What goes into an editorial illustration?

When illustrator Hitesh Sonar first worked on the story of Devi Prasad, a former security guard in Delhi impacted by heatstroke, it left a lasting impression on him. “I was struck by how little we hear from people like Devi Prasad. After surviving something as terrible and unseen as heatstroke, people quietly resume their lives. Even though it was a single illustration for the story, Devi’s story stayed with me long after.”

So, when he was invited to illustrate the follow-up story, Hitesh knew it needed to be more immersive. This time, the focus wasn’t just on Devi’s recuperation, but on the complex social layers — housing, health, class, and caste — that shape recovery in India’s heat-stricken cities.

Hitesh drew from references of Devi Prasad’s home, daily environment, and medical condition to reconstruct scenes that felt specific, grounded, and evocative. “On an emotional level, it caused me to consider who gets to heal, who is seen, and who is not. That influenced my perception of heat as an active element in Devi Prasad’s story, something stifling, eerie, and constantly present rather than merely a background.”

In this interview, Hitesh walks us through his creative process, artistic influences, and the emotional depth he brings to environmental storytelling.

Mongabay: Can you walk us through your creative process when illustrating for Mongabay India?

Hitesh: When illustrating for Mongabay India, I approach each project with an ecologist’s lens, treating it as part of a larger ecosystem. My process begins with some basic internet research and immersing myself in the topic to understand its environmental context and nuances. For instance, in designing the editorial piece on the Kole Wetland, I drew inspiration from the region’s intricate natural features and farming traditions, ensuring the visual elements felt deeply connected to the story.

Mongabay: Can you expand on how immersive research helps elevate your illustrations?

Hitesh: Research is integral to my process. It involves studying ecosystems, field sketching which I enjoy a lot, and most important talking to writers and researchers to ensure accuracy. One example I can think of: while working on an illustration for a podcast cover, the writer/producer shared photos of the actual habitats the animals lived in. Those photos helped me to analyse those environments. This allowed me to incorporate specific elements, such as foliage, textures, and colours, into the final illustrations.

Mongabay: What illustration styles do you like using for environmental subjects?

Hitesh: I don’t stick to any particular style for my designs; it often changes from topic to topic, depending on the story’s needs. Adaptability is key to my approach. Often, clients come with a clear vision of the illustration style they desire, most of the time they’ve already seen my previous work. In such cases, I try to align my creative process with their expectations. When a specific style isn’t defined, I delve into the brief, seeking ways to represent the subject with emotional resonance and relevance. This ensures my work remains meaningful and appropriate.

Mongabay: Artists use creative liberties in their work. Do you face creative limitations while doing editorial work?

Hitesh: I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with designers, art directors, and clients who value creative freedom, allowing me to work in a smooth manner. Their trust has been instrumental in crafting meaningful work. However, editorial projects often come with tight deadlines, which can limit the time available for in-depth research and initial design explorations and experimentation with format and final work.

Mongabay: What key influences or experiences have shaped your artistic journey over the years?

Hitesh: My journey has been profoundly shaped by my passion for birdwatching, frequent visits to my grandmother’s home in Konkan, and documenting wildlife through field sketches. These experiences nurture my connection to the natural world, grounding my work in ecological understanding.

Mongabay: What environmental topic is on your wish list––what would you like to illustrate next?

Hitesh: I want to tell stories that show how people with disabilities experience nature in different ways. These stories explore how we can engage with and appreciate ecological systems in ways that are more inclusive and accessible. These are small but meaningful moments, something like watching a plant grow on a windowsill, listening to birds outside from the balcony, or noticing how sunlight changes during the day. These perspectives often get left out, but they can help us see that connecting with nature doesn’t always mean hiking in a forest or going on a jungle safari adventure. It can also be quiet, close to home, and just as powerful.

Banner image: The Kole wetland in Kerala is popular for its paddy cultivation that dates back to 300 years. The wetland gets its name from its high productivity – ‘Kole’ literally translates to ‘bumper crop’ in Malayalam. Illustration by Hitesh Sonar.