Meet the woman behind ColourbyVaish - Vaishnavi Dukhande

Vaishnavi Dukhande is a self-taught children’s book illustrator from Mumbai, inspired by her love for storytelling and the vibrant energy of her city. Growing up surrounded by books—thanks to her mother, a librarian—she developed a passion for illustration early on. She spent countless hours recreating her favorite characters from cartoons and picture books, eventually honing her whimsical and engaging style through years of self-study.

Her creativity was also shaped by her father, who had been painting since he was a child. Watching him bring scenes to life with a brush inspired Vaishnavi to explore art in her own way. He encouraged her to experiment, embrace mistakes, and see the world through an artist’s eyes, fostering her confidence to pursue illustration as a career.

Vaishnavi’s artistic journey began with traditional painting, exploring watercolors, acrylics, and oils. Over time, she transitioned to digital illustration, blending her love for traditional textures with the flexibility of digital tools. This combination allows her to create rich, expressive illustrations that bring stories to life in a unique and engaging way.

Now a published illustrator, Vaishnavi collaborates with authors and publishers to create immersive worlds that captivate children and spark their imaginations. She specializes in crafting illustrations that inspire curiosity and foster a love for reading, constantly exploring new techniques to refine her craft.

Beyond illustration, she finds inspiration in adventure—whether trekking in the mountains, getting lost in a fantasy-thriller novel, or discovering new creative influences through podcasts. These experiences fuel her storytelling, allowing her to infuse depth and emotion into every project she takes on.