Urvashi Dubey

@urvashidubeyy / urvashidubey.com/

Pronouns: She/Her

Where are you from?: Mumbai, India

Race/Ethnicity: South Asian

Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujrati.

Where do you currently work at?: Kidlit Illustrator and Book Designer (previously worked at Daffodil Lane Books)

One favorite book you've designed and why?: All my babies are my favourite, but if I had to pick I would choose 'Grown Ups Who Never Stopped Drawing' The book talks about 10 world-famous artists, and their unique creative style and journey. It's packed with great stories on courage, perseverance and determination; knowing that the stories are real makes the message all the more powerful. It's a book I wished I had, when I was growing up.

Another favourite is 'No is a Good Word' by Bharti Singh. The story delves into times when we want to say 'No,' but instead, blurt out a reluctant 'Yes,' and are left feeling terrible and guides little readers (and the grown-ups who read with them) on the importance of setting boundaries and embrace the confidence to say 'No' when they need to. It was fun to reflect and draw these situations. I'm really happy with how it turned out.

How did you get into design?: As a kid, I always wanted to a job where I can draw every day for the rest of my life. I got introduced to illustration as elective in my art college

What do you like about being a book designer in publishing? : You live longer than your own lifetime.

Tell us a surprising fact about you?: I am very tall (people who meet me for the first time get really surprise!)

What did you learn about publishing that you wish you knew before? : Making children's picture books is a serious business.

What's one goal you have for yourself in this industry?: To work on stories that help my readers with social and emotional development.

How do you overcome a creative block?: I sit around and do absolutely nothing. You can only paint a painting when the canvas is clean, same goes with ideas.