Daily Inspiration: Meet Maithili Joshi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maithili Joshi.

Hi Maithili, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Since a very young age, I’d draw and make my own storybooks, stapling them down the middle for authenticity. I was fascinated by picture books and knew it was something I’d want to do “when I grew up”, though I never really knew what that meant. In primary school, we learned about different career paths and somewhere in the midst of doctors and engineers, I heard ‘illustrator’. It stuck.

I moved to New York from Pune, India to pursue a BFA (Illustration) from the School of Visual Arts. I now live in New York, and work in publishing while also launching a freelance illustration career. Also, I graduated a few weeks ago.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No career is a smooth road, there were some bumps along the way. But I love what I do, so they weren’t tedious to overcome. First off, illustration is a very ‘unheard of’ career. You’ll get a lot of “what do you actually do?” questions. It can feel a little demeaning but I think it’s important to understand that a lot of people genuinely may not know about the industry. That’s when you step up and give your best explanation. Perhaps you’d have to throw in a, “it’s actually a job” if you have to.

It’s definitely not easy being in a creative field. I don’t think there’s ever an end to the day. Even on the train, you’d be thinking about that drawing you left incomplete or perhaps gathering ideas for a new one. I think that’s also an aspect that makes it exciting. So much of the job is also about getting away from the drawing table and feasting your eyes to the outside world, exploring. It’s hard to step away, but when you do, it’ll always be inspiring!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
To keep it simple- my more personal work is basically silly ideas that pop into my head that I have an urge to draw out on a whim. When I’m hired to illustrate a story, I’d really do my research for it and try to communicate it in the very best way possible, while still maintaining that free spirit.

I also draw a lot of inspiration from my South Asian background. You’ll see women in saris, flower fields and rich oranges.

That being said, the general tone I like to strike with all my work is whimsical yet empowering. I like my illustrations to be uplifting in a way, even when the narrative is on the gloomier side. I work with balancing my composition, character, and color in a way to strike that chord.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
If anything I learned the importance of spending quality time outside. Before the pandemic I’d be chipping away at the drawing table all day without making time to take a walk or see friends, it made my work rigid and unimaginative. With cover, we were all involuntarily isolated. Thankfully being quarantined in the suburbs and not the city, we have ample amount of open fields to take walks, and drive around in. That really opened things up for me. With things opening up more now, it’s nice to be able to make plans and experience new things.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.maithiliart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maithiliart/