For me what takes the cake is part of a small link for 'portfolio illustrations' in which there are customized invitations.




The forms and lines in Rachna's works are pretty simple. The use of colors accentuate the illustration without overpowering it. I am in love with the way sentiments are portrayed in these illustrations -  playful lines overflowing with emotions. There is a child like quality in her works - a sense of innocence and positive thought process. Humour too is an integral part of her works.


Rachna is, as of now, a one woman army for Doodledoo and enjoys being her own boss. Apart from social media, she exhibits her products at flea markets and craft bazaar which she feels are good for connecting with the customer face to face.


Doodledoo is young venture and we wish Rachna all the success for her future. 

You can browse through her portfolio of works at Doodledoo and visit her Facebook Page

All images: Copyright Doodledoo

Text & creative layout copyrights: On the Design Boat   

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Tuesday 8 December 2015

T O Y S    t h a t   c o m e   A L I V E


Children's fiction is alive with stories where toys come to life. They speak, dance and act like living beings. Our featured artist for today, Nadya Sheremet's handcrafted toys are similar - they come very close to being alive. Being somebody who enjoys crafting by hand, I am completely taken in by the beauty and detail in Nadya's creations. 


Nadya creates elaborate sets to photograph these toys. The result is nothing short of stunning.  
Born in Ukraine and living in Russia, Nadya cites forests and mountains as her big love. "Nothing pleases me as much as unity with Nature."


 There are many more aspects of Nadya's work that are eye catching - extravagant hairdos, designer costumes, intricate embroidery and a balanced use of many interesting fabrics.


The clothing is elaborately designed and detailed. I love the blue coat with an over sized collar above, showing off the embroidery design on the dress underneath.



Note the wooden legs and embroidered faces on the pirate pair. Natural antlers - what a lovely addition to this jacket totting reindeer!


  
Nadya's creations also include brooches, stuffed animal toys and other items - all incorporating her sometimes unconventional, always elaborate embroidered designs.




What an impressive confluence of fabrics, embellishment and design! A treat indeed! 

 All images: Copyright Nadya Sheremet


Text & creative layout copyrights: On the Design Boat   

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