“We all are often so caged by our day jobs that sometimes we forget that the night sky is full of stars.” It’s a quote from a book about the creative process of artwork which I read some decades back. The saying continues by saying, “Artists are wanderers in the stars, with feet on the ground.” Although I couldn’t become much of an artist by reading the book, I grew up to admire the wonderful artworks around me. The brains behind the relatable, witty, touching and sometimes larger than life artworks always boggled my mind. My curiosity to know more about such people got me to stumble upon a Facebook page called “DoodleODrama” which hosted by far the most grounded and earthly illustrations (or rather Sketches & Doodles) on the web. And I instantly fell in love with it. Obviously, I had to talk to them, and get to know more. Thus, I went onto converse with Mounica, the warm heart artist behind all the adorability driving DoodleODrama. And here are some excerpts of our talks.
So Mounica, what’s the story behind the super adorable comic doodles? What were the factors that made you take up on this?
I’ve always loved to draw. I was that kid who would make a greeting card for every occasion, be it friendship day, birthdays, mothers day, anything! And then in college, I would scribble on pretty much any and every piece of paper I would find. But growing up I never thought I’d make a career out of it. I used to doodle for friends and I took up a few freelance projects on the side while I had a full-time job. But gradually I realised that people liked my style, they could connect to the content I was putting out there, and they were interested in the stories I had to tell. So last year I finally decided to become a full-time freelance illustrator and cartoonist and that’s my story in a nut-shell.
With know the story of DoodleODrama now, we’d like to know your story too. Who is the brain behind DoodleODrama, who is Mounica, beyond her doodles, and her witty cartoons? And how do you perhaps find the inspiration to draw up witty figures every time?
Mounica is an over-enthusiastic potato! And why am I talking about myself in the third person? Hahaha. I am a Fauji brat who was raised up north and I have my parents to thank for my goofy sense of humour, it runs in the family I suppose. I am a bit of a coffee addict and my other ‘loves’ include good music, low maintenance plants, fairy lights, animal design pyjama bottoms, and books. I also love watching cooking shows on YouTube (I don’t cook but I just find watching them therapeutic).
I draw inspiration from everyday life and people. I truly believe that Indians are the funniest people on planet earth. We just don’t know how to laugh at ourselves but we are all inherently funny! I always end up in really strange-deranged situations (yeah. believe it or not stories find me and not vice-a-versa) and I am also blessed with really weird and strange friends, so that helps too!
Most illustrators give names to their creations. So, do you do that? If yes, what are they called? Is there a particular character or style you like going back to time and again?
I don’t really have names for the characters I draw. Most of my comic strips have a girl protagonist (yeah, I am biased). Anything round is my style 🙂
Now then, who do you look to for inspiration? Say, is there a comic strip, a doodle figure, anything which always peps you up and gives you great ideas? Also, name one artist who makes, in your regard, the best comics and illustrations out there?
I don’t have a single go-to stop for inspiration. I follow a lot of artists, in India, I love Sandhya Prabhat‘s work, Poornima Sukumar, Neha (Noodles), Neha Rawat, Manasi Parikh, Priya Kuriyan, it’s a HUGE list! Apart from these guys I also love Marta Altes, Fran Meneses, Bach illustrations, Luchie, Sarah Anderson, Sarah Graley, Zoe Si, I can go on! And even at gunpoint, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to pick one. Sorry. Also, my dog, Leo or as I like to call him Sir Leo helps me stay sane and keeps me company so I stay motivated.
Doodlers or Cartoonists most often take to customising their works and perhaps even monetize their art. Comment.
Customised commissions are great. They not only help the artist to make money, but they also help people to get hold of exclusive artwork made only for them. That’s the reason why customised wedding invitations are such a hit! And art needs to be monetized because this whole “starving artist” concept only looks glamorous and romantic in films. Artists also have bills to pay!
Most of your works have an earthly and relatable feel to it, rather than being fictional or outwardly. Would you say that this relatability is your strength, and are you perhaps looking to expand into other genres?
Like I had mentioned, I draw my inspiration from real life. I like telling people stories that they can also relate to. Doodleodrama is all about everyday life scenarios that you and I go through. I get a lot of messages from people saying they can relate to my comic strips and they feel like I read their minds. I like adding a touch of humour or sarcasm to these life scenarios so it makes even the most mundane things and the most dreaded serious stuff interesting. The plan for doodleodrama is to continue telling these stories 
To wrap it up, what would you advise anyone looking to make their career out of artwork? Are there any courses you think are required to really pass the edge? Also, in today’s world where creativity is being touted as the biggest asset of mankind, in which way do you think doodles and artworks connect to laymen?
I am a self-taught freelance illustrator. I never studied design, I started out with paper, pen and a camera phone. Gradually moved to MS Paint and then to Photoshop. So my journey has been slow (and when I look at my really really old work, I’d be embarrassed also!). My only advice would be to KEEP AT IT! It sounds really simple and basic (like drink water) but someone gave me this piece of advice when I had started out and it stuck with me. I don’t think art requires a degree. But getting one won’t hurt, I suppose 🙂
P.S. Adopting a furry bum helps too! I think comic strips or doodles help people to lighten up a bit. We are all so stressed out these days, sometimes we forget to smile and I think these round faces serve as a gentle reminder 🙂
That was Mounica, who is surely making it big with her simple yet witty doodle artworks. We surely are fans of her work and sincerely hope that she grows strength to strength and becomes one of the greatest in the country. This article wouldn’t have happened if not for the relentless support of Leo, the biggest strength behind DoodleODrama. To him, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Follow her official Facebook page and Behance works to get your hands on some really awesome customised stuff. Peace..!!
Go Sir Leo:
