Building a Playful Illustration Style with Ashwin Chacko

In this episode Angela is joined by Ashwin Chacko, also known as Wacko Chacko – a positively playful, award-winning illustrator, author and motivational speaker based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Ashwin shares the journey from drawing as a five-year-old in India to building a full-time illustration career in Ireland, and everything in between — advertising, art direction, freelance pivots and a very intentional leap of faith in 2019. Ashwin opens up about his path from graphic designer and art director to full-time illustrator, and the moment in 2020 that gave him the clarity to define his purpose and develop the signature style he's known for today. He also shares the story behind his brand new publishing house Bad Book Press and their debut picture book Moon Moon Can't Sleep, as well as why he started The Fruitful Life podcast and what he hopes listeners take away from it. He's honest about 2025 being one of the toughest financial years of his career and what kept him moving forward — and he closes with the advice he'd give his teenage self.Find Ashwin at:You can find is work here: www.whackochacko.com Or follow him on social media www.instagram.com/whackochacko Twitter: @whackochacko Youtube: @ashwinchacko If you have enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review here. Thank you!Support the showContact InformationThis podcast is hosted by award-winning graphic designer Angela Lyons of Lyons Creative.If you have any questions or suggestions or would like to be featured on this podcast, please contact Angela here.Are you creating your own podcast? My set up is easy as I record on Riverside. You can check it out here.You can follow and connect here: InstagramLinkedInPodcast websiteInstagram - Creatives Like Us PodcastJoin the mailing listBuy me coffee or a cuppa tea!The opinions of our host and guests are their own.If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice or leave us a review. *this may contain an affiliate link - I only promote things I use and believe in.Thanks!