How and why did you decide to pursue illustration as your career?

I have been drawing ever since i can remember. I always thought of pursuing a career that was related to drawing and illustration at that time not knowing what? As I grew older I started liking animation and went on to study and pursue a career in animation. Soon I found that its not the animation that I like but the artistic backdrops and the design that I like more. Hence I dwelled deeper in the illustration business and started by publishing my own picture books.

Where do you currently live and where did you grow up?

Born in Mumbai (India) now settled in Perth (Australia). I have been working for a multimedia company for the past 10 years as a multimedia designer creating e-learning modules. Now since past three years I have deeply invested myself into creating and self-publishing my picture books and commissioning artwork for other author as a full time role from my home office.

What is your favourite children’s book and why?

I have a few favourites when it comes to illustrated books. I appreciate the attention to detail and illustrations that provide a sense of discovery. I often return to these books simply to admire the beautiful artwork and draw inspiration from it. Some of my preferred titles include:

• The Story Thief by Graham Carter
• Nightlights by Lorena Alvarez
• Comet by Joe Todd Stanton
• Brownstone Mythical Stories series by Joe Todd Stanton Todd Stanton

Outline your dream project.

My dream project would be picture books that aligns with my values of giving back to the world to make it a better place. With a lot of attention to detail and mesmerising illustrations so that kids come back to the book again and again. I would also love to do a series of stories from the same collection.

How long does it take on average for you to finish a spread, from initial sketch to final colour?

The process of completing an illustrated spread, from the initial sketch to the final colouring, is influenced significantly by the chosen style of illustration and the intricacy of the details involved. Generally, the more intricate the details, the longer the overall timeline for completion. For instance, simpler styles may allow for quicker execution, enabling me to move swiftly from concept to final product.

In contrast, more detailed styles often require careful planning and extended time to meticulously render each element. This refinement process not only includes sketching several iterations but also the careful layering of colours and textures to enhance the visual impact. Ultimately, the balance between style and detail dictates the timeline for finishing the artwork.

I also have a habit of making elements in layers, so that in future they can be animated if needed.

What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?

I’m someone who really believes in sticking to a schedule! My day kicks off at 9:00 AM, right after I send my son off to school. Once the house is quiet, I pop on my headphones and dive into podcasts, audiobooks, inspirational videos, or even a movie while I happily work on my illustrations. I always take a nice break for lunch, and then it’s back to my creative world until it's time to pick up my son from school at 3:00 PM. It’s a routine that really brings me joy!

What was your first commission as a professional illustrator?

My first commission as a professional illustrator was an eight-book series titled 'My Money Lessons', written by author Jaleesa Paine. This educational series features a different teacher and student in each book, imparting important lessons on money management and saving strategies geared toward children.