Many of us, the residents of India have known art to be something we’ve seen all around us since childhood. In a country where art has played such an important role through the centuries, the focus on it is embedded deep into our culture. But today, art has acquired a brand new flavour, a kind we saw when we came across one of Shreya Yugendranag’s designs.
Toronto-based Shreya, the creative brain behind The Pattern Bazaar, or ShreyaYN as she stylizes herself, explores India through her illustrations, one quirky step at a time. She captures the essence of Indian culture through modern, offbeat designs that are sure to catch your eye and hold your attention. Captivated, intrigued and eager to know to more about the lady behind the The Pattern Bazaar, we spoke to Shreya about the things closest to her heart- her work, her illustrations, her inspirations and much more.
Q. How did the idea of The Pattern Bazaar come about? What was the inspiration behind it?
As an Indian-Canadian, I went through a period of displaced identity. I felt a lot of Canadian pride, but that didn’t mean my roots weren’t important to me. In a way, they were even more important. So I began practicing henna a lot, and that gradually evolved into designing on paper. I also started drawing scenes from my childhood and recent visits to India, and that became The Pattern Bazaar.
Q. What made you, as an artist and illustrator, dive into the ‘stress-free’ colouring cultural storytelling which you incorporated in The Pattern Bazaar?
At the end of the day, I think it’s all about doing things you love. I forget everything when I draw, and to me, that’s a beautiful thing. I want to share that with others, because let’s face it- we’re all stressed in some way. When I started sharing my work online, I noticed that there were people who felt the same way as I did. Some enjoy seeing intricate patterns, and others enjoy the nostalgia that some drawings evoke. Some enjoy the different colour combinations, and others enjoy seeing something new. Whatever the reason may be, sharing or looking at something you love brings you happiness- and that’s where the ‘stress-free’ storytelling comes in.
Q. In your descriptions of The Pattern Bazaar, you have mentioned that it was a result of your travel experiences in India. We would love to know more about this and how it contributed to making The Pattern Bazaar what it is today.
The Pattern Bazaar is a way for me to connect all my memories, India visits, family values and personal experiences on paper. It makes me understand who I am, and then truly appreciate little things that make up this amazing cultural journey. I’m honoured that others enjoy that exploration and journey with me.
The Pattern Bazaar is thus the outcome of Shreya’s travel experiences across the world’s largest democracy and is a way for her to connect all her memories, family values and personal experiences on paper.
Q. You mentioned in your email that you work shifts in addition to being an illustrator. Tell us how you spend your time when not creating designs.
I love being on my feet, so my job is definitely not at a desk! Honestly, this works differently for everyone, but for me, my job keeps me motivated. I find that I become sluggish if I’m not being pushed to work. I slack off with drawing as well, and my life revolves around the TV. That’s unhealthy.
So right now, I’m just moving forward! I found a good balance with work, leisure and illustration, and I hope it continues like this.
Q. What advice would you give to young artists and illustrators who are eager to experiment and develop their artistic ability further?
“Why don’t you do something more practical? This has no future.”
“Nice doodles.”
“It looks childish.” “I’m just looking out for you.” “It’s just a hobby.”
The list is endless, and people are very creative with their insults. Don’t let others get you down. There is always someone who will tell you your ideas are bad, or impractical. I’ve learnt to nod and change the topic, because I don’t need the negativity.
At the same time, I won’t sugarcoat the truth. It will be hard to find motivation when so many people tell you that you can’t do it. It’s also hard to self-motivate or know what goals to set. You can be extremely sure of yourself one day and uncertain the next. You may also feel like you need more guidelines to find success, and it’s irritating when you don’t know where to look.
If you really love making art, surround yourself with people who encourage you (This does not mean you have to always cut out people. Just prove them wrong!). Join enterpreneurial groups on Facebook. Follow other artists on your social media. Surround yourself with inspiration, because if you do, your love for your artwork will outweigh all the negativity against it. With time, it becomes easy to block out unneeded criticism.
And yes, it will also take time. If you plan on growing your art into a business, do not quit your day job and expect it all to work out. Figure out how to sell your work. You have to grow a following and that changes things. Ask other artists for advice. Message me on Instagram or at shreyayn@gmail.com if you want; I will always talk to serious artists.
Q. You are quite a skilled illustrator. Why did you opt for developing a colouring book from your ideas and illustrations? We would love to know more about the process that you employ while creating your designs.
Thank you! As I said before, I love sharing my love for art with others. I only recently started colouring after a number of followers suggested it, and I was surprised as to how much I love it. A number of people have been commenting saying that it’s really relaxing. So I thought- why not? It only makes sense to publish a colouring book with all the interest.
In regards to making my work, I can’t force myself to draw. I like to mull and think about what to draw next. It has to have a concept and purpose, and once I find one, I start drawing and see what shape my ideas take. The drawing becomes intuitive and free hand once I’m satisfied with the first few patterns down on the page.
Otto II
Q. What do you love the most in your experience of working on The Pattern Bazaar so far?
The support. I love waking up, and knowing that there are people who appreciate my art in some way or another. I’m honoured for that, and I always owe them the next drawing I’ll make. Whether it’s a comment or a like or even just seeing my work, these people have chosen to show interest in my work, and to stay committed to me. That is something I don’t want to take for granted. I know how it felt to make art without much support, and coming from there to here- it just means so much to me.
Without their support, it would be so much harder to find motivation. I don’t know if I would draw the same way. They’ve given me so many great suggestions, complements and they inspire me on a daily basis to continue.
Q. What are some of the challenges you faced in your line of work, and what made you to keep going?
I think the biggest challenge I faced was meeting people’s expectations. Criticism from others is hard to deal with, but if someone’s never going to like you, I don’t bother with their opinion. However, if someone does like my work, I always wondered whether I was disappointing them by experimenting or not posting often. I assumed the worst going in, which was really unhealthy. You have to deal with too much guilt and passive-aggressive resentment towards yourself. And it’s then pointless. If you’re not enjoying the process of making art and you’re too caught up with overthinking, you’re only aggravating yourself. It’s also hard to create good art when you put all that pressure on yourself.
I’m glad I realized that it’s a lot more beneficial to me, my art and my followers if I focus on myself and meet my own expectations instead. I now plan out goals, and go for them one step at a time.
Q. Are there any memorable stories or anecdotes which you would like to share about working on The Pattern Bazaar and your illustrations.
There have been so many! But I will say that the most memorable moment was reaching my 10,000 followers milestone. That meant the world to me. It was a milestone that I looked forward to for more than a year, and the constant work I put in with my art and business even started to wear me down for a while. There was a time when all I did was draw and network. I would carry my sketchbook everywhere and pull my phone out at a friend’s place just to network.
Of course, this annoyed almost everyone I knew. I wasn’t enjoying anything because I was SO obsessed with getting better and establishing my career. I wasn’t respecting the people who did support me cause I wanted more and more, and I looked like crap since I stopped taking care of myself. I figured- why bother grooming if I’m not putting pictures of myself on my feed? Which I now realize was the most stupid way of thinking.
So I stepped back and slowed down. I didn’t want to get caught up in numbers and lose sight of what really mattered- the support group and the enjoyment from creating artwork. That was a rough ride, but I’m glad that I achieved my milestone while maintaining a healthy and sane lifestyle!
Q. Which one of your illustrations or art prints is your favourite piece?
“Cricket” is my favourite piece for sure. I felt extremely nostalgic while drawing it and I really poured all the emotions I felt as a kid into it. My family watched matches intensely, and I didn’t understand, as a kid, why they were so passionate about a game. I was confused and bored throughout the game, but of course, it’s different now! As an adult, I love the team spirit and energy you feel while watching a game. And that mentality fascinated me so much. I really thought about how things change as you grow up while drawing this piece, and that’s why it’s so special to me.
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Q. Would you describe your design endeavours as financially rewarding? Do you find that for you, personally, art as a profession is sustainably profitable?
You have to do a lot of ground work before you can sustain yourself from making designs. This is a profession where you have to look for opportunities and push through to prove yourself. A lot of people prefer to look online versus buy online, and it’s hard to work around that.
I make some money from commissions and custom products, but I’m still working my way up there. There’s also so, so, so much competition in the illustration business. I’ll make it soon though (haha), because I know I have the focus and commitment I need!
Q. How do you plan on expanding your brand and concept of The Pattern Bazaar in the future?
My long-term vision is to open a unique Indian-inspired home decor and lifestyle store. I’ve always loved design and I will never say no to watching a home renovation show! To get there, I think it’s important to build connections and a solid following. You need a lot of support for a successful store.
My short term goals are more focused on my art style. I want to experiment with what works better for my brand. I really want to try digital work. I think taking my style of drawing to a computer will do some really great things, from an artistic and a business standpoint. I’m also working on incorporating my personality into my brand more, because I want to be even more interactive with my followers.
Q. We would love to know who you are as a person. Tell us something about your passions and interests.
When I’m not drawing, I am on Youtube! You can destress and get stuck on there for hours, ahah. I love watching gamers, Ellen and The Real Daytime. I am also a huge fan of cheesy foods- who can turn down a good pizza?
Q. What is your favourite part about being an illustrator and an entrepreneur?
There’s two things that I love: the fact that I can illustrate as a career, and the moment when your hard work pays off. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the results of your labour. You feel empowered and truly grateful!
Shreya’s story is truly inspiring. She’s fought against the odds and has established herself as an artist and illustrator. She’s constantly trying to better her work and grow as a person, ambitious, eager to learn and always willing to put in that extra mile. Shreya has set ambitious goals for herself but with her infectious smile, gracious nature and never say never attitude, paired with her dedication, focus and commitment to her work, we know if there’s anyone who can do it, it has to be her! We sincerely hope she sees all the success in any new venture she undertakes.
To gawk at more of Shreya’s amazing designs, check her out on Tumblr, Instagram and Facebook and make sure you check out her website as well!
