Custom Illustrations for Stories & Concepts
I help you tell your story through custom art. Whether it is book illustrations, website visuals, or unique conceptual pieces, I bring your ideas to life.
The 'Six Blind Men and an Elephant' painting, framed and displayed on a client's wall. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a conceptual piece that I created become a part of someone's home decor.
This is a minimal line illustration I created for the chapter titled 'Aasma' in the book "Moha Maya." This style is effective for conveying a theme or emotion in a simple, clean, and impactful way for publications.
Another chapter illustration from "Moha Maya," for the section titled 'Memories.' My work as a book illustrator involves creating visuals that complement the author's narrative and set the tone for each chapter.
An illustration for 'The Unbreakable Chain' chapter. These simple black and white drawings are designed to be symbolic and give the reader a visual cue about the story's themes.
This line art was for the chapter 'The Healing.' Creating these illustrations for my debut as a book illustrator was a fantastic experience in visual storytelling.
A conceptual illustration for the 'Condolences' chapter in the book "Moha Maya." Each drawing was hand-drawn on my iPad to match the mood of the story.
The illustration for 'Purgatory.' If you have a book, blog, or website, I can create a consistent set of illustrations to help tell your story visually.
A close-up from my Bengaluru auto-rickshaw series, showing a driver's classic "Barallaaaa!!!" (I won't come) pose. This watercolor illustration captures a moment every Bengalurean knows well.
"Meter mele ippatu kodi" (Give me twenty rupees over the meter). This scene is another common sight in Bengaluru, captured here in a quirky watercolor style for a commissioned series.
"Wonendaaf!" This illustration depicts the classic demand for one-and-a-half times the fare, a humorous and relatable moment for anyone who has hailed an auto in the city.
About Illustrations for Stories & Concepts
When I worked on the chapter illustrations for 'Moha Maya,' I learned how a simple line drawing can shift the reader's mood before they read a single sentence. I apply that same narrative focus to every project, whether it is a book interior, a blog header, or a custom gift, ensuring the art complements the story rather than just decorating it.
How I Build Your Story
I work from your ideas, photos, and rough concepts. Whether you are an author needing illustrations for a chapter, a business owner looking for custom brand visuals, or someone wanting a unique concept brought to life, the process stays the same.
I prefer using Procreate on my iPad with an Apple Pencil. This allows me to create high-resolution digital files that you can print, use online, or include in a physical book.
The Process:
- Concept & Sketch: We start with a conversation about what you need. I create a pencil sketch first to get the composition right.
- Development: Once the sketch is approved, I layer the colors and details.
- Transparency: I share timelapse clips of the creation process so you can see your art come to life.
Types of Work
- Book Illustration: From clean line art for headings to full-scene storytelling illustrations.
- Conceptual Art: Projects like my Bangalore auto-rickshaw series or event-specific posters that capture a specific vibe or cultural moment.
- Personal Projects: If you have an idea in your head, I can help visualize it for posters, invitations, or personal keepsakes.
If you have a project in mind, let’s talk about the details. I am open to both digital deliverables and physical canvas paintings.
Varun N Rao
I’m an engineer who never put down the sketchbook. Whether you need visuals for a storybook or a conceptual illustration for your website, I work with you to make sure the final piece feels exactly right.
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