Meet Netherlands-based 3D artist, Sonal Jadhav

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an overthinker, a day dreamer, a cat lover and someone who finds joy in little things.

Apart from that, I’m a 3D Artist and Illustrator from India, based in the Netherlands. I produce illustrations for brands, editorial and ad campaigns for clients all around the world.

After many years of playing around with different aesthetics, I have found that the best work I do is creating surreal spaces. With strong use of color and composition, my aim is to deliver imagery that surpasses a client brief.
I live to create illustrations that are pleasing to the senses; by using characters, forms and textures that create a tactile quality.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I grew up in the bustling city of Mumbai where I spent my childhood travelling in local buses, taking long walks by the seashores, eating delicious street food. When I visit India, I love to relive those memories and occasionally take the local bus instead of an Uber.

I moved to the Netherlands in 2016 to be with my partner. We live in a city called Enschede with our cat Zoe. The first thing I noticed about the Dutch was how patient and laidback they are, at least in this part of the country where I live. Family and health are a priority. The Dutch are also known to be honest and upfront about their feelings / opinions which was a big culture shock for me.

After many years of playing around with different aesthetics, I have found that the best work I do is creating surreal spaces. With strong use of color and composition, my aim is to deliver imagery that surpasses a client brief.
I live to create illustrations that are pleasing to the senses; by using characters, forms and textures that create a tactile quality.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

Mumbai- The best and worst thing about Mumbai is the monsoon. It’s a great time to unwind while sitting by a window with a cup of chai (Indian tea). But heavy rains also tend to clog up a big chunk of Mumbai by flooding the streets. I love the long stretches of seashores, night life and the food in Mumbai. You will never feel lonely because you’re surrounded with all kinds of people, all the time. The worst thing would be the pollution and not having enough green spaces.

Enschede- The best part about living here is, that it is accessible, bike friendly and green. It can get quite windy sometimes and you must always be prepared for a sudden change of weather. That is why we always check our weather app before stepping out. Winters are harsh and the days are awfully short. Adjusting to this climate took me the longest time because I’m from the always-so-sunny-and-humid Mumbai.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Calm, inspiring, stimulating

How did you start your career in art?

As a kid, I used to look forward to the arts and craft classes a bit more than other kids, while being totally unaware that art could be a career. So, it went on a hibernation mode when I enrolled in an engineering college to study Computer Science. But you would always find some scribbles or sketches here and there in my engineering books.

Luckily, my parents were supportive. And they let me take this tiny course to learn Photoshop and basics of 3D along with my bachelor’s degree. And that rekindled my love for art and animation. There was no going back.

After I graduated, I knew I could not spend my life as a software engineer. That is how I decided to pursue a Masters in 3D Animation at Supinfocom India.

As a kid, I used to look forward to the arts and craft classes a bit more than other kids, while being totally unaware that art could be a career. So, it went on a hibernation mode when I enrolled in an engineering college to study Computer Science. But you would always find some scribbles or sketches here and there in my engineering books.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

I am the first person in my family to pursue a career in art. So naturally there was a bit of hesitation at first, but my parents have been extremely supportive.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

As long as I have a good team to collaborate with, with an ego-free environment, I do not care much about the brand I’m working for. I’m interested in working on projects that are driven by positivity and combines new technology with good old storytelling.

Finding a good balance between work and play is always the goal.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

All the talented folks at Buck.

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

There have been a lot of times when I question my capabilities when starting a new client project.  Because of all that overthinking and over-preparing, I surprise myself with newfound skills and the project turns out to be a success. It’s a good reminder to believe in ourselves and our skills.

Secondly, finding time to make personal work in between client projects can be a challenge.

Talented, resilient, supportive

How would you describe the women around you?

Talented, resilient, supportive

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

While I was growing up there were not a lot of female creatives that I knew of. But one artist that comes to my mind is Gitanjali Rao. And I was fortunate to be taught a storytelling masterclass by her at Supinfocom.

If you are starting out as an artist, try to make work that makes you happy and you would want to get paid for. Not what others are doing.

Do you have any advice for other women who are aspiring to work in your field?

These are the things that I learned over time and want to share with you:

1. If you are starting out as an artist, try to make work that makes you happy and you would want to get paid for. Not what others are doing.
2. Get out of your comfort zone and say yes more often. But do not work for free.
3. You can do much more than you think you can.
4. Try not to come under the pressure of making art for social media.
5. Ask for help and try not to overburden yourself. For example, if you are better with your 3D tools than making concepts, then reach out to a good designer/illustrator who can make the concepts. Play on your strengths.

What type of music do you like to listen to?

A mix of different genres but I gravitate towards alternative rock the most.

What’s your favorite local food spot?

Bakker Bart in the Netherlands (simple but delicious sandwiches with rustic breads).

The best Vada Pav joint in Mumbai.

Cornelia Li asks: What is the first 3 years of your career like?

I directly started freelancing after my Masters. The first 3 years of my career were challenging as I had to establish myself in a new country where I did not know any other artist. Since I am an introvert, I found networking to be a challenge. I used to stress more and try to follow trends. But luckily, I realized it early on to make art that I like. I collaborated with some amazing illustrators and explored their designs in 3D. That is how clients started noticing my work and I started getting new gigs.

Celestial Fang asks: How has your art changed since the start of your journey?

I think my style has evolved over the years. I now look for simplicity and good compositions in my work.

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

What do you do to get over a creative block?

Photos courtesy of Sonal Jadhav