Today we are featuring the person who helped get Instablogs its first, albeit dubious, name recognition in the Blogosphere. When we launched in October 2005, people knew us as the ones with those ‘unique’ cartoons. The man behind those is Ankur Shakya, a strapping lad in his very early twenties, who we think has yet to adjust to the chaotic newsroom at the Instablogs HQ. He is a shy, reticent guy and we think only a girl will be able to coax out his pensive soul. It only proves the adage that cartoonists, like other funnymen, are inherently sad people. Now let’s not take more of your time and we present the man himself in a rare one-on-one.



1. Behind the intelligence and the illustration know-how, who is Ankur Shakya?



I am a simple guy with wild thoughts...hahaha. Just Kidding, yeah, that is what I do when I am in a mood to laugh and make others laugh. I am also lucky enough to have found a supporting crowd at Instablogs who are always forthcoming with advice which I am almost always in need of. A boy lost in the woods, a friend once called me that. Maybe that’s the real Ankur Shakya.



2. Could you share a favorite childhood memory?



Once I was caught by my teacher on whom I had a huge crush. I had her sketches in my hand and I couldn’t stop blushing.



3. What are three words that describe you?



Shy, Senistive, Creative.



4. How has it been working with Instablogs?



It is fun. If you call the incessant chatter about posts fun. But honestly, the guys ae sweet. They have helped me brush up my general knowledge...ha..ha. I am constantly amazed by the levels of enthusiasm here. Becoming ‘World Class’ is a pretty big motto here, I guess.





5. Who are some of the cartoonists whose work has inspired or influenced you?



They’re almost too numerous to mention. As a child, I was greatly influenced by the work of R.K. Laxman, N.K. Ranganathan and K.Shankar Pillai. Three famous Indian cartoonists gave this profession a new dimension.



6. We hear you have a reputation for being a pessimist.



My instinct is to always go to the negative. I see myself and my editor has said so too, I’m a paid skeptic.



7. After you’re gone from this wild world–or while you’re still here–what is it you want people to know/remember about Ankur Shakya?



I would like people to remember me as that famous cartoonist from India . This is a schoolboy answer, but then this was the dream of a schoolboy. Now, this is dream of an young man.





8. Do you see yourself as an educator of public opinion?



I suppose I am. My view changes from time to time, day to day. Some days I feel humoured and other days I feel angry. Some days I can barely contemplate the whole business of politics, I feel let down by the sides. This comes of having to deal with it as a daily diet.





9. Tell us something about your characters - Katherine and Draco.



Draco’s World



I created the characters of Draco, his buddy Mouse and mentor Janice. Draco is a 14 - year old boy who also reviews games for a local TV station. This setting is easily grasped by the reader of Gaming Blog and most importantly, stories for this setting are easier to think up.



Katherine



This was a different challenge as the brief was to create life-like drawings of this spoiled, rich girl.



10. List 5 of your favourites sketches so far.



I like all my stuff. But some stand out for their uniqueness in a particular setting:



1. The Blog Traffic Cartoon.



2. The First-Ever Instablogs Cartoon.



3. The Prenup -Smart Girl Cartoon.



4. The Global warming Cartoon.



5. The Pet-Crazy Americans Cartoon.







11. Apart from your own cartoons and comics, which are your favourites?



Peanuts, Dilbert, Garfield, Calvin and Hobbes. The list is endless.





12. What final advice would you give to aspiring cartoonists?



Cartooning can be just a fun hobby. You can derive great pleasure from doodling and sketching.



Search for information. The Internet is full of information about cartooning, with lots of sites offering valuable tips and job possibilities. Take computer art classes if possible, or look for a job in the graphic arts field where they might be willing to train you on a computer as part of your employment.



And then, shoot for the stars! Submit your work to major publications all over the world. Do cartoon art for web sites that need a fresh look. Send sample comic strips to major syndicates. Even when you are still giving your work away just to get it printed.you might just land a big check from a major publisher.



Good Luck for the future Ankur! I hope you have as much fun in the cartooning field as I have had in interviewing you. Cartooning sure’s a great way to earn a living!!!!!