Young Talent – Neil Fernando

Cartoons Underground spoke with Neil Fernando, an upcoming Art Director and Freelance Artist. He speaks about his inspirations, his experiences, and provides advice for aspiring artists.

In 50 words or less, please tell us about yourself.

I’m a spaceman. I love to explore beyond boundaries and limitless possibilities.

I’m exploring advertising as an Art Director, and am a freelance Layout/Concept Artist. I’m also a Musician, and I’ve recently started a Design x Production company with my friends.

I don’t want to limit myself doing one thing. Like the great Buzz Lightyear said: “To infinity and beyond!”

Did you have any mentors?

I consider everyone and everything as mentors. Coming from an art school I have a lot of teachers, I also have my friends, co-workers and fellow artists.

I usually study colors from Old Masters. Like Rembrandt, he is dead long time ago but I still learned from him. When I remember my first toy being broken. I learned sadness. I learned how to picture sadness. I believe that mentors come in unexpected person, places and forces.

How do you expect to grow as an artist, and as a person?

I wanted to be a person and an artist who tells stories that will influence a person’s life and pursue emotions that make others smile, laugh, excited or even cry. I wanted to be remembered as the guy that becomes a part of their life even for a glimpse of a second.

What and/or who do you draw inspiration from?

The people around me. Emotions, stories and experiences. These things stir up my imagination and make me share message through my art.

What is your opinion on making art a career?

Perfect! Really, I can’t imagine any career that lets you do crazy stuff. It keeps my inner child in me. There’s a lot to explore. Letting your mind wander through space, create the impossible possible, tell jokes, daydream, experiment, fly and do exactly want you want to draw, draw and draw. That to me is a gift.

What are your future plans?

For now, I really want to work for an animation studio. From there, let me see where my wings would take me.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Like every artist say “Practice. Practice. Practice.” Don’t ever forget that.

But I will emphasize the importance of exploring. Never stop trying new ways to do stuff, to create your art. There’s a lot to learn. You can draw inspiration from a song, stories, an ant or even the smell of your brother’s socks. Don’t just use your eyes. Use all your senses.

Remember “Explore. Explore. Explore.” Explore like a spaceman.

If you would like to see more of Neil’s work, please refer to the following links: