Samji, a freelance illustrator from Kerala, India, has carved out a distinctive niche in the digital art world. His path to becoming an illustrator was not a straightforward one—he explored various creative fields before realising that his true passion lay in illustration. This realisation opened up a world where he could merge his love for visual storytelling with his unique artistic flair. Today, Samji is known for his vibrant colour palettes and imaginative compositions that breathe life into his illustrations.
Starting his career journey, Samji initially tried his hand at animation. However, it didn’t quite provide the creative satisfaction he was looking for. He then moved to graphic design, but again, it wasn’t quite the right fit. It wasn’t until he embraced illustration that he found his true calling. This medium allowed him to explore the intersection of reality and imagination, blending bold colours with compelling narratives. For Samji, each illustration is a window into a new world—a chance to bring his creative vision to life in a way that other mediums didn’t offer.
Samji’s approach to illustration is heavily driven by his understanding of colour and light. Early in his career, he focused on more subdued colour schemes, believing that realism was the pinnacle of artistic beauty. Over time, however, his perspective shifted. He began experimenting with more vibrant, eye-catching colours that could convey a wider range of emotions. This experimentation led to a distinctive style characterised by bold, bright hues and dynamic lighting that could transform the mood of an illustration and evoke a deeper emotional response
For Samji, the use of colour is not merely a visual choice but a powerful storytelling tool. “Colours can set the tone of an the entire piece, drawing the viewer in and guiding their emotional journey,” he says. Alongside this, his keen understanding of lighting allows him to create depth and texture, further enhancing the narrative power of his illustrations. His work frequently features a harmonious blend of colour and shadow that adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to his pieces.
A recent highlight in Samji’s career was his collaboration with ArianeGroup, a European aerospace company. This project marked a significant shift from his usual subjects, as it required him to step outside his comfort zone and explore themes related to space and technology. Known for his illustrations filled with human figures and stories rooted in emotion, Samji had to adapt to creating compositions that focused on aerospace elements and machinery—a completely new challenge for him.
Reflecting on this experience, Samji describes how working with such a different theme pushed him to think outside the box and apply his creative skills in new ways. The collaboration with ArianeGroup was not only a refreshing departure from his usual work but also an opportunity to grow as an artist. It allowed him to explore new ideas and experiment with visual storytelling in a novel context, showing his adaptability and versatility.
As a freelancer, Samji understands the importance of staying visible and adaptable in a constantly changing creative industry. He often shares insights from his own experiences, particularly about building a sustainable career and maintaining a strong portfolio that reflects one’s artistic evolution. He emphasises the value of embracing new challenges, staying open to different projects, and continually learning from each collaboration.
For Samji, success as an illustrator comes from a combination of passion, persistence, and adaptability. He advises budding illustrators to focus not just on developing their technical skills but also on building strong relationships within the creative community and always being ready to seize new opportunities.
Looking ahead, Samji is excited about the endless possibilities in digital illustration. He aims to keep pushing the boundaries of his creativity, whether through experimenting with different themes, adopting new digital tools, or collaborating with artists from diverse fields. He views his artistic journey as one of constant growth and discovery, where each new project is a stepping stone to even greater artistic expression.
As he continues to evolve, Samji remains committed to inspiring others in the creative field. He frequently engages with his audience through social media, workshops, and talks, sharing his experiences and encouraging others to explore their creativity without fear.
