I was born and raised in the vibrant and multicultural country of the India. From there, my journey has taken me to the warm Bay Area of California, USA, to my current home in the naturesque town of Reading, United Kingdom.

As a child, I was captivated by folk stories, classical animated cartoons, and the colourful world of Indian art. This passion led me to pursue a Master’s in Illustration from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara (2009). I began my career working at major studios before transitioning to freelancing after becoming a mother. My enthusiasm for children's book illustration led me to join Pathways into Children’s Publishing (2023–2024), where I was mentored by award-winning illustrator David Litchfield and guided by top publishers like Walker Books and Penguin Random House.

My illustration style is a blend of traditional media such as watercolours, gouache, and inks, combined with digital techniques for ease of edits and production. My work captures pictorial concepts, evokes emotions, and conveys moods through aesthetic colour schemes, all while delivering compelling visual storytelling.

While I was in India, I illustrated series of picture books and comics as a full time illustrator and story boarding for the famous Animated Kids TVs “The Adventures of Motu and Patlu” telecasted on Nickelodeon Channel. In USA, I worked on freelance character design and background design projects for Animation. In the past couple of years here in UK, I have illustrated two commissioned picture books, Always Here (2021) and Little Shouty (2023), two Children’s book titles for an Autumn project with Literacy Pirates (2024). Currently, I’m illustrating a commissioned picture book, Busy Baby Boy (coming out in 2025), and developing my own Picture Book dummies.

I am passionate about creating inclusive and diverse stories that reflect a wide range of voices, cultures, and experiences. I’m eager to collaborate with you to bring captivating picture books and chapter book stories to life. If you’re interested in working together or commissioning a project that inspires the next generation with storytelling magic, please reach out to me.

Email me at: artist.gunja@gmail.com

Thank you.