To learn more about the comics and the artist behind them, here is the interview with Surbhi Suman.
First of all, the artist introduced herself: “I'm Surbhi Suman, a 22-year-old from India who adores literature and art. Under the alias Sola Saki, I embrace a Japanese-inspired identity, where 'sola' represents solitude and 'saki' symbolizes destination. This name reflects the notion that each individual's journey is inherently solitary, despite occasional companionship along the way. Professionally, I'm an electrical engineer at Qualcomm. However, beyond the realm of technical expertise, I firmly believe that true vitality emerges when science is intertwined with the vibrant hues of artistic expression and I find fulfillment in both fields.”
Surbhi shared what inspired her to start Sola Saki Comics.
“Being someone deeply passionate about comic cons, I've always reveled in the colorful world of comics, mingling with talented artists, and enjoying anime and animated movies. Sharing silly doodles with friends via notepad amidst the COVID-19 pandemic sparked the idea of sharing it with a wider audience, especially after their encouragement to do so. The lockdown gave me much free time to introspect and rediscover my passion, which had been overshadowed while doing my engineering degree. Discovering the vibrant community of comic artists online further fueled my ambition. Thus, I embarked on this journey, introducing Yellow, a character aimed at brightening people's lives amidst the blues.”
The artist also expanded by explaining what drew her to the world of cartooning: “To me, the world has always seemed like a cartoon, with people resembling characters straight out of the pages, and their actions often resembling the whims of an unseen artist's hand guiding their movements. Inanimate objects often appear to hold a silent narrative, such as my notepad quietly observing as I write these answers, maybe contemplating its own perspective on the process. I wanted to express these things so I started writing and making comics. Encouraged by friends who appreciated the small comics I shared with them, I decided to launch my comic page, hoping to resonate with a wider audience.”
Surbhi shared a bit about her creative process and how she comes up with ideas for her comics.
“I immerse myself in keen observation during my daily life, contemplating how people perceive and react to various situations, even from the perspective of inanimate objects. For instance, one of my comics explored the viewpoint of a leaf that had fallen from a tree, highlighting the poignant reality that once detached, it could never return to its former state. My creative process primarily involves capturing these everyday observations and presenting them through my unique lens.”
Surbhi added: “My weekly sketching routine revolves around keen observation. I immerse myself in the emotions and struggles of those around me, including my own experiences. Whenever I notice a unique behavior or reaction, I jot it down for future comic inspiration. Drawing at least once a day helps me maintain this habit and keep the creativity flowing.”
With a background in graphic design, we were curious to know how Surbhi incorporates her design skills into the comic creation process.
“My toolkit includes Procreate, IBIS Paint, and occasionally Adobe Illustrator. While I think one needs to have these skills to better depict their ideas, one also doesn't need to be extraordinarily good with these; rather, a grasp of drawing basics and a clear vision of the concept suffice. Graphic design steers each character's narrative through the colorful realms of imagination,” shared Surbhi.
Surbhi’s comics often draw inspiration from daily life. Therefore, we asked what are some of the most unexpected moments or quirks the artist finds humor in.
“Humor often emerges from the contrast in how people react to the same situations or imagining the perspective of inanimate objects if they could speak. For instance, I find amusement in pondering how my notepad might perceive me as I write these answers,” replied Surbhi.
In regards to balancing originality with relatability, we asked how she manages to do so in such a way that audiences can engage effectively.
“Balancing originality and relatability is key to engaging my audience effectively. I believe in expressing ideas in my unique voice, drawing inspiration from everyday life without relying on external references. This approach ensures that my comics resonate authentically with my audience while offering a fresh perspective on relatable experiences.”
Surbhi also shared her hopes and aspirations for sharing work with a wider audience: “Getting featured on Bored Panda marks a significant milestone in my artistic journey. Witnessing my favorite artists showcased there, and now, seeing my work alongside theirs fills me with gratitude. I believe this exposure will connect me with the right audience, allowing me to share my unique perspective and continue growing as an artist. Bored Panda's platform offers an invaluable opportunity to voice my thoughts and perceptions to a wider audience, and for that, I am truly thankful.”
With over 4,800 followers on Instagram, Surbhi’s comics have clearly resonated with many people. We asked her to share what she thinks sets her style of humor apart and makes it so appealing to her audience.
“With a growing community on Instagram, I'm humbled by the resonance my comics have found. I believe what sets my humor apart is its ability to tap into shared experiences and emotions. Many of my followers relate to the themes and situations depicted in my comics, often finding validation in acknowledging their own struggles and complexities. It's immensely gratifying to see people engaging with my work and embracing self-love through humor and introspection.”
Surbhi also noted what she would like for audiences to take away from her comics:
“My wish is that my comics provide a refreshing escape from the everyday pressures, encouraging readers to view the world through a more optimistic and diverse lens. In a society where the pursuit of success often overshadows the joy found in small pleasures, I hope my creations offer a moment of reprieve. Whether they evoke a smile or prompt deeper contemplation, I strive to leave a lasting, positive impression on those who engage with my work.”
And lastly, the artist added: “I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to be featured on Bored Panda. I want to share with all our readers that regardless of your background or chosen field, there's always room to embrace the creative side of life. Solasakicomics is a reflection of my journey, and I hope it inspires you to pursue your passions, even if they've been on hold like mine have been for years. The COVID-19 lockdown gave me the chance to reconnect with my artistic pursuits, and I encourage you to do the same. Embrace your creativity and let it flourish!”
