Today we’d like to introduce you to Arohi Sawant.

Hi Arohi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My journey as a creative really took off when my friends gifted me an iPad, reigniting my childhood passion for drawing. That simple gift opened up a world of possibilities—shortly after, I landed my first commissions for a portrait and a wedding card. It was the spark that led me into digital illustration, and I haven’t looked back since.

Over the past six years, I’ve worked on a variety of projects, from book covers to wedding invitations, and even designed merchandise for a school supporting kids on the spectrum—creating functional yet beautiful designs that made a real impact. One of my proudest moments was having my piece ‘Ardhangini’ selected for an exhibit at Waterloo City Hall. Inspired by the song ‘Madhaniya’ by Jonita Gandhi, it celebrated strength and the vibrance of womanhood, blending my Indian heritage with my life in Canada. This year I have also gotten a chance to work with Snapchat which was a dream. I created assets and an illustration for Gudi Padwa, the Marathi new year which was viewed by millions of users in India. The project was rewarding and magical in every way.

Along the way, I started my own freelance design studio, focusing on visual design and illustration. I’m passionate about collaborating with South Asian-focused brands and creatives, bringing cultural narratives into modern design. It’s my dream to launch my own stationery label—combining my love for illustration, South Asian storytelling, and the small details that make art feel personal.

Throughout it all, I’ve believed in the power of making mistakes, learning, and growing. Every piece I create teaches me something new, and that’s what keeps me inspired.

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?

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My path into design was anything but linear—it was filled with uncertainty, especially when it came to bringing myself back to what I’ve always loved: art. Growing up in an Asian household, there was always this internal bias that art was just a hobby, not a viable career path. It took a lot of unlearning to see my passion as something worthy of being pursued professionally, and not just something I did on the side.

One of the biggest struggles has been pitching and marketing myself. As someone who naturally leans more introverted, putting myself and my work out there felt uncomfortable at first. I had to push myself to come out of my shell, network, and confidently talk about my work—something that didn’t come easily. Learning how to advocate for myself, set my worth, and communicate my vision was a huge challenge.

There were moments and (still are) of self-doubt, wondering if I was doing the right thing, especially in a field that often feels subjective and competitive. But over time, I realized that embracing those struggles was part of the journey. Every step helped me grow into the creative I am today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I’m a visual designer and digital illustrator, and my work is deeply rooted in storytelling that bridges my experiences growing up in India and spending the last decade in Canada. I’m passionate about creating illustrations and pieces that reflect this duality—blending the vibrance and traditions of my Indian heritage with the diverse, modern influences I’ve encountered here in Canada. Through my work, I aim to capture that sense of belonging to two places at once, using design as a way to tell stories that feel both personal and universal.

One of the most surreal moments in my journey was being recognized by A.R. Rahman—someone whose work I’ve admired and looked up to for years. To have someone of his caliber notice my work, all because I decided to put myself out there on LinkedIn, was beyond anything I could have imagined when I first started. It was a reminder of how far I’ve come and how important it is to share your work, even when it feels scary.

What excites me most is the unknown—the beauty of not fully knowing what I’m capable of yet. When I first picked up an iPad to start illustrating, I never imagined I’d make it this far or work on such a wide variety of projects, from book covers to merchandise designs. Every project has pushed me, and now I’m hungry for bigger challenges. Maybe the next role for me is something I haven’t even dreamt of yet—like creating title credits for a film or show, becoming an art director, or something entirely unexpected. That sense of limitless possibility is what keeps me passionate about the craft and excited for what’s next.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?

What matters most to me is authenticity—both in life and in my work. I’ve always believed that the most meaningful art comes from a place of honesty, where you’re not just creating something beautiful but something that feels real and personal. That’s why I’m so drawn to storytelling through illustration—because it allows me to express my experiences, emotions, and cultural roots in a way that connects with others on a deeper level.

This value of authenticity also ties into my journey of embracing my identity and background. Growing up in India and then moving to Canada, I often felt caught between two worlds. It took time to realize that my unique perspective was actually my strength. Now, I aim to create pieces that celebrate that duality and encourage others to embrace all parts of themselves.

Why does it matter? Because authentic stories have the power to inspire, heal, and bring people together. Whether it’s a small illustration that reminds someone of home or a larger project that highlights underrepresented voices, I want my work to make people feel seen and connected. That’s what drives me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arohisawant.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aarohisiillustrates
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arohisawant