photo: angela j hill

Nidhi (pronounced nitty, rhymes with kitty) Chanani is a freelance artist and designer. Born in Calcutta and raised in suburban California. She currently draws and dreams in San Francisco. She creates art because it makes her happy – with the hope that it can make others happy, too.

Question & Answer
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everything! I’m inspired by life and wonder, whether its my kitties playing in a box to walking along the Embarcadero or imagining what it would be like to climb a tree with an elephant. There are so many distractions in a day, that sometimes we forget to pause and look around… I believe that beauty is everywhere. We are surrounded by it!

Is this watercolor? How do you paint something new everyday?
All of my illustrations are digital. I use scanned paper textures and brushes I’ve created in photoshop to achieve the feel of traditional work. By using technology – specifically flash and photoshop – I am able to create a new image everyday. It requires a certain discipline, whether its traditional or digital.

What is everyday love?
When I decided to pursue art, I simply wanted to make people happy. I began to create an image every day and share it with friends and family, and I called that everyday love. To share the moments from a day that make you smile. I see it as a way to connect with an image that feels like coming home.

Okay, what about this wood burning stuff? How does it work?
I use a professional wood burning tool and burn each line by hand onto raw wood. Its a nice break from the computer!

How has being Indian influenced you work?
India is in my skin, its part of my visual reference. At times I miss India, the feel of Hindi on my tongue, or my large, loud, laughing family and that feeling comes through in my work. But as much as I am Indian, I am American – because I grew up in California. That hybrid existence has also afforded me a larger, richer experience to draw from.

How long have you been working as an artist?

I’ve been working as a full time professional artist since November 2010.

Did you really quit art school? Obviously you didn’t need it, you’re so talented!
I went to art school in my late 20s, I had already been in the work world for a number of years after receiving my degree in Literature. I took a deep breath and quit my 9 to 5. I went to the Academy of Art in San Francisco for over a year before I left. I had a received a good foundation, being older I already had an idea of what I wanted to do and when the courses started to feel restrictive I left to pursue my own thing. I don’t believe its talent, its hard work. Drawing every day, keeping focused and driven.

Who are some of your influences?
I began thinking about art as a career when I started following Kurt Halsey’s work as well as Julie West. I love the work of Brittney Lee, Chris Appelhans, Jelle Gijsberts. I am also inspired every time I look at the graphic novels of Marjane Satrapi, Craig Thompson, Gene Yang and Vera Brosgol. I am constantly introduced to new artists, so the list is always changing and growing, but that’s a good start!

Will you create an image for my wedding, children’s book, iPad app or [insert anything]?
For wedding and personal projects, I am unfortunately no longer accepting commissions. I have a variety of projects on my plate that I am focusing on… I may open them up again in the future, and I will be sure to update folks if that happens.
Professional projects, I am a freelancer and as such I have to choose my projects carefully, so please keep in mind that I do not work for free or exposure-only.

For children’s books, please contact Hansen Literary Agency at hansenliterary@msn.com for more information.

I’m at art student and I was wondering if you had any advice for me?
Draw, draw, draw!

Can I use your images on my website or blog?
I am super happy to have my artwork featured on your online journal, blog or website. There is no need to ask permission beforehand, but you must include a link back to my site or my etsy shop. This permission is only for online media, non-commercial, with proper credit.

For commercial online media, print, broadcast and other media you must obtain permission or inquire about usage fees – please email me at nidhinecco@gmail.com. If you’re not sure, email me and ask.

I do not appreciate unauthorized use of my images.

I’d love to interview you for a feature on my blog!
Thank you! I appreciate all blog features and interviews, please email me at nidhinecco@gmail.com.

Can I use your work for my next tattoo?
No permissions is required for this, I’m honored! I do ask that you email me a photo of it when its complete. ^_^

Will you come and speak at my school?

I’d love to, especially if its local to the San Francisco Bay Area. Please email me at nidhinecco@gmail.com with the details.

Did your mattar paneer recipe really win an award? Can I have the recipe?
Yes! The recipe can be found on the Vegetarian Times website.

Will you marry me?
I’m flattered, but I’ve already found the best one for me.
*****