Proiti Roy

Proiti Roy graduated in fine arts from Kala Bhavan, Shantiniketan in 1987. Before settling down to become an illustrator of children’s books, Proiti had a varied career experience. She worked as a graphic designer in advertising and manufacturing – both in India and Bangladesh; she worked with handicrafts in recycled mediums; and she taught art and craft to children in Kolkata for 12 years.

The first book she illustrated for children was a collection of fairy tales from all over the world – in a Bengali translation, for a publisher in Bangladesh.

She now lives in Chennai and spends most of her time illustrating books for children. She illustrates picture books for Tulika, text books for Orient Black Swan and El Alma, a publishing house in Kolkata. She also illustrates for magazines and journals.

“Drawing and painting for children is not an easy task,” says Proiti, “I have to place myself in the child’s shoes and look at the work through their eyes. I find this the most challenging part, for the illustrations must not only enhance the story but also engage the child.”

She loves animals and lives with seven rescued dogs, and looks after the street dogs in the neighborhood where she lives. She still enjoys reading children’s books and has many in her collection. Apart from collecting old children’s books, she also collects post cards and match boxes.

She loves to travel but can’t leave her dogs and go away. She loves food and cooks with passion!
Her daughter Shoi is 19 years old and is studying fine arts. Proiti hopes that, like her, Shoi will illustrate children’s books one day.