Crafting Iconic Stories: Savio Mascarenhas Masterclass at Bhawanipur School of Design
Bhawanipur School of Design Hosts Amar Chitra Katha Art Director Savio Mascarenhas

2 minute read

Gunn

Update on 12 May, 2026, 03:46 PM IST

When you think of Indian comics, the legendary Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) and the hilarious mishaps of Shikari Shambu immediately come to mind. Recently, the Bhawanipur Global Campus, School of Design, turned these nostalgic memories into a masterclass on professional artistry. The campus hosted a high-energy session on Character Design and Visual Storytelling featuring none other than Savio Mascarenhas, the Group Art Director at Amar Chitra Katha.

For aspiring artists and design students, this wasn't just a lecture, it was a deep dive into the soul of Indian illustration.

Table of Contents

The Art of Bringing Characters to Life
More Than Just Comics: Visual Art as a Learning Tool
Why Workshops Like This Matter for Design Students
Are you ready to start your journey in design?

The Art of Bringing Characters to Life

Savio Mascarenhas, a veteran who has been defining the visual language of Indian comics since 1997, pulled back the curtain on his creative process. He emphasized that character design is about more than just a good drawing; it’s about design thinking and personality.

Focus Area

Key Insight and Methodology

Student Takeaway

Character Philosophy

Design is more than "good drawing"; it is rooted in Design Thinking and core personality traits.

Aesthetics must follow the character's internal logic and behavior.

Visual Psychology

Every curve, silhouette, and costume choice is engineered for "stickiness."

Visual cues act as a shorthand to help readers instantly remember and recognize a hero.

Legacy Evolution

The transition of Shikari Shambu (1997) into Little Shambu.

How to adapt legacy IP to stay relevant for new generations without losing the original soul.

Narrative Building

Techniques for creating unforgettable narratives that survive decades of market changes.

Storytelling is a marathon; consistency and emotional relatability are the keys to longevity.

Industry Craft

Professional illustration techniques used at the highest level of Indian comics (ACK).

Moving from amateur sketching to professional-grade character sheets and layouts.

More Than Just Comics: Visual Art as a Learning Tool

Savio is also a renowned TEDx speaker, known for his advocacy of “Visual Art Learning.” During the session, he discussed how visual storytelling isn't just for entertainment, it's a powerful medium that can transform how we learn, process information, and create across various industries.

This philosophy aligns perfectly with the mission at Bhawanipur School of Design. By bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world industry experience, the institution ensures its students aren't just learners, but "momentum makers."

Why Workshops Like This Matter for Design Students

The buzz at the Bhawanipur Global Campus was a testament to the session's impact. In an era dominated by digital media, hearing from an industry giant like the Group Art Director of ACK provided a unique perspective on:

Aspect

Description

Industry Insights

Getting a first-hand look at the comic book world and understanding how global entertainment brands operate within the creative industry.

Portfolio Building

Learning what makes a character “iconic” from the perspective of internationally recognized brands and applying those insights to creative portfolios.

Networking

Connecting with renowned artists, creators, and industry veterans who have significantly influenced the Indian creative and comic landscape.

The event left the students feeling energized and ready to shape the future of visual arts in India. As Bhawanipur Global Campus continues to host such high-caliber experts, it solidifies its position as a hub for nurturing the next generation of bright leaders and storytellers.