ThriveIN5 with Sara Japanwalla

What motivated you to pursue your passion?

I really wanted to do a job that I loved, where I could think creatively and illustration is my favorite art form. I was motivated to work with luxury high fashion brands - I always take time out to draw my own personal projects as well as commercial ones so that my ideas are changing, evolving. I don't coast and this way I stay motivated.

What inspires you the most?

Travel inspires me as well as the energy of cities and people /characters around me. I love sketching on location to capture what I'm up to on the weekend weather it's a stroll at the beach, shopping at ripe market, or coffee at JBR.

How do you handle the various challenges surrounding what you do? 

I think that comparison is the thief of joy, and even though I love social media, I try my best to resist obsessing over art/illustrators accounts. If you feel good, you draw well so I like to avoid becoming a hermit by socializing and having hobbies which don't include art. This helps my mind stay clear, balanced and allows me to work better. If you have lots of deadlines, I think it's always a good tip to try not to overthink the result and focus on stress and instead just get started and be on autopilot. Once you get in the zone, and tackle things bit by bit, the work won't be so overwhelming.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I would like my own clothing label to grow - my designs feature my illustrations as prints and it would be great if they were available in department stores throughout the region. I want to continue working with brands like Bloomingdales and Harvey Nichols and I'd like to think of new ways to push creative boundaries.

What advice would you give to someone up and coming?

Do not be too attached to social media - join as many real classes you can and try lots of different workshops - especially summer courses abroad. These will help you find your style and help you become more well rounded as an artist. Don't focus on the money too much at the beginning... just keep creating art, even if it's after a hard day's work at your day job. Every day, you'll evolve.