This summer, I’ve been attending a two-week course at Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry… Just kidding. I’ve been taking lessons at Parson’s The New School for Design, which is equally as wonderful. Actually, they’re quite similar. It’s a place where magic is possible. A place filled with learning, amazing experiences, interesting professors (no Dumbledore I’m afraid) and students with such incredible talent, it might be considered witchcraft. Situated in one of the most gorgeous sections of New York City, Parson’s has over 10 buildings that differ depending on the class you take. The teachings range from architectural sketching, to professional fashion design. I’m enrolled in the Illustration class. The thing I love about this class is that I get to experiment with different media that I would normally not use. My preferred drawing tools are the good ol’ pen and pencil. But these past few weeks, I’ve made artwork with black ink, paint, even cutout pieces of paper. I was never confident enough to try new things, and this is exactly what this course has done; opened up new windows of skill and opportunity that I will use for the rest of my life. I have also learned a ton from all of the Van Goghs and Picassos in my class. My drawing, especially realistic sketching, has improved majorly just by adding tiny little details that not everyone notices. This overall happening has been fantastic not just because my drawings have ameliorated, but because I got to be a part of a huge community that make up this impressive institute, the home of hundreds of illustrators and animators. If you haven’t yet, I recommend you to check out Parson’s. It’s definitely worth it.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

May I present to you a comic strip from my favourite graphic novels of all time. I began reading Asterix from a very young age, and even now, I still burst out laughing every time I read it. My friends make fun of me often, because we’ll be in this really quite place and then suddenly there’s me laughing at a book. I find the drawings so intriguing and original. The characters are marvellously drawn and composed, making them all one of a kind. I also have gotten many drawing techniques from reading Asterix. One of the many I’ve learned is how to draw movement. The way Albert Uderzo (the artist) draws the moving of people’s limbs is seriously amazing. I highly recommend you guys to take a look at Asterix, if you haven’t yet.

FYI: The books are best in French 🙂