At Bluecatpaper we celebrate the artists who have taken a step to focus upon Tree-Free paper which is eco-friendly, viable & sustainable in nature. ️

This week’s Artist: Akshaya Zachariah
⁠Instagram: @elzac_doodles

Akshaya Zachariah is an independent illustrator based in Bangalore, and she has been actively involved in the field of conservation, sustainability, the social impact for around 3 years.

Her work revolves around illustrating detailed stories and bringing people together as little communities to take action wherever they can.

Akshaya says, she first came across Bluecat Paper in 2019, at a flea market, in Bangalore and instantly loved the quality of paper, and for the fact that it was tree-free! A rarity in India.

Tell us about yourself and your work

I am an independent illustrator based in Bangalore and have been actively involved in the field of conservation, sustainability, the social impact for around 3 years.

My work revolves around illustrating detailed stories and bringing people together as little communities to take action wherever they can. It also gives me a chance to learn and engage with people who are like-minded.

How did you find out about the tree-free paper that Bluecatpaper makes?

I first came across Bluecat Paper in 2019, at a flea market, in Bangalore and instantly loved the quality of paper, and for the fact that it was tree-free! A rarity in India.

How does Bluecat Paper make your work unique?

For 2021, I wanted to create a unique planet-friendly calendar that talks about the conservation and longevity of a product’s use. I knew I had to use Bluecat Paper, as I wanted the materials to be sustainable, and interesting enough to create curiosity with the users!

This calendar I created is meant to be used as a desk calendar, using an MDF block (agro forestry-based and much more eco friendly than wood) with the illustrations of our planet’s resources, printed on Bluecat paper, and for people to cut out The textures of this cotton rag paper really made the prints stand out beautifully!

Using these materials made all the buyers excited about being a part of the change in small ways. The MDF block can be used as a stand for absolutely anything on one’s desk, so its use goes beyond 2021!

What’s your process like while working on Bluecat Paper’s product?

My first approach was to use seed paper, for the calendar prints, but on enquiring, I realised my detailed digital illustrations would stand out far better on the cotton rag paper. All my doubts were cleared by the wonderful folks at Bluecat, and I am grateful for their extensive knowledge on tree-free paper!

What other materials do you use along with Bluecat Paper?

Since I contacted Bluecat, mainly for printing illos on the paper, I haven’t used any other materials or mediums on it. But I am definitely looking forward to using watercolour, gouache and inks on Bluecat paper.

What advice do you have for artists starting with Bluecat Paper?

As an artist, I would encourage my co-artists to think about the source of the paper we use on a daily basis and ask ourselves if we have an alternative, and if we do, take the time to experiment, and see which paper aids your work, best! Congratulate yourself on making this small yet impactful switch. And don’t forget to encourage more people to use tree-free paper too!