Soumesh Choudhury, an emotive storyteller

Introducing Soumesh Choudhury, an illustrator from a small town near Kolkata, India. Although he studied media journalism, he has always been passionate about illustration and storytelling. Soumesh is inspired by many fellow artists, including Felicita Sala and Qin Leng, as well as illustration masters such as Quentin Blake and Ezra Jack Keats. He usually starts his illustrations on paper using ink and watercolour before editing them digitally.

We got him to answer some questions to understand his creative journey thus far…

What would you say is your best piece of work or collaboration to date, and why?

I’ve got a few works that I feel are my best. The first was a vintage illustration of a Latin American family based on a novel. The second is a personal piece: I illustrated the cover for the story Shasa, Goddess of the Ocean, which included an emotional mother hugging her son. I also animated a short film for a music video that showed a kid in a tree feeling upset with society. Last, I also worked as a storyboard artist for a Netflix original project.

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I like to be outdoors, mostly near rivers or on mountains. Where I'm from, there are riverside villages, and I like to take inspiration from the people, culture, and society found there. I’m often inspired when I travel the Himalayan regions; the hills and mountains, the locals and culture inspire me a lot. I also like dampy hills as they help me to create various stories and brainstorms.

Is there anything you'd be a good advocate for? 

I’m a good advocate for untold children stories. I like to seek out stories from childhood, whether my stories or other people’s. I would feel the emotions of the stories and create a unique mood in my illustrations.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.

I’ve always been good at creating special moods for my stories. Depending on the nature of the story, I can also adapt and change my style. Because of that, I am able to create something new that I’ve never seen before.

What is something that clients come back to you for?

My repeat clients come to me for my style and storytelling. I think they appreciate the emotions brought out by the illustrations I draw.

How would you describe your style?

My style may be imperfect but it’s emotive and detailed. I try to blend the styles of colour pencil, gouache and watercolours most of the time. I like to focus on the emotions the characters feel or present and allow them to harmonise with the environment I’ve created, while keeping solid shapes clear and obvious.

Please give a scenario of a dream project that would mean the world to you — something personally meaningful.

I have an idea of a story I would like to create illustrations for: In a village in the mountains where some kids live, there is a monsoon and a series of events that occur. The scene could feel whimsical, but I’d also like to create a gloomy dusk atmosphere by adding some shadows on the trees and mountains. The wild fields and plains would reflect the emotions of a mother trying to pat her baby to sleep. Though the atmosphere is gloomy, there’s a sense of comfort in the illustration as well.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

Yes, right now I’m working on two personal projects. One of them is the cover design of the sea goddess Shasa, alongside a few rough illustrations, that I’ve included in my portfolio. The story is about how Shasa lost her son when her son was playing in the seas with giant mythical creatures. Her son then was cursed by the thunder god who turned him into a mountain. Shasa tries to find her son as the mountain. This is a story that ship captains enjoy telling to their children.

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would that be?

If I ever illustrate a book related to a real life person, I’d like it to be Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. His storytelling changed my life, especially The Tales of Princess Kaguya. I feel like he’s underrated and it would be a respectful tribute to him, as he opened a new illustrative dimension for me.

If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

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