The Artist’s Way: An Interview with Ipshita Roy

By Likita Gowda

"Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness." - Anni Albers

Art makes everything better. It is not just about seeing the beauty in what is and recreating it but it's also imagining something new and making that a reality.

And art isn't just a way in which an artist expresses their feelings, thoughts and ideas through a medium but it's also a way of making people who see it feel a certain way. The world of art and artists is indeed fascinating & beautiful. And we at Girls Buzz are super lucky as we got to speak to and take a peek into the world of one such wonderful illustrator and artist whose work we love, Ipshita Roy.

Before you scroll down to read her take on art, life and more, check out this relaxing gouache painting video that she's made for us. We're sure that you'll love it!

Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you become interested in art? Did you always want to be an artist?

First off I am grateful to be parterning with Girls Buzz. You guys are doing an amazing job bringing us women together to share our interests, it's truly uplifting. That being said, I am Ipshita Roy, currently pursuing my bachelor's degree from Delhi College of art! I run an art page on Instagram which goes by the name @oopshita_art. I run a shop on my page selling art prints, stickers, tote bags etc. I grew up watching my dad paint and being so protective of his art supplies and now that I've started making art full time, I see what that was all about. I always knew that I wanted to create, no matter what field I was in. I was always on the move for making something different! 

What does art mean to you?

Personally, making art is my safe space. It is like coming home after a tiring day of work. I wasn't a social kid while growing up, so I ended up creating stories of my own through my art and I enjoyed that time. But now that I am doing it professionally, it gets stressful sometimes but all worth it once you get the support for it (all fellow artists might relate).

What kinds of art do you make?

I love creating a visual vessel for the viewers to resonate with. According to me, art should be relatable but not predictable. I specialise in book cover illustrations and album cover designs. I mostly do digital illustrations but always get back to painting traditionally whenever on a detox. Both are equally fascinating. 

Can you pick a favourite amongst all the different kinds of art that you are into?

As said, I love to tell stories through my art. So my favourite work has to be something that is evocative and detailed. Focusing on tiny details makes all the difference, it can make or break a piece. 

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I love travelling, it would be a great experience to get to travel to different countries for work! Would be amazing to have a place of my own (a studio).

Do you feel artists are underappreciated?

I feel that people who are in the creative field themselves or love art in general, are quite appreciative of the work we do, it's like a community and everyone is an important part of it. Having said that, people who do not know much about the process and the thought behind it might be underappreciative of the work done. It's normal to not like things you don't understand. The community keeps growing every day and playing a part in it is absolutely accelerating. 

Do you have a favourite colour?

I tend to lean towards pastel hues and warm tones a lot. Most of my paintings have a similar colour palette. 

What is your work day like? 

Honestly, it depends on the day. I mostly work from home and now during the pandemic, it has become a norm. I usually start early morning because the atmosphere is beautiful and really gets me in the mood to work. And from there I keep taking food breaks, stretch breaks, so on and so forth.

What’s the best thing that you have made till date?

Two of my recent works.

For the first one, I was inspired by the webtoon/drama - "Strangers from hell", made a little comic strip of a snippet from the series.

The second one has to be the illustration series that I am beginning to start. Amy and Kim are the characters and I'll be making more illustrations based on their daily adventures! 

One advice you would wish to give to aspiring artists?

I'd say don't just stick to one style when you're a beginner. Try to explore more areas of learning, different styles, colour palettes, angles etc. This will not only help you pick what you like doing the most but also help you alter your art style whenever you'd like. 

A quote that you live by

"The only limit to our realisation of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." - Franklin D. Roosevelt 

You can follow Ipshita's work on Instagram: @oopshita_art