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I am an illustrator, based in New Jersey. My love of color and strong female characters are a definite nod to my Indian heritage.
I have been working as an illustrator since 2018. I discovered a calling for illustration in a previous life, while leading a design team at a tech company. I went on to get my degree in Graphic Design from Billy Blue College of Graphic Design in Sydney. Today, I create in Photoshop and ink and have developed a style of working that blends both digital and analog elements. I enjoy playing with patterns to create interest, textures to create warmth and brilliant colors to create movement in my work. I also love creating a sense of light and shadow. I aim to give a unique, distinct voice to every illustration I make. My work can be described as warm, friendly, charming and fun. And my areas of focus are children’s illustration and editorial work revolving around the themes of women, food and lifestyle. When I'm not tucked away in my studio, you will find me cooking Indian food, dancing to Bollywood music, or curled up with a book and a hot cup of masala chai. Selected Clients: Abbott · Running Press · General Mills · mindbodygreen.com · Texas Highways Magazine · Texas Electric Cooperatives · World Magazine · Marks & Spencer · eBay · Invesco · Johns Hopkins University · Fresh Beauty · Party City · Felicity House · Celebrity Chef Maneet Chauhan |
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"Honest, straight-forward, courageous and kind is how I have known Navina for over a decade now. Traits difficult to find but exactly those which give her a natural ability to explore beyond the obvious in all that she does. Passionate illustrator, her illustrations shine through as smart ideas in simple, beautiful forms." - Namisha Naidu, Founder at Red Root Design
Why I illustrate: |
We moved a lot during my formative years. As rewarding as it was, it was also very unsettling. I remember having a hard time at school and not being able to catch up because we'd often move in the middle of a school year. I also remember latching on to anything visual. Pictures made sense when words would not. They allowed me to stay engaged and grasp concepts better. I still remember the books I read as a child because of the pictures and that has dictated largely what I choose to do today - make visuals that make sense of the written word.
A brief description of my work and process:
My Graphic Design background has proved to be invaluable in my journey as an illustrator. I begin each project with understanding the purpose - why is it being created and who is the audience. It is important for me to know the end goal.
I collaborate with the client/art director at every step. Once I have thoroughly understood the brief, I shortlist the keywords to capture the spirit and the mood of the illustration project. I go on to creating thumbnails for ideas and compositions. These are cleaned up and scanned into photoshop. I then start by working on the color palette and giving the illustration form in the desired resolution. Once the color blocking is complete, I finish the illustration by adding patterns and textures to give it warmth and movement.
I collaborate with the client/art director at every step. Once I have thoroughly understood the brief, I shortlist the keywords to capture the spirit and the mood of the illustration project. I go on to creating thumbnails for ideas and compositions. These are cleaned up and scanned into photoshop. I then start by working on the color palette and giving the illustration form in the desired resolution. Once the color blocking is complete, I finish the illustration by adding patterns and textures to give it warmth and movement.