Priya Gupta is a New York-based designer and illustrator with over a decade of experience in the fashion and accessory industry. Originally from India, she draws on her strong foundation in accessory design and her expertise in illustration to shape a distinctive creative voice. With a Master’s in Illustration from FIT, NY, Priya is channeling her combined skills to build her own brand rooted in storytelling, surface pattern design, and children’s books. Her work blends cultural richness, detailed craftsmanship, and narrative depth—resulting in illustrations that are both timeless and contemporary.

Why are you a Designer & Illustrator?

Design has always been at the heart of my journey. With over a decade of experience in accessory design, I’ve spent years creating fashion products that are both functional and beautiful. But illustration has always been my true calling—an avenue where I can tell stories, express emotions, and bring characters to life in a way that product design couldn’t. What excites me most is the ability to merge design and illustration to create products that tell stories—bringing visual narratives to life in a tangible, physical form.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?

Yes, I have a formal design education. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Leather and Accessory Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi in 2013 and MFA in Illustration from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York.

Sunayana Dey is a Pune, India-based illustrator of children’s books. She has devoted her professional life to delivering captivating and colourful images to the world of children’s reading because she has a strong passion for art and narrative. Most of the time, her characters are reflections of the world around her. Young readers’ imaginations are piqued by the vivid style and colours of her illustrations. She takes inspiration from Indian mythology, folklore, culture, and the natural world to add a distinct charm and depth of cultural complexity to her work.

Why are you an Illustrator?
Since childhood I always had a knack for arts and craft in school. Once I completed my high school, my family was supportive enough to let me choose my passion as my career and I graduated from an art school with flying colours. I guess I was born to be an illustrator because I know nothing more but to Illustrate.

Based in Bangalore, Indian illustrator Muhammed Sajid creates imagery rich in feeling, yet dreamlike and surreal – as vibrant as unusual. His psychedelic color palettes always catch the eye, while fascinating themes engage the mind by drawing on both the modern and traditional in unique ways. People, colour, culture, and nature all play important roles in Muhammed’s work. One of his goals setting out as an artist was to depict the lives and way of life in his home village in Kerala. However, rather than folk art or traditional landscapes, his imagery is reminiscent of a high-end graphic novel, where the characters grapple with everything from ancient, mystical beliefs to the latest technology. Muhammed’s clients include global brands, who praise his ideas, creativity, and execution. He’s an artist who always brings something different to a project – something only otherwise seen in dreams or visions.

Why are you a designer- Illustrator?
I started drawing when I was in 3rd std. After completing 12th I just realized biology science doesn’t work for me, so accidentally I applied for a Bachelor of Fine Arts. I realized I got the right path and started enjoying what I was doing. I love showcasing my art and love the way my audience approaches me. That thrives me to do more.

Shruti is originally from Nashik, a place known for its delicious wines and spiritual travels. Tucked away in the lap of nature, Shruti’s birthplace has given her a strong respect for the natural world. She is a voracious reader and movie watcher who is passionate about tales and her artistic endeavors.

Shruti is an incessant wanderer who discovers beauty in the well-known areas of her city. Equipped with a sketchbook, she seizes momentous occasions, converting them into enduring recollections via her artistic expression. She enjoys being creative all the time and detests being inactive.
She started her artistic career with conventional mediums like paints and pencils on paper. She would decorate and make colorful rangolis for festivals, bringing her artistic flair to the festivities.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Shruti cherishes the company of friends. Whether it’s cooking a meal together or letting loose on the dance floor, she finds joy in shared experiences.

Why are you an Illustrator?
It was the enchantment I discovered in comics like Champak and Chandoba that inspired me to become an illustrator. Those fascinating drawings kindled a burning curiosity within me. Then, my mind took off, propelled by my father’s stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. I started converting such epic tales into my own visual language in order to record the close relationship I developed with the storytelling and illustration industries. I’m inspired by more than just stories, though; everything around me is vibrant! Because I’m an astute observer, the colour of my environment permeates my work, resulting in a singular reflection of my experiences.

“I’m an artist and illustrator who works across multiple mediums, both 2D and 3D. I would describe my work as colourful, whimsical and highly imaginative with a strong focus on storytelling. I draw and paint to tell stories, and enjoy transporting viewers of my art into a world of whimsy and playfulness. I also have a deep love for tactile art and objects, and the other side of my creative work lives in this realm – creating murals, sculptures and crafty objects. “

Deepti Sunder is an award-winning illustrator, muralist, sculptor and educator based in New York City, originally from Bombay, India. She works across both digital and traditional media. Whether crafting giant animals and plants out of papier-mâché, making whimsical clay sculptures or creating illustrations to bring a story to life, Deepti finds great happiness in using her hands to create. She has received the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the children’s book Bonkers!, and appeared on Viceland’s The Untitled Action Bronson Show as a featured artist. As she continues to share her art with audiences across the world, she hopes to help viewers connect with the childlike wonder and enchantment within themselves. 

Why are you an illustrator?
As a child, I spent most of my time making art or reading. Illustration is kind of my way of combining both those passions, since the core of all of my artistic work is driven by storytelling.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I did my undergraduate studies in architecture (from Manipal School of Architecture & Planning), but then veered away from it. I set off on a bit of an exploratory phase after graduation, and sort of stumbled into illustration. It felt like something I would enjoy doing and be good at. Since then, I have gotten my MFA in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where I am currently based.

Award-winning illustrator Urvashi Dubey has a knack for creating imaginative children’s picture books. To date, she has illustrated over 12 picture book titles, including a self-authored book about world-famous artists called ‘Grown Ups Who Never Stopped Drawing.’ She has worked as an Art Director for a Mumbai-based children’s publishing house called ‘Daffodil Lane Books.’ Known for her delightful, enticing artworks that appeal to kids and adults alike, Urvashi has always aimed to evoke feelings of nostalgia and relatability through her art, seeing it as a powerful tool in storytelling.

She lives in Mumbai with her cookie-maker husband and a very naughty ginger cat.

“Hi, I’m Urvashi. I specialize in kid-lit illustration. Just like all little boys and girls, I started my journey by participating in an art competition in school to make it into an actual career. I have a personal interest in working on stories that bring social-emotional development to little readers, especially the ones that talk about self-esteem, deforestation, mood management, and empathy.”

One of my latest title is called ‘No is a Good Word’.

Why are you into Illustrations and Design?
I always wanted to be a fine artist as I studied painting in Art College. But through a friend of mine who was in advertising, I was introduced to the world of advertising, design and illustration. We are witnessing such a time where the definition of fine art and applied art is getting blurred day by day. Here, you get a lot of opportunities where you can show and nurture your creative talent. So, I started doing illustration and design as an alternative of paintings. I explored a lot and got an ample chance to create something new every day in my advertising career. That is the beauty of this profession.

Did you attend any school for fine art or design or Communications?
Yes, I did a Bachelor of Visual Arts in Drawing and Painting form Govt. College of Art & Craft, Kolkata.

Tell us about your journey as advertising art director and then illustrator?
I have been lucky enough to work with some of the finest creative directors in the country. They know how to take best out of someone. I have learned a lot from them as well as got the opportunity to use my full potential. Besides doing my design jobs as an art director, I got a lot of opportunity to do illustration on several projects, be it a campaign or a pitch or a social media post. After a point of time, I realized to give more time on my illustrations. So, I quit my job and started freelancing.