We were lucky to catch up with Rhea Paul recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rhea, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Coming from a family that place as lot of importance into academic success I was unknowingly pressured into choosing a career in medicine or engineering. It was during my 10th grade finals when my mom and dad sat me down and asked me what I wanted to do. I told them the simplest answer at the time which was ” I am good at art”. I wasn’t great at it, nor did I know much about it but I told them that regardless. There is no emphasis on the arts as higher education in my home to country. People are set in their beliefs and truly believe that a job in the Arts equals a life of struggle.

My parents were different, they truly might have seen something in me because they did end up sending me to Art school for the next 4 years. This period of my life was a period of learning and unlearning. I was in a creative bubble that led me to flourish in my own terms. The scary thing is that this did not prepare me for what lies after school.

Following this, I faced a period of over work, creative block and a general sense of helplessness. It was in this period that I questioned my resolve to make it as an artist. I constantly thought back to what it would of been like to be something else. It was a hard feeling to process after acquiring a bachelors in the creative arts.

Despite all this I took any opportunity that was available to make sense of what I am. Am I an animator, a corporate employee, a freelancer or an artist ? And after months of contemplation, I came to the realization that I really want to make it as an artist. My time in Mumbai definitely helped me solidify this feeling and I applied to a masters program.

Right now I have renewed hope that I can make it in this industry. I am focusing on my creative journey rather than the fame and success that I so desperately wanted.

Rhea, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

What got me into animation was watching anime as a child. I never imagined my love for the this medium would translate into a career in animation. I want my works to be enjoyed by people who have love for the craft, be it through commercials or independent projects. In the past I’ve done some commercial works, I have created small graphic novels and illustrated images for online publications. I am keen to work in the realm of animated documentary and music videos. I feel my skills are best suited for such works but the end goal would to be to be able to work on my own film. Speaking of my own film, I am currently working on my Thesis film and this is one of the works that I am most proud of. It’s a 2 minute animated film that details the very idea of creation and its consequences, it draws parallels to the life of an artist and what creativity does to them.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The biggest goal I have to achieve is to give back to my family. They have unwavering faith in me, sometimes even more than what I have in myself and that is why I have to check of my goals one by one to reach there.
Some of the smaller goals include being able to be recognized for my creative direction and artistic vision. Working along side other creatives, building a sense of community in the industry would be my gateway into achieving my grand mission.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Definitely the thought of being a conversation starter. I work in a medium that is so expressive and vibrant that people will always have a dialogue with it. Being a story teller, I can use any method to communicate that my narrative. People don’t have to always understand what I am doing but if it sparks an ounce of curiosity or conversation, I pat myself on the back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.behance.net/rheapaul?locale=en_US
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pazl_dox/?hl=en

Image Credits

rheapaul.