Vidya Lalgudi Jaishankar

I am an interdisciplinary artist and children's book illustrator based in the UK, originally from Tamil Nadu, India. I began my artistic journey as an installation artist and gradually shifted my focus toward my passion for visual storytelling. Over the past six years, I have had the opportunity to illustrate several children's books in different languages, specializing in both digital and hand-made watercolor illustrations. My passion for art ignited at a young age when I created a vibrant fruit basket drawing. Through my artworks, I aim to capture the whimsical, colorful, and imaginative world of children in a quirky style.

Freelance illustrator, Sep 2018 – 2022, London, United Kingdom 

• Collaborated with children’s book authors and agencies to create handmade watercolour illustrations and digital illustrations. 

• Designed and created relatable and perceivable characters and background illustrations through research on subject matter and style of visual narration that complements the author’s literary style and vision. 

Graphic Designer/ Illustrator, Arowana Consulting Ltd., Nov 2014 – Apr 2018, Bangalore, India 

• Conceptualised, designed and illustrated 2016 and 2017 corporate calendars, distributed to the company’s clients and employees. 

• Brand design and guidelines for stock exchange clients 

• Social media design content and marketing collaterals 

• UI/UX designer involved from conception to release of a centralised guest experience platform, Houdini (now Hudini), used for bookings and orders (restaurants, flights, in-room dining etc.), room control system, check in and check out, feedback, entertainment - VOD, MOD 

• Brainstorming, storyboarding, user flow diagrams, WIREFRAMING, prototyping, UX design, producing deliverables for development team 

Junior Illustrator, Creative Books and IT Solutions, Apr- Oct 2014, Bangalore, India 

• Children’s book illustrator for the series ‘Robin’s Travels’ under Sweet Cherry Publishing 

Illustrator and Graphic Designer, Premio Prints Pvt. Ltd., May - Dec 2013, Chennai, India 

• Designed logos, illustrations, visiting cards, brochures, fliers, greeting card and posters

2021- 2023

Distinction, Masters of Art & Science

Central Saint Martins

University of the Arts (UAL), London

2009 - 2013

1st Class, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Government College of Fine Arts

University of Madras, Chennai, India

2004- 2008

Bachelor of Information Technology

MSEC College, Anna University, India