Illustrator and storyteller Amandeep Singh’s artwork for his brand Inkquisitive recently celebrated the ten year anniversary on BBC where he spoke about his career and passion for producing artwork around religion, pop-culture, politics, sports and more. His mother chose the word ‘Inkquisitive’ and he was exploring an unconventional career choice in arts. Asian Voice spoke to Singh to learn more about his journey so far.
What does it take to nurture art (belonging to the Asian community which is obsessed with cliche career options which may or may not include arts) and pursuing a career in it for over a decade?
I don't think there's any differentiation in ways of nurturing art from community to community, I think and feel (in my opinion) that it simply comes down to our community, in specific, understanding the values of what art and the artist brings. So often, we are told to believe that art is more a hobby and not a profession and it's the wrong way of thinking. Being Sikh, our tenth Guru was an artist, and our ancestors from the Maharajas adopted the belief and interest of such an expression, so why should the nurturing and appreciation of such art demise now? More so now than ever, when Arts can be celebrated in so many different avenues and ways with the digital age. I feel so often, when I first began 10 years ago, art as a profession was such a taboo subject, it's one of the reasons I chose to take this on as a challenge to succeed in the industry and I'm glad I did. I am one of the fortunate kids who got lots of support from my parents to indulge in the arts. My Father does calligraphy, plays every instrument in the world you could think of (ha!) and understands the value of expression and creativity. My mother also has the same views. But somewhere down the line, parents don't always see the worth of their child and believe art is not a 'safe' option which is another bubble that needs to burst. There's room for so much nurturing if we take the time to start at grassroot levels.
How supportive was your family when it came to giving wings to your creative ventures?
My parents are my blessing. With my Father having worked at the Indian High Commission, I would often find him working on projects for the Royal Family, Princess Diana, Prime Ministers and so on. He would write invites to them and as a child fell in love with his calligraphic skillset. It was at a young age I adopted the idea of picking up a pen and using it to draw everything and anything. The idea of ink to paper excited me and I never dropped the pen. So fast forward 30 odd years, the conversations to tour the world, to hold exhibitions and to invest my time and money into machinery and tools wasn't a hard task to deliver. My parents understood and clearly saw my passion for the arts and it's that what made ends meet. So often we find ourselves saying 'we want to do this and that' with very little to show. As a university student I would do the same but also have physical pieces of artwork to show my parents alongside how I wanted to move forward with it. I'm thankful my parents understood where my strengths lay, in fact so many of my illustrations are inspired by their ideas.
What would be your advice to aspiring artists who want to pursue this career and also make a living out of it?
I would say to understand the importance of consistency. Even with a BA and an MA I found myself at the bottom of the pile. Nobody wanted to give me a job. But I understood that I'm going to have to be consistent with my passion. If you really want something, nothing can stop you from getting it and I did exactly just that. Being known as a global figure or having the following I do did not come overnight and it's nothing that was given very easily. Many personal battles to continue going when nothing was going my way allowed me to get more hungry to achieve this. Also understanding that money and fame isn't everything. You can get so lost under the spotlight with your name being praised and your art selling for an overwhelming amount, but never get it twisted. Always remember why you started in the first place. Understand what made you do what you do and never let that thought bubble get clouded. Lastly, experimentation is key, never get comfortable doing the same thing, ALWAYS feel uncomfortable, it's the only way you will grow.
Tell us something about your book 'Bedtime Stories for the end of the world'.
If I tell you so much you won't be left Inkquisitive to read or know more of it so in short, its my very first illustrated children's book. I did my Masters in children's illustration but the joy of creating childrens illustrations got left behind as my other signature 'Inkquisitive' style took off and got me where I am now. 10 years on and celebrating the milestone me alongside my management decided it was time to celebrate in style and so we bring to you the InkTale: Bedtime Stories For The End Of The World. Its traditional tales which have been contemporized to fit today's norm with a twist. My illustration style being both traditional and contemporary just fits the narrative perfect! I'm so excited about it and cannot wait to have you all turn the pages of it!
What is the kind of response and reception (in terms of fan following and customer feedback) that you've observed in the past decade when it comes to your artwork?
To be where I am, to see the following I have achieved and the accolades and awards I have been given does speak volumes in the way society on a global level receives my artwork and for that I will be very thankful for. Of course, my intention to paint will and never be for applause but for my message and emotions to be portrayed within colours and linework. I never set out to become what I have and never even thought I'd be doing half of the things I've done in my career. But a great deal of working with brands such as Apple, Warner Bros and more is due to word of mouth and having the right team to further enhance my ideas. The same as exhibitions, I have always had someone who was once a fan reach out to exhibit my work in their city of which now they're good friends. My fanbase is loyal and I always owe my successes to them. Admittedly, it can get quite hard to juggle all the compliments and applause and can get hard to digest as it gets overwhelming, but I've learnt to understand this is part of the package and part of the journey I have signed up for. Signing autographs will always be a strange one, even 10 years on, I only used to do signatures for bills and parking fines! Ha!
