Priya Gupta : Designer And Illustrator
Posted in: UncategorizedPriya Gupta is a New York-based designer and illustrator with over a decade of experience in the fashion and accessory industry. Originally from India, she draws on her strong foundation in accessory design and her expertise in illustration to shape a distinctive creative voice. With a Master’s in Illustration from FIT, NY, Priya is channeling her combined skills to build her own brand rooted in storytelling, surface pattern design, and children’s books. Her work blends cultural richness, detailed craftsmanship, and narrative depth—resulting in illustrations that are both timeless and contemporary.
Why are you a Designer & Illustrator??
Design has always been at the heart of my journey. With over a decade of experience in accessory design, I’ve spent years creating fashion products that are both functional and beautiful. But illustration has always been my true calling—an avenue where I can tell stories, express emotions, and bring characters to life in a way that product design couldn’t. What excites me most is the ability to merge design and illustration to create products that tell stories—bringing visual narratives to life in a tangible, physical form.
Did you attend school for fine art or design??
Yes, I have a formal design education. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Leather and Accessory Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi in 2013 and MFA in Illustration from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York.
You have a distinct style of design & illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style??
It has been a journey of evolution. My style is a blend of my Indian heritage, intricate detailing from my accessory design background, and storytelling elements from my passion for children’s books. Over the years, I’ve explored various mediums and techniques, and my style continues to evolve. I see it as a growing, living process—constantly adapting and becoming more defined with each project.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up??Yes! Growing up in India, I was deeply inspired by mythological stories, especially those found in comic books like Amar Chitra Katha. Raja Ravi Varma’s mastery of visual storytelling left a profound impact on me, shaping my appreciation for art rooted in culture and narrative.
As I grew older, I became equally fascinated by the world of fashion & design. Brands like Kate Spade, Furla, and Coach inspired me with their strong storytelling through form, color, and craftsmanship. Closer to home, lifestyle brands like Chumbak sparked my imagination with their vibrant, India-inspired aesthetics and playful design sensibilities.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations??
Raja Ravi Varma has been a major inspiration for me. His ability to merge realism with storytelling in his paintings is something I deeply admire. In contemporary times, illustrators like Shaun Tan and Rebecca Dautremer have also influenced my approach to textures, details, and compositions.
What made you decide to become a freelance Designer/Illustrator? When did you start freelancing??
After several successful years in the fashion industry, I launched my own handbag brand in India and also served as a designer for Vertara, a premium U.S.-based fashion brand. During this time, I realized the importance of having a distinct creative voice within my work. That led me to start developing my own prints and illustrations—initially for other brand, and eventually as a broader creative practice rooted in storytelling and self-expression.
What began in 2015 with a few commissioned illustration projects soon grew into a dynamic portfolio. Since then, I’ve been actively freelancing across handbag design, surface pattern design, and art prints, all while continuing to lead and contribute to design initiatives within the accessory industry. While my foundation lies in product design, I’m now expanding into visual storytelling through my own brand that i am currently working on—blending illustration and design to create meaningful, narrative-driven products.
What made you take up illustrations after having worked in fashion for so long??
I always loved drawing and storytelling, but coming from India, a career in art & illustration wasn’t seen as a stable choice. After spending more than a decade designing handbags and accessories, I finally decided to pursue my first love—art & illustration. It was a leap of faith, but one that has been incredibly rewarding.
You make beautiful prints for fabrics. What inspires you for these??
Thank you! My inspiration comes from nature, Indian textiles, and storytelling. I often incorporate intricate patterns, folk art influences, and botanical elements into my designs. I love creating prints that feel timeless yet fresh.
Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
?I see a growing trend of brands and agencies investing in hand-drawn illustrations to create a unique identity. However, my work has been more focused on print design projects rather than advertising.
Have you considered turning your art prints into toys & garments??
Yes! I would love to see my illustrated characters come to life as toys or on fashion garments. I’ve been exploring ways to develop illustrated products like story-based puzzles and children’s room decor. It’s definitely a future goal!
Any other Indian Brand & Artist whom you admire??
Absolutely! I admire artists like Rajesh Nagulakonda for his intricate, bold compositions and narrative-driven style. I’m also inspired by illustrators such as Chaaya Prabhat, Sumouli Dutta, and Sonali Zohra for their vibrant use of color, unique visual voices, and innovative storytelling.
When it comes to Indian brands, I truly admire Chumbak, The Wishing Chair, and India Circus for their playful, illustration-led designs and whimsical product storytelling. I also appreciate Fabindia for its timeless craftsmanship and Nicobar for its elegant, contemporary take on Indian aesthetics. These brands beautifully merge design and storytelling—something I strive for in my own creative journey.
Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your field??
I admire illustrators like Oliver Jeffers and Rebecca Green for the way they blend emotion, storytelling, and visual simplicity so effortlessly. Oliver Jeffers’ work has a whimsical, poetic quality that captures both children and adults, while Rebecca Green’s illustrations have a quiet charm and warmth, often layered with subtle details and textures that make her narratives come alive. Both of them create worlds that feel intimate and heartfelt, which is something I deeply aspire to in my own work. I also find SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and AOI (Association of Illustrators) to be great resources for learning and networking.
You have such a wide experience as a top working professional. What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on Design & Illustration as a career option? Is it paying well enough??
My biggest advice is to be persistent, keep learning, and never stop experimenting. Design & Illustration is a fulfilling career, but it takes time to establish yourself. It’s important to diversify—print design, books, licensing, and branding all offer different revenue streams. While it may not always be the highest-paying career initially, if you build a strong portfolio and business mindset, it can be financially sustainable.
What’s your dream project??
My dream project is to create my own brand of illustrated products that blend storytelling with design. I’m currently working towards this by developing a series of art prints of various lifestyle products and a children’s picture book inspired by my own childhood, rooted in Indian culture and the joint family system. I envision expanding it into a series that celebrates the richness of India. Through this journey, I hope to build a brand that brings my signature illustrations to life across apparel, lifestyle, and home décor—infusing everyday objects with emotion and narrative.
Mac or PC??
Mac all the way!
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
?Oliver Jeffers! I would love to pick his brain about storytelling and world-building in illustration.
What’s on your iPod? Spotify??
I enjoy a mix of Indian classical music, indie folk, and instrumental compositions. I also tune into podcasts that fuel both my creative process and entrepreneurial dreams, like The Illustration Department Podcast, SCBWI Conversations, Creative Pep Talk, How I Built This, and Branding Matters. They keep me inspired as I work toward building my own illustrated lifestyle brand.
What’s your Twitter Handle? Instagram?? You can find me on:
Instagram: @illustratewithpriya
Behance: @illustratewithpriya
Website: www.illustratewithpriya.com?
Bio- Priya Gupta? Designer & Illustrator
Art has always been Priya Gupta’s compass, and design, her passion. Her creative journey is fueled by her love for storytelling, inspired by life’s simple joys, travel adventures, and the vibrant individuals she’s encountered along the way.
Originally from India and now based in New York, Priya brings a rich cultural perspective and a global lens to her work. By day, she is a professional accessory designer, crafting stylish pieces that blend functionality with flair. By night, she transforms into an illustrator, bringing whimsical stories to life—it’s a double creative life she thrives on.
Specializing in Product design, surface print design, book illustrations, digital art, and traditional acrylic painting, Priya captures life’s vibrancy through color, imagination, form and narrative. Whether designing an accessory or illustrating a story, she views each project as an opportunity to explore new creative horizons. Always eager to embrace fresh challenges, Priya continues to push the boundaries of her craft.
