Interviews
BeyondBooks: ‘Storytelling and art are close to my heart’
A manga artist from Apeejay School, Nerul, shares how the art form gave him a way to express his perspective
He is, at present, studying in Class XII at Apeejay School, Nerul, and pursuing Commerce. Through his art and stories, he hopes to make a meaningful impact on others. He also wants to gain more knowledge and experience in the fields of art and manga. Meet Tavish Pasricha. In a candid interview, he talks about what inspired him to pen down a comic book in manga, among other things.
What is a manga? Why did you choose this style?
In simple words, it is a comic book, but its distinctive style makes it unique. It is a traditional Japanese art form that began with simple comic strips published in newspapers and magazines. Over time, manga has evolved significantly. The stories have become deeper and more meaningful, while the artwork has set an impressive benchmark.
A few years ago, I purchased my first manga. I was fascinated by the quality of its artwork and storytelling. That experience eventually inspired me to begin drawing my own manga.
What inspired A Special Delivery?
Actually, the name of my manga is Raizen, and I have created two chapters so far. The second chapter is titled A Special Delivery. Without giving away any spoilers, the title has a deeper meaning that will be revealed as I create more chapters. The main theme I wanted to explore in this chapter was betrayal by someone who is deeply trusted. It also shows how evil can emerge from the most unexpected places.
How did you create the characters?
My process of creating characters is fairly simple. I first decide on the main personality traits of a character. I then take inspiration from people with distinct physical features and combine these ideas to develop the character. Most creative work is made similarly, by drawing inspiration from multiple sources and bringing those ideas together in a new form.
What came first, the story or the drawings?
The story came first, followed by the character designs. Once these elements were finalised, I began drawing the actual manga pages.
What was the most challenging part of creating the story?
The process of creating a manga can certainly be complex. However, I saw it as a great opportunity to showcase my work and express my perspective, so I did not experience too much difficulty. The hardest part was taking the first step and beginning the project. Once you start, you gradually get into a creative flow.
How did you balance the project with your studies?
My strategy is to give my complete attention to whatever I choose to do. Following a daily routine can be helpful when balancing studies with a creative project. I usually studied seriously during my examinations and focused on understanding the main concepts.
Do you plan to create more comics in the future?
Yes, I plan to continue creating manga in the future. It is something very close to my heart. I want to create at least one masterpiece in my lifetime, something that readers can become deeply invested in. For now, my focus is on constantly improving my storytelling and drawing skills while continuing to work on my manga.
