--- title: "My Artist's Sketchbook: Custom Illustrations & Mumbai Urban Sketches" description: "Step inside my sketchbook to see my process for creating custom portraits, vibrant urban sketches, and caricatures. Let us capture your unique story through art." canonical: https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/the-artist-s-sketchbook last_updated: 2025-09-30 --- # Behind the Scenes: My Artist's Sketchbook & Process Tribe Verified · Mumbai-based illustrator and urban sketcher By [Divya Bhatia](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo) · Available online & across India; Studio in Goregaon West · ₹1,800 Per Miniature (Single Subject) (estimate) Part of [Custom Illustrations & Artwork](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/gallery) Welcome to my creative playground. Here is a peek at how I organize my supplies, my daily urban sketching rituals, and the process behind bringing your stories to life. ## Photos and videos - [Video: My happy place! This video shows how I keep my art supplies organised in my drawer. Having everything in its place, from paints and pencils to pens and brushes, makes it easier to create.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1c082984-6e8d-4c0c-8bf8-b8a9432410a7) - [Video: A fun "art magic" video showing a watercolour floral painting coming to life in seconds. Of course, the real process takes much more time and patience!](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bd5e1f7f-e21e-4e21-944e-43802daa3f0c) - [Video: A process video of a monochromatic ink wash sketch of a cafe scene. From the initial pencil drawing to the final shaded piece, you can see how the scene takes shape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/acbb6f80-8433-4c34-85b2-00e06ca867d2) - [Video: A short process video showing four different ways to interpret a single reference image. I explored value, monochrome, and different inking techniques for this lighthouse study.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/36373103-cf73-4b48-84ad-9119d1c36736) - [Video: A timelapse of a watercolour illustration I created for a gin maker. This video shows my process from the initial character sketch to the final coloured artwork.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fb0ab5ff-38f0-48e6-89bb-f85a4af424c8) - ![A simple message that I truly believe in. When you choose to gift art from a local artist, you are supporting a dream and giving something truly special and unique.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/66735226-6a25-40f1-bb59-523eaaf674c1) - [Video: A sketchbook reveal that is pure love. This video flips through pages of my watercolour paintings, starting with a vibrant still life of fruit.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/abf0c9ff-51cb-4920-9936-19dc360f7295) - [Video: I love bringing stories to life through art and narration. Here is a read-aloud of "Surki aur Tirki," a beautiful children's book by Pratham Books, which I illustrated and narrated.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e8560e4b-733f-4749-8318-109edacd7930) - ![An announcement for a "Drinking and Drawing" collage workshop I hosted. I love teaching and sharing my creative process with the community.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ac959cd2-9b24-4cf3-87b1-faedbbbd93c2) - ![An editorial cartoon offering a satirical take on politics. Art can be a powerful tool for commentary and expression.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9e7848e2-a823-46b3-b1dd-86af917471b2) - ![A sketchbook spread from a visit to the Harvard Art Museums. I created a collage of different elements, from the architecture to the sculptures, to capture the essence of the museum.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4ba82def-ef83-47c5-9ece-71fa2b857fc3) - ![A close-up of my Harvard Art Museums sketch, focusing on the architectural details and a silhouetted sculpture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3a2fa9bd-6bc2-4d29-b358-e42ed7f2a6be) - ![My open sketchbook at my desk, showing the completed Harvard Art Museums collage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8017851e-e5cb-49dc-942e-064a36c2eb50) - ![A detail from my Harvard Art Museums spread, showing a person sketching by a window next to a framed painting. A sketch within a sketch!](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/10a5d033-a9e2-4fd6-8866-d9fa95574d44) - ![People-spotting at a local cafe is one of my favourite things to do. This sketchbook page is filled with quick ink drawings of people working and relaxing at Cafe Nero.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c8bc7fff-f13a-42bb-9c62-c84ed175b848) - ![My sketchbook and a cup of coffee, the perfect combination. A close-up of my ink drawings of people at the cafe.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f77ec137-d76c-4269-b4b5-8002ed3664b5) - ![A watercolour sketch from a visit to the Brickbottom Artists Association. I painted an artist playing his guitar in his studio, surrounded by his own beautiful artwork.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/640c0153-9dde-4248-9970-8f753f36e49b) - ![Another view of my watercolour painting from the Brickbottom Artists studio, held up against an easel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c97ff0b6-b88c-4801-923a-3a5d780912ea) - [Video: A tribute to my wonderful art community. This video shows my sketch of a stained glass window at Candies Cafe, a place that hosted a meetup for our urban sketchers group. My heart is full of gratitude.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dc09f426-9e27-4ad8-8130-d4df5b066702) - ![An expressive and colourful still life of a bouquet of flowers in a vase, created with oil pastels.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e8fbc9d0-5f82-477c-9916-b88187b04df5) - ![A sketch of a person enjoying a burger at Timeout Market in Boston. I used a mix of media to capture the cozy and relaxed atmosphere.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c59075e3-49e1-40ff-98d3-b8e79af28510) - ![A pen and ink sketch capturing a quiet, thoughtful moment between a father and child playing a game.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dfc571ef-972f-4670-b29c-9ac893b75b9a) - ![An experimental mixed-media collage with the theme "People Are Talking About Your Point of View."](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fc5de8ad-3155-4df5-9dbf-8299dcf7c27a) - ![A close-up of a digital caricature in progress, showing the expressive lines and lighting on the subject's face.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/36bc8ef1-fe60-4d30-b093-dbb888c9056f) - ![An interesting "Droste effect" sketch, where I am drawing myself drawing the scene in front of me. A fun, meta-commentary on the act of urban sketching.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1563fd8a-9c11-462e-93b7-e156cac1db19) - ![A quick watercolour caricature study of a man with his eyes closed, focusing on capturing facial structure and skin tones with minimal strokes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/06add82a-00b5-4ae8-aaff-97ecc35153f8) - ![A watercolour sketch of a coffee machine at a cafe, part of a series reflecting on my art journey through the year.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f0c127a5-6fb9-4e71-a3ff-84d1f121baf6) - ![A watercolour painting of a church, another piece from my "Art through the year" collection.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/139febb9-2da1-4ec2-a06f-34b81fe75da6) - ![A juicy, detailed watercolour painting of a burger, showcasing my ability to paint food with texture and vibrant colour.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1a630594-40bb-4d49-bf01-f11d40077b4b) - ![A beautiful, traditional-style watercolour painting of a woman in a sari, seated gracefully. This piece has a timeless, classic feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2198ba1c-3a4b-4495-95be-b93f622b940c) - ![A colourful watercolour study of mannequins in athletic wear, exploring form, colour, and shadow.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f0abe5c6-6dbe-47f1-aa78-45e1b195fbb3) - ![A slightly different angle of my watercolour painting of the artist playing guitar in his studio.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/43da9ef7-1de2-4ed0-bc30-115de52fcc51) - ![A watercolour and ink sketch of the counter at Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. in Boston. I left the squirrel logo as a blank outline for a playful touch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/003bc6d4-82e6-4e8b-b93a-0070b7ae7e14) - ![A top-down view of my Mighty Squirrel sketch, showing the interesting perspective of the cafe layout.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4eee558e-ef9b-4a75-abb5-ec55bfb24960) - ![A bright and sunny shot of my Mighty Squirrel sketch, with the vibrant yellow of my nails adding a pop of colour.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4d4db76e-07fa-4d4d-a2c0-74bb5709b98d) ## About The Artist's Sketchbook I do not just pick up a pen and draw. Whether I am sketching a busy Mumbai street corner or a quiet moment in a local café, the process is about capturing the story first. If you are looking for a custom piece, we start by talking about the reason behind your request, not just the subject. This is how I ensure your final illustration feels personal, whether it is a delicate watercolour portrait or a vibrant digital caricature. ### How I Approach Art Art is how I slow down time, especially in a city as fast-paced as Mumbai. My sketchbook is where I test new ideas, organize my watercolor palettes, and document the little slices of happiness that never change, like my favorite local tea stall or a quiet street corner. ### Turning Your Stories into Illustrations When you commission a piece, I treat it with the same care as my personal sketchbook work. Whether you want a physical 300 GSM watercolour painting or a high-resolution digital master file, we work together to get the details right. * **The Initial Conversation:** We talk about what matters to you. Is it an inside joke, a favorite hobby, or a specific memory? I use this to add context to the artwork. * **The Drafting Phase:** For physical paintings, I share a pencil sketch for layout approval so we are on the same page before I pick up a brush. For digital work, we focus on nailing the character design and color palette during the revision rounds. * **Materials Matter:** I use professional-grade watercolors and acid-free paper for physical commissions to ensure they last. If we go digital, you get a 300 DPI high-resolution file that is perfect for printing, whether you are making a gift card or a framed poster. ### Why Choose Local? Choosing art from a local artist means you are supporting a creative dream and receiving something that hasn't been mass-produced. You get a piece of work that has been thought through, sketched, and finished by hand, just for you. ## About Divya Bhatia I am Divya. I do not just draw, I observe. Whether I am sketching Mumbai's busy streets or a quiet corner of a cafe, I look for the story beneath the surface to make sure your commission feels like yours and nobody else's. [See all of Divya Bhatia's services](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo) ## More from Custom Illustrations & Artwork by Divya Bhatia - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/featured) - [Your Story, Illustrated](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/your-story-illustrated) - [Mumbai Meri Jaan: Sketches of My City](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/mumbai-meri-jaan-sketches-of-my-city) - [Devotion in Watercolour & Ink](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/devotion-in-watercolour-ink) - [Portraits from Life & Imagination](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/portraits-from-life-imagination) - [Landscapes & Travel Sketches](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/landscapes-travel-sketches) ## More services by Divya Bhatia - [Art Merchandise](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/art-merchandise) - [Live Event Sketching](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/live-event-sketching) - [Art Workshops & Classes](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/art-workshops-classes) ## Similar work from other experts - [My Sketchbook: Daily Practice and Creative Ideas](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions/from-my-sketchbook-daily-practice-ideas) by Basit · Art Prints & Custom Commissions · Ships from Bengaluru to across India - [From My Sketchbook: Raw Ideas and Creative Experiments](https://mytribe.in/madsterdrama/custom-art-commissions/from-my-sketchbook) by Madhuri Umashankar · Custom Art Commissions · Delivers across Bengaluru; Ships across India - [My Sketchbook Practice: Behind the Scenes of My Art](https://mytribe.in/painterspallete/custom-portrait-art/my-sketchbook-practice) by Ishika Vishwakarma · Custom Portrait Art · Ships across India - [My Art Journal & Personal Sketches](https://mytribe.in/the.lamiya.effect/personalized-gifts-keepsakes/my-art-journal-sketches) by Lamiya · Personalized Gifts & Keepsakes · Ships across India - [Creative Art Experiments and Custom Sketching](https://mytribe.in/artistparvesh/custom-portrait-paintings-sketches/from-my-sketchbook) by Parvesh Goswami · Custom Portrait Paintings & Sketches · Available online and ships across India - [Behind My Art: Process, Sketchbooks & Coffee Paintings](https://mytribe.in/kshitijsingh.art/custom-artwork-original-art/behind-the-art-my-process-sketchbook) by Kshitij · Custom Artwork & Original Art · Available online, ships across India ## Book To book Divya Bhatia, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Divya%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20sketchbook%20on%20mytribe%20and%20love%20your%20art%20style.%20I%20would%20like%20to%20know%20more%20about%20getting%20a%20custom%20illustration%20done.)