Hello! I’m Sonaksha, a South Asian illustrator, graphic recorder and book designer. My work examines care, body image and gender, and addresses subjects like disability justice, mental health and intersectional feminism. I use art as a tool to contribute to and participate in social and climate justice movements across the world.
As a graphic recorder, I visually map and document meetings, webinars, convenings and conferences. I’ve worked with organisations at the intersections of gender, sexuality, reproductive rights, environmental justice and digital rights among others.
Before I stepped into the world of illustration and design, I wrote for magazines and newspapers interviewing creators across various spheres: textile, art, furniture etc. Over the years, I’ve used my love for and experience with writing as a way to conceptualise of new ways to bring words and visuals together.
My work, including ‘A-Z of Mental Health’, and ‘Garden of Kindness’ have been featured in various international publications. When not at my desk, I can be found wandering the aisles of bookstores, or scribbling in my sketchbook while devouring a slice of pizza.
Select clients include Instagram, Adobe, Twitter, Warner Bros. Discovery, FRIDA - The Young Feminist Fund, Association for Progressive Communications, CREA, Women’s Fund Asia, Oxfam and Urgent Action Sister Funds among others.
Excited to connect with you.
Say hello at sonakshaiyengar@gmail.com.
Talks
Using Artivism to Transform Pain to Power, Musawah Global Conference
Social for Good Panel by Facebook - Mental Health Awareness
TEDx - Art and Mental Illness - How I created my Garden of Kindness
Residencies/Courses
The Disability Sexuality and Rights Online Institute, 2021
Design for Mental Health - Mann Mela Residency by Wellcome, Sangath, It’s Ok To Talk and Quicksand, 2020
Adobe Creative Resident, 2020
Publications
The Geometry of Shapes, poetry comic published in Big Mistake - an anthology by Penguin India, 2021
I’m Not Okay, comic published in Side Effects of Living - an anthology of voices on mental health by Speaking Tiger, 2019