MAM
KDY 2016: Celeb illustrator Yuko’s 10 ways to stay ahead of the curve
JAIPUR: Finding the right balance between passion for art and client expectation has been a perpetual struggle in the design and illustration industry. Artists and illustrators often hesitate to aim big due to lack of exposure or self doubts to perform in the market. But not Yuko Shimizu.
A celebrated illustrator, Shimizu is well aware of all these aspects having been there and done that. Thus, while addressing the young creative minds at Kyoorius Designyatra 2016, she did away with the ‘this is my work’- type of presentation. Instead, she shared ten tenets that she learned from her own experiences, which could help young illustrators meet international standards.
Her answer to the theme, ‘Why Am I Here’, was ‘to influence at least one person to chase his/her passion as an illustrator.’ Enumerated here are her 10 gems:
1. Take at least one small risk everyday: Warning illustrators from being complacent and taking the comfortable route of sticking to the tried and tested style, Shimizu encourages them to try one new thing each day to keep the work refreshing. Don’t overdo it by making a sudden drastic change in how you work because that may upset your work flow. An inch at a time is good enough.
2. Clients love photography way more than illustrations: It’s a reality and Shimizu’s advice is to admit it and then deal with it. How? Come up with ideas that cannot be replicated in a photograph. Unlike a photograph, the only thing holding back an illustration is the artist’s imagination.
3. Have high ambitions, work harder for it: Shimizu isn’t an advocate for mediocrity. She believes there is no harm in dreaming big, provided one has the diligence to back it.
4. Learn to say no: Don’t take a project that will take your sleep away, and I don’t mean all nighters, Shimizu says, adding that every illustrator stands for something, and shouldn’t compromise with what they strongly feel about despite monetary considerations. It is okay to say no. Shimizu, however, understands that sometimes artists have to take hard calls to pay their bills and work for what they love.
5. It is okay to turn down a job: Resonating what she mentioned before, Shimizu opines that turning down a client for the lack of time or otherwise shouldn’t trouble an illustrator as there is always another artist to take up that job.
6. Help others, especially new comers: Shimizu strongly believes that for the illustrator community to function and thrive, everyone has to be supportive of each other. “If there is a work you cannot commit to, don’t hesitate to recommend others. And those who have made a name for themselves can look out for the new emerging illustrators by references,” she advises.
7. A project isn’t successful until the client thinks so: Shimizu asks young professionals to bear in mind that their personal verdict on a piece of work isn’t valid as ultimately it should satisfy the client whose ideas they need to bring to life through art.
8. Once you commit, give your 100 per cent to finish the task: While Shimizu gives enough leeway to illustrators to back away from a project, once someone commits to an assignment, there is no turning back. No matter how complicated the process is, delivering work on time should be the artist’s prerogative.
9. Some things are more important than money: Shimizu encourages working for non-for-profit organisations because sometimes it adds more value to one’s work than what a client may pay. What’s more, when there is no money involved, illustrators can give their creativity a free run.
10. Put your anger to work: Working as an artist can be a gruelling and complicated experience. There is enough reason to get angry or feeling strongly about something. “If bitching to your friends and family doesn’t help you get over an issue, channelize it to your work,” she advises.
Brands
Sun Pharma to acquire Organon in $11.75 billion deal at $14 per share
Acquisition to create $12.4 billion pharma giant with global scale and biosimilars push
MUMBAI: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Organon & Co. in an all-cash deal valued at $11.75 billion, marking one of the largest cross-border pharma acquisitions by an Indian firm.
Under the terms of the agreement, Organon shareholders will receive $14.00 per share in cash, with Sun Pharma set to acquire 100 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares. The transaction, approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.
The deal significantly expands Sun Pharma’s global footprint and strengthens its position across women’s health, biosimilars, and branded generics. The combined entity is projected to generate revenues of around $12.4 billion, placing it among the top 25 pharmaceutical companies globally.
Organon, which was spun off from Merck in 2021, brings a portfolio of over 70 products spanning women’s health and general medicines, with operations across more than 140 countries. Its established presence in key markets such as the US, Europe, and China complements Sun Pharma’s existing strengths and growth ambitions.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited executive chairman Dilip Shanghvi said, “This transaction represents a significant opportunity for Sun Pharma to build on its vision of reaching people and touching lives. Organon’s portfolio, capabilities and global reach are highly complementary to our own.”
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited managing director Kirti Ganorkar added, “This transaction is a logical next step in strengthening Sun Pharma’s global business. Together, we will become a partner of choice for acquiring and launching new products.”
From Organon’s side, Organon & Co. executive chair Carrie Cox noted, “This all-cash transaction offers compelling and immediate value to Organon stockholders, while positioning the business for continued growth under Sun Pharma.”
Strategically, the acquisition gives Sun Pharma entry into the global biosimilars space as a top 10 player and strengthens its innovative medicines portfolio, which is expected to contribute around 27 per cent of combined revenues. The deal is also expected to nearly double EBITDA and cash flow, supporting long-term deleveraging and investment capacity.
Sun Pharma plans to fund the acquisition through a mix of internal accruals and committed financing from global banks, while maintaining focus on disciplined integration and operational continuity post-merger.
If completed as planned, the deal signals a clear shift in India’s pharmaceutical ambitions, from scale at home to leadership on the global stage, with Sun Pharma positioning itself as a more diversified and innovation-led healthcare powerhouse.
