meet vibha surya, an artist with a passion for the environment, women's rights and her culture
Vibha Surya is a Tamil illustrator and visual designer based out of Bangalore who loves storytelling and design. Being dyslexic, she has relied on visuals since childhood. Certain illustrations have created ever-lasting memories for her, and she wishes to create the same for both children and adults. You can find her mostly tucked inside with an iPad in her home studio, finding comfort and familiarity in her trusty sketchbook, paints and pencils.
We got to ask her some questions about her creative process.
What would you say is your best piece of work or collaboration to date, and why?
I find it very difficult to pick one since I truly love every collaboration I have been a part of! But I feel my work for a picture book about emotions with Penguin Random House India last year and a chapter book for Harper Collins about good habits a few years back really made me explore my style to my full capacity and allowed me to explore layout design at the same time. I am truly grateful to all the editors and art directors who gave me that creative freedom and trust.
Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?
I look for inspiration around me! I am constantly looking out for something interesting or meaningful, and when I find it I either take a photo, sketch it or write it on my notes app.
Is there anything you'd be a good advocate for?
I would probably say environmental issues. I am extremely passionate regarding eco-friendly issues and animal rights. My partner and I managed to do a completely eco-friendly Indian wedding a few years back and I would love to work on a project regarding that.
What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.
I guess my problem solving skills, research and my need for inclusivity. While working on any project, I constantly make sure that my target audience is the right age group and that no one is discriminated against or stereotyped in my illustrations. I also make it a point to include diverse people by making that a conscious effort; sending a message that representation and inclusion should be a norm.
What is something that clients come back to you for?
Clients have returned to me for my time management skills and the integrity in my artwork. Also, for the experience and sensitivity I bring when working on serious or sensitive topics.
How would you describe your style?
Even though my style keeps evolving every few years, one thing is constant – my love for experimenting with watercolour and pencil textures, whether digital or traditional! I have a strong foundation in traditional mediums and I like to use that skill in my digital mediums. My style is also heavily influenced by Indian art and Indian art’s primary colours.
Please give a scenario of a dream project that would mean the world to you – something personally meaningful.
It would be a great honor to work on a book project about women trailblazers in their respective fields from India and South Asia.
Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?
I am currently expanding my portfolio to middle grade books. I have been working on couple of black and white illustrations. I am also working on a set of illustration based on kids doing gardening and going on nature trails.
Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would that be?
That would be Amrita Sher-Gil, a Hungarian-Indian artist. There aren’t many books on women artists (especially for kids) and I would love to change that!
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.