IllustrationX - Tuhina Sharma portfolio

Microtrip is the call sign for New Delhi-based illustrator Tuhina Sharma, and each image she creates will indeed take you on a little journey – one characterised by wild swashes of colour, surreal fantasies, secret histories, new philosophies and maybe a dash of astrophysics. Splashing revolutionary tones, she’ll fly you to places with more interesting perspectives and, little known fact, Tuhina has passed her aviation exams and nearly became a pilot.

However, her feet are firmly planted on planet illustration, and she has a BA in Design from Goldsmiths University, London. She’s worked with global agencies, understands the creative process, and has built up a client base thanks to the unique visual style of Microtrip. From big brands to emerging bands, they love the way she dives into a brief, learns more than she needs to about the topic, then comes up with intelligent illustrations that leap from screen or page. Tuhina grew up in a creative household with parents who started out as architects and passed on to her an appreciation for the technical aspects of drafting and the history of art. She’s inspired by artists from Salvador Dalì to Jean Michele Basquiat, and the music of Pink Floyd.

Approach

Research is hugely important in the Microtrip process – including asking the right questions about what should and shouldn’t be in the image. Tuhina works digitally, beginning with sketching to develop a concept for approval by the client. Once it’s agreed, she brings in the colours, gradients, shading and textures for a final execution that truly pops.

Key software

Procreate, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Style

As the name suggests, Microtrip artwork is typically trippy and fantastic, with psychedelic colours but a style of drawing that feels unique and contemporary. Works operate on two levels – the colour energises the brain, but there is always a strata of deeper meaning to convey the narrative.