We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Astra Pulamte a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Astra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

My most meaningful project thus far is my self-written and illustrated book called ‘The Spark Within,’ which I self-published on Amazon in January of 2024. This marks the first step post my graduation, as it originated as an assignment during my time as a student and was completed post-graduation. It is a story that I passionately wanted to share with the world, serving as a beacon of hope for children who have grown up in broken homes or are currently facing difficult situations.

Moreover, I aimed for it to be a book that facilitates tough conversations between parents and children about life or addresses challenging questions that children may ask. Presently, I am actively working on developing it for print and seeking feedback from professional illustrators through SCAD workshops that provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals.

I had the privilege of speaking with Nancy Miller, a successfully published children’s book author/illustrator, who provided invaluable feedback on how I could enhance the book. I am currently in the process of creating new thumbnails to incorporate additional illustrations into my story, further refining and improving the overall quality of ‘The Spark Within.’

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Greetings! I’m Astra Pulamte, a dedicated Book Illustrator hailing from India. My passion lies in utilizing my artistic skills to shed light on significant social issues, particularly in the realms of mental health and animal welfare. Alongside my illustrations, I craft short animations to breathe life into these subjects.

As a self-published author/artist and an MA Illustration graduate from the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), my expertise lies in producing impactful book illustrations that resonate with both young readers and adults. I specialize in creating visually stunning narratives that captivate audiences, featuring characters that transcend the boundaries of race and ethnicity.

I firmly believe in the importance of visual storytelling and am eager to utilize my skills to spark meaningful conversations and inspire positive change.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative, in my perspective, lies in the continuous personal growth experienced with each illustration. This journey is enriched by the invaluable feedback received from peers, which catalyzes improvement. Every artistic endeavor begins with a meticulous process involving thorough research, intricate mind mapping, and drawing inspiration from the works of fellow artists. What truly fulfills me is the capacity to evolve creatively, constructing vivid and dynamic worlds populated with a diverse array of characters. This creative process is not only an artistic expression but also a means to convey messages of hope and resilience, particularly resonant in the challenging context of our times. The ability to use art as a medium to inspire and uplift others adds a profound layer of fulfillment to the artistic journey.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In response to the question of how society can best support artists, creatives, and a flourishing creative ecosystem, it is essential to understand and embrace the collaborative potential of AI. Society can foster an environment where AI is seen as an aid, facilitating quicker concept realization and providing innovative tools for artists to enhance their creative processes. Establishing ethical guidelines and frameworks ensures responsible AI use, preventing any unintended consequences. Furthermore, supporting education and training programs that enable artists to harness the power of AI effectively can contribute to a more resilient and dynamic creative community. Ultimately, the key is to view AI as a complementary force, amplifying the capabilities of artists rather than displacing them, and to actively shape its integration in a way that benefits the entire creative ecosystem.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.astrapulamteillustration.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astralalalart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astra-pulamte/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/astralalalart