Creator Spotlight: 5 Questions with Tape Worm

For this edition of Quigo's Creator Spotlight series, we spoke with Vinay Dhotre, also known as Tape Worm. He is a Mumbai-based 2D animator and tattoo artist. Through his art and animation work, he explores movement, observation, and visual storytelling with a strong appreciation for traditional animation techniques.

You can check out his work on Instagram at @vinaydhotre001.

1. How did you start animating?

For Tape Worm, animation started with drawing at a very young age.

I started animating because I was very good at drawing since a very young age, and animation is nothing but a number of drawings combined to create the illusion of movement. That really fascinated me.

It's a simple explanation, but it perfectly captures the magic of animation: bringing still drawings to life through movement, patience, and imagination.

2. Artists that inspire him

When asked about artists he looks up to, one name immediately stood out.

There are many artists I look up to but Kim Jung Gi has a special place in my heart.

For favourite animated films, he chose two legendary works, Loving Vincent and Akira. Both projects are visually ambitious and deeply artistic in completely different ways, reflecting the kind of creativity and experimentation that clearly resonates with him.

3. How could Quigo help artists?

Tape Worm sees tools like Quigo as a way to expand creative possibilities and help artists explore new storytelling formats.

I think it will help them for better visualization and to add a new perspective in their work.

Interactive storytelling opens the door for artists to experiment with branching narratives, interactive animations, games, and immersive experiences without needing huge teams or complicated pipelines.

4. Advice for beginners

His advice for anyone getting into animation was honest and direct.

If you're getting into animation then be prepared to spend a good amount of time isolated in your room, draw everyday, observe.

Animation is a craft built through repetition, observation, and consistency. There are no shortcuts, just years of practice and improvement.

5. Dream interactive story

If he could turn one concept into an interactive story?

I think a spy thriller story will be best for an interactive story.

And honestly, it's easy to see why. Spy thrillers naturally fit interactive storytelling with branching choices, tension, mystery, and multiple outcomes.

Huge thanks to Vinay Dhotre aka Tape Worm for taking the time to share his thoughts and creative journey.