A warm welcome to Indian artist Sayani Ray and her nature-inspired art!
Born and raised in the bustling streets of the eastern part of India, Sayani Ray's creative home for many years has been Kolkata.
Sayani always loved to draw and doodle, and that passion just never faded. Her art is all about expressing different emotions using her iPad, and sometimes clay or watercolours. She found herself lucky enough to work with Penguin Random House on her very first children's book project.
Find out more below…
What would you say is your best piece of work / collaboration to date, and why?
My most fulfilling collaborative project to date has been a children's book on Indian mythology with Penguin – Threads That Bind by Nalini Ramachandran, to be released end of this month. Growing up immersed in enchanting tales of these legendary figures, I've always dreamed of bringing them to life for young readers. Illustrating these beloved characters has been an absolute joy and a truly magical experience.
Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?
Nature is my greatest muse. I find immense inspiration in the world around me, from the delicate beauty of flowers to the freedom of birds in flight. I love incorporating these natural elements into my art. Additionally, I draw inspiration from the worlds within stories and the endless emotions of human experiences I observe while people-watching.
Is there anything you're a particular advocate for?
Animals (especially cats) have always held a special place in my heart. I am a passionate advocate for their welfare and strive to raise awareness about their needs. Spending time in their company brings me immense joy and inspiration. Simply enjoying the companionship of my own pets enriches my life in countless ways.
What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.
I’m pretty good at picking up on what people are feeling. I’m a bit of a sensitive soul, which helps me get into other people’s heads. It’s like a superpower when I’m creating something. I think it helps people connect with my art too.
If you have done any paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that gets your clients to return to you (up to now)?
Clients appreciate my ability to visualise a scene and bring it to life. I try to add certain details that enrich the narrative and create a captivating atmosphere. My dedication to thorough research ensures that each project is grounded in accuracy and authenticity.
How would you describe your style?
I would say my style of art is playful, nostalgic and vibrant.
What is an ideal project or scenario for you? Something that would mean the world and connect to something meaningful to you, were you offered it?
I would like to work on a project that represents South Asia and its culture or ethnicity.
Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?
I am working on a personal project depicting our inner anxieties/demons in physical form, trying to explain how to accept them. You can find that project here.
Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would you choose?
I love listening to music, so if I ever got to work on a project on someone from the music industry, I would love it!
If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]
At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.