Today on the blog, we feature Akshaya, a practicing architect, illustrator and founder of FACE’ing Things – a homegrown art & craft label. Meet the maker at the February 2020 edition of By Hand from the Heart Makers Market in Chennai.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am Akshaya C.R, Architect. I am fond of drawing portraits right from my young age. My room used to be fully scribbled by me. After schooling I took up Architecture. My education widened my knowledge about design and drawing. As soon as I finished college I started my own firm along with 2 of my other close friends. We were exploring in art and architecture field. It was then I found out about this illustration and later started my own firm. Right Now am taking care of the firm and working as a professor in a Design college in Coimbatore.
Why did you become a maker? Why is making so important to you?
I like DIY things and always wanted to start a store for gifting personalised things even when I was a kid. With the due course of time, my dream started to take its shape. After my college I started making illustrations and found out my core strength – To doodle characters on photos. This strength and my long lost dream combined together and made me start my company.
How did you begin FACE’ing Things ?
It was just an other normal day when I suddenly came across an old antique clock, I felt like it was sitting there with a sleepy eye. I found that funny and shared it with my friends, but they couldn’t understand what I was talking about, so I did a quick doodle on the pic that I took. It was then I thought, Hmm! Why don’t I doodle imaginary faces that I see in all the pretty things around me. Just then I started doodling photos of objects. Within a year’s time I started exploring this idea in making products.
What is the story behind your brand name?
The name Face’ing Things came from the idea of imagining faces in different things. Also, I like to explore and experiment things “Let’s Face it” has always been my attitude. So I why not “Face’ing Things” be the name.
How has your business evolved over the years?
Over the 2 years of FACE’ing Things, I have done a lot of custom orders including personal invitations and Wall paintings. I have also taken around 6 workshops for kids on the same concept. In the second year of FACE’ing Things, I had my first ever stall for my products which included illustrated frames, doodle kits, character wrappers, expressive clouds, starting from there it has been gradually evolving and expanding.
Your work space & the artisans you work with.
I run a home office. All the DIY products that I make is crafted in my home office. Apart from this I get help from carpenters, printers and Laxmi Akka (construction worker) who helps me in my cement products.
Your favorite work tool.
My Ipad Pro and Ipencil.
What is your personal favorite pick from FACE’ing Things right now? And why?
Everything is my favourite; but I am drawn to my magnets. Because these are completely made by hand; from scratch to the final illustration on the magnets.
What are your displaying at the By Hand, From The Heart.
Illustrated frames, doodle kits, handmade magnets, character wrappers, expressive clouds, kid’s activity kit.
Meet the Maker @
By Hand from the Heart: Makers Market – 29th Edit
7 – 8 February 2020, Friday – Saturday | 10 a.m – 9 p.m
Hanu Reddy Residences, No. 41/19, Poes Garden, Chennai 600086, India.
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