by Rick Mullenix | Community Manager
Still young and talented in his chosen field of work, Rahul, known to us as “aRBy,” is able to enjoy life pursing his passion for design. Growing up in the “cultural capital of India,” Kolkata, Western Bengal, gave Rahul many opportunities to gather experience as a designer at a young age. In this rich region he’s become fluent in English, Hindi, and Bengali. Now 26 yrs old, Rahul has been a graphic artist for over 7 years.
In this interview you will learn about Rahul’s artistic influences, the experiences that has led him to where he is today, and what he would choose for his one super power.
You are quite an accomplished illustrator, and I think a lot of people are interested in how you developed that skill in your life?
I did drawings from an early age. When I turned 18 I joined Arena Multimedia. After that I worked in many companies to accumulate experience and finally entered into the freelance world.
Where do your artistic influences come from?
Drawing and reading comics influenced me most. My favorite comics are Superman, He-Man Master of the Universe, Conan the Barbarian, Spider-Man, Batman, and Tin TIn. I’ve always been interested in action figures and their digitization. Cartoon Network also plays a vital role for influencing me.
Going into freelance work, how did you find 48HoursLogo.com?
I had been working for KreativeFingers.pvt.ltd as a Senior Graphic Designer. While searching for independent designing platforms online I discovered 48HoursLogo. I signed up and joined a contest which had only five hours left. I won that contest, and was so pleased to have the entire prize money within two day that I left my job and became a full timer at 48HoursLogo. That was over three years ago.
In your experience, what makes 48HoursLogo stand out that has kept you designing here?
The friendly atmosphere makes me feel like I am in my home. I’ve faced tough competition but still, everything is friendly and everyone respects each other. Plus I don’t have to wait too much for payments. In my opinion the pricing and the payment method makes this site stand out of the crowd.
Has your life changed at all since joining out site?
After joining I can live life freely, no rush to the office, no waking up early and no financial crisis.
What would you like for clients and designers to know about you?
Designing to me is like everything that one can need to live happily. It gives me enormous happiness when anyone says “your work is AWESOME.” I can’t say that I’ll win every time, no one can, but I try to make clients think at least once for my design.
Personally speaking, what are some of your favorite and least favorite things to do?
Favorite things would be my bike, my PC, and my wallet (obviously when filled with lots of money… LOL). I really enjoy biking, swimming, martial arts, playing games, cooking, and reading stories. Least favorites would be to quit smoking and drinking habits.
Let’s say you’ve been offered one superpower of your choosing, what would you choose?
That the design contests I enter I would win immediately… haha!
What are your favorite 3 fonts and what you love about them most?
Trajan Pro Bold, Avant-Garde, and Square 721 Bold Extended BT. These three typefaces have a distinctive impact on viewers. They are all dynamic in every respect.
Do you have any favorite designs you’ve created through 48HoursLogo.com?
Many of them are my favorites, but Gamma Ray Toys is most special to me. When I started designing Gamma Ray Toys, all my favorite comic characters started appearing in my mind and memories from my childhood, so I started designing from that. When it was completed I felt delighted to have created my own superhero. I really love him.
Are there any habits you have for when you start designing?
Yes, I listen to music and audio stories while designing. Mostly Bryan Adams and Indi-Pop songs, but I also love to listen to music from Linkin Park, Don’t Cry, and November Rain to GNR and Pink Floyd. My favorite audio books are Sunday Suspense, Conan Doyle, Arthur – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and Aesop’s Fables.
What advice would you give to other designers trying to find success like you have?
Be polite, read the clients mind and brief carefully. Try to understand what the clients company does and who the target audience is. Then make sketches of ideas evolving from your mind. After these, then start designing. Remember to make your quality stand out from the crowd.
Are there any popular or famous logos you think are due for an update or redesign?
ebay’s logo, as I think it’s a bit outdated and might need a fresh approach. I love the colors of their logo, they should keep that. But I don’t like the typography. In my opinion it needs a much more professional effort to make it stand out.
Lastly, what is one improvement you would like to see at 48HoursLogo?
Big Prize Projects should be guaranteed. And when a client takes a long time to update they should be followed up upon.
I would like to thank Rahul very much for taking the time for this interview! You can see more of Rahul’s work and client feedback on his portfolio page.
What is the most interesting thing you learned about aRBy? Let me know in the comments below!
Make sure you haven’t missed our previous Featured Designer Interview with Smith1979. There are also some good ideas for new logos in our Expert Recommendations article.