Komal Sharma, a 22-year-old illustrator and graphic designer from Mumbai, has a vivid, playful approach to Desi portraiture. Her recent project, Baller Bebz and Baller Boy, explores identity through art. Her work combines clever wordplay, dynamic compositions, and cultural elements with a modern twist, reflecting her unique view of Mumbai’s electric colors and the city’s ceaseless energy.
For Komal, creating art is a method of storytelling. Observing and capturing the spirit of people and places, she builds narratives that resonate with joy, curiosity, and depth.
We dove into Komal's creative process, her ongoing quest to find her signature style, and the experiences and inspirations that shape her.
Tell us about these two works.
‘Baller Bebz’ and ‘Baller Boy’ are a vibrant exploration of Desi portraiture, blending an explosion of colours, clever wordplay, and creativity. This illustration was born from my passion for injecting fun and play into every visual I make (yes, I take my fun extremely seriously).
These artworks attempt to capture the likeness of a dear friend, a hybrid athlete with a love for basketball. Portraying it in a neo-traditional style, I aimed to fuse cultural elements with a modern twist, reimagining South Asian identity in a non-cliché, Desi pop-art fantasy world. Being from Mumbai, the city’s electric colors inevitably find their way into my work, forming the visual language and spirit of the piece.
What are some things you learned while putting this project together?
I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by exploring a new visual language in this piece. Honestly, I created this illustration just to have fun with color, portraiture, and identity through a different illustrative style. Working on this, I learned more about what feels right for me creatively. I’m still figuring out my signature style, and experimenting helps me see what clicks and what doesn’t. Portraiture is about capturing personality in a single frame, and I discovered how color can really bring that expression to life!
What are some of your biggest influences as an artist?
My biggest influences come from the stories all around me. At my core, I'm a storyteller, and while I love to talk, I've learned that being a great storyteller means being an even better listener. I find inspiration in observing and reflecting on the world and people around me. It's about recognizing that inspiration is always present — I just need to be patient and perceptive enough to see it.
Who are some artists currently on your radar?
The list can go on but these are my top favourites. Boomranng Studios, Sunny Kabocha, Kimya Gandhi, Revant Dasgupta, Pearl D'Souza, Justine Jossart, Sarah Van Dongen, The Irregular Times.
A project you wish you were a part of?
Being involved in anything Boomranng works on would be a dream come true for me. But if I had to choose just one project, it would be Nike by You x Boomranng. The visuals they created for that were absolutely breathtaking — I’m not exaggerating when I say I stopped breathing the moment I saw them. Their work is so beautifully grounded in Indian culture, with subtle details and bold, vibrant colors. It’s inclusive, freeing, and executed in the most stunning way.
What are some of your biggest inspirations over the years of your artistic career?
Being a woman, I find myself drawn to female artists and their experiences. From Greta Gerwig, Virginia Woolf, Sonal Vasave, Amrita Sher-Gil to women in my own life like my mother, their stories never cease to amaze, move and inspire me. These artists beautifully express their culture and raw emotions in every piece they create. I also firmly believe that inspiration is everywhere, so when my creative energy runs low, I often pause, look around, and simply observe.
Could you take us through the process you follow as a creator?
My creative process begins with observing and making pointless doodles. It involves listening, sketching, adding and exaggerating elements of fun and building stories from threads. As soon as I find something interesting, I start laying it out. Putting ideas on paper actualises them to get the ball rolling. Some of my digital sketches were born out of simple tissue paper doodles.
I create with the intent of telling stories. Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved listening to tales, and now, as an illustrator and graphic designer, I have the power and privilege to tell those narratives myself. I view this as a serious responsibility, one I take to heart. While I have fun in the process, I also wish to share that same joy and excitement with people who to take the time to view my work.
Follow Komal here.
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