Custom Portraits & Memory Collages in Mumbai
I turn your favorite photos and stories into art using graphite, charcoal, and coffee. Each piece is a hand-drawn way to hold onto memories, made just for you.
This video shows the process of creating a personalized memory collage. I combine coffee splashes, fine-line drawings, and pops of color to weave together different moments and symbols that are meaningful to you.
This is a finished custom portrait that combines a realistic graphite drawing with a coffee-painted background and a fine-line floral border. It’s a great way to add warmth to a traditional portrait.
A finished graphite and charcoal portrait I did for a custom order. I focused on creating high contrast to make the subjects stand out, giving it a powerful, dramatic feel.
A little look at my process, including the sketches that don't always work out. This video shows an abandoned sketch versus a portrait of Gracie Abrams that I'm really happy with. It's all part of the journey.
Holding up a finished memory collage. This piece tells a love story through a collection of illustrated moments, inside jokes, and meaningful symbols, all brought together with coffee art.
A framed custom illustration that uses coffee splashes and fine-line art to create a dynamic portrait. The abstract background adds a lot of energy to the piece.
A tender moment between a father and his baby, captured in a custom illustration. The piece is framed with a floral border and set against a warm coffee-painted background.
This was a fun, fashion-themed custom illustration. I incorporated brand logos and personal elements into a collage-style portrait, using coffee, fine-liners, and a splash of color.
I tried making an illustrated self-portrait in a new style, moving away from pure realism. It was a fun experiment with cross-hatching and bold lines.
A time-lapse of me working on a mixed-media portrait. You can see me adding the coffee-painted background to the finished graphite and charcoal drawing.
About Custom Portraits & Memory Collages
I don't just sketch what I see, I layer it. My memory collages start with a graphite base for realism, but then I bring in coffee splashes and fine-line details to add that warm, lived-in feel. It is not just a portrait, it is a story on 300 GSM paper.
When you commission a portrait or collage, I start with a simple conversation. You send over the photo or the memories you want to preserve, and we talk about the vibe you want. Some people want the hyper-realistic look of graphite on Bristol paper, while others love the chaotic, warm personality of my coffee-painted collages.
Technically, I use 300 GSM acid-free watercolor paper for the coffee pieces to ensure they do not warp, and I seal everything with a matte or satin fixative so it lasts. For the realistic portraits, I focus on the textures, like skin pores, individual hairs, and the way light hits an eye. I am a bit of a perfectionist with the pencil work.
Every piece is wrapped in brown kraft paper with jute twine and a hand-painted thank you card. I want it to feel like a gift when it reaches you. Whether it is a portrait of a loved one or a collection of memories from a special day, I try to add those fine-line details that make it feel like your own. If you have a specific idea in mind, just reach out and we can figure out the composition together.
Kshitij
I am Kshitij, and I believe art should be a way to keep memories alive. I spend hours on every piece, mixing the sharp precision of graphite with the unpredictable warmth of coffee to capture exactly who you are.
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