Here is an excerpt from the interview with Manish Kumar.
Q1. When and how did you start as an Art educator?
It was 1994, and I was pursuing my first year of bachelor’s degree at College of Art- Delhi. My teachers and seniors always appreciated me for my sketching and drawing skills. Meanwhile, one of my college seniors approached me to teach a third-year NIFT student. She wanted to enhance her abilities in figure drawing and pencil rendering. And this way I started teaching my first remunerated student about 25 years ago.
Q2. What skills are required to become an Art educator?
I profoundly believe in treating education as a responsibility. You are not just teaching a subject, but shaping the future of your students. So apart from the relevant experience, knowledge, education and skills, it’s important to understand the need and sensitivity to apply the best possible method and teach as per each student’s level of understanding and grasping capabilities. Teachers should also help them to break their boundaries and emerge as a creative person.
Q3. What do you think makes you stand out from other Art educators on UrbanPro.com?
I believe it's my passion for teaching that distinguishes me from other Art educators on UrbanPro.com
It gives me immense satisfaction to share my knowledge with the students. I share valuable tips and tricks with them and make sure that they understand every bit of my teaching.
Q4. How did you come across UrbanPro.com?
It is through the internet that I came across UrbanPro.com
Q5. What was the turning point in your career?
The turning point in my career was in the year 2002 when I joined APJ Institute of Design as full-time faculty and became Department In-Charge for the Foundation and painting program. It helped me grow as a person and flourish as an art/design educator.
Q6. How did UrbanPro.com help you expand your Art Training Classes?
I would like to mention that, never did I think of an online art/design class before UrbanPro.com
It expanded my horizon beyond the physical presence, and now with the help of technology, I have extended my teaching not only in India but overseas as well.
Q7. What percentage of your work comes from UrbanPro.com?
I assume it’s about 30-35% of all my private classes.
About the trainer: Manish Kumar currently teaches in Foundation and Painting department at the College of Art, Delhi & also practices at Meerabai Institute of Technology as an assistant professor. He nurtures the basic understanding of students, polishes their imagination, helps them widen their vision and also in developing a problem-solving approach. Manish has experience in teaching students of various age groups (5-year-old to 75-year-old), although he mostly teaches aspiring artist/designers and teaching professionals.
