Reconnecting with the inner child
A multidisciplinary artist exploring illustration, animation, design, and wearable art across digital and traditional mediums, Amita shares her story with us. ‘I don’t stick to one style—my mood drives my creations’
What motivates you to create?
At its core, my practice is about childlike spontaneity, embracing imperfection and instinct. I went full-time a few months ago, breaking free from the pressure to fit a mold. Now, I’m a newborn in the art world, always learning. I create to spark that same sense of freedom in others, even for a moment.
Your work has a playful feel — what’s the process and intention behind that?
I'm not much of a planner—my process is all about intuition. I've always been drawn to play, whether through cartoons, playgrounds, or creating just for fun. It’s the one thing I want to do, not have to. I even have post-it notes around my house reminding me to “just keep playing.” A turning point was drawing with my non-dominant hand—the wobbly lines just felt right. This led me to Heta Uma ("bad but good"), a Japanese art movement celebrating imperfect yet appealing art. That idea resonated with me and shaped my approach. Beyond visual playfulness, I want my work to feel like a moment of pause—like watching an old cartoon that makes you feel safe, even for just a little while.
Do you see social media as a helpful tool or a challenge for your work?
I think social media is a mixed feeling. It’s great for reaching people, growing small businesses, and opening up new opportunities. I’ve landed projects through it and discovered new mediums like clay, linocut, and mixed media.
But when results take priority, it gets tricky. Certain aesthetics get more traction, making work feel like it needs to be more digestible for visibility. That can be demotivating. While packaging my work to stand out helps, balancing that with authenticity is a constant challenge.
With increased value for illustrative art today, do you think audiences are more open to artists and experimentation?
Absolutely! There’s a growing audience actively seeking fresh, experimental work. I say this with confidence because I’m deeply grateful for the people who support artists like me—a community I trust and admire for their own experimental spirit.
That said, there’s still plenty of room for broader acceptance and a more diverse visual language. More people will join in soon. I think we’ll know we’ve truly arrived when every corner of the country is filled with art—sticker walls, murals, or even doodles left behind by someone who felt inspired.
What’s one quality you think every artist should have?
I believe every artist should have their own "offbeat" work—something not everyone understands. Creating freely, sometimes letting go of skill, technicalities, or meaning, is essential. The best work comes from that freedom, and though it’s not always easy, I try to remind myself of it constantly.
As a freelancer, how do you decide on pricing for your work?
Pricing is one of the toughest parts of my work. I follow a structure with a minimum engagement fee, plus added costs based on scope, detail, and usage. Before quoting, I also consider the client's size and the project’s scale.
Asking for a budget upfront makes the process smoother, helping both sides decide faster. I also rely on online design resources to navigate pricing, and one I find especially helpful is the Young Designers India Instagram page.
What impact do you hope your art will have on others?
I hope my work inspires people to create freely, without worrying about being "good" at it. I believe everyone has a creative instinct, but expectations and doubt often get in the way.
I strive to evoke the warmth and comfort we felt before growing up made us second-guess everything. If my art helps someone reconnect with their inner child—even just enough to create or experiment without overthinking—that would mean the world to me.
What are your goals for the future?
My biggest goal is to embody the sincerity of childlike creativity. I also want to connect with like-minded people, collaborate, and learn from new perspectives.
I’ve always dreamed of building my own shop—creating merchandise or wearable art to add a little brightness to someone's day. At its core, it’s all about play—customization, revamping, and bringing back the joy of making something personal.