Meet Nidhi | Concept Artist and Freelance Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nidhi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nidhi, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think many would say that art is always a risk to pursue, but for me, it was always a way to increase my odds of success. Ever since I was young, I was bent on going to every art class, applying to every art competition and every scholarship. It’s an attitude I’ve carried with me today, if I can, I will always say yes to an opportunity.

Art is a joy to pursue for me— it is my second language, my greatest strength and my biggest source of confidence. Even today, as it becomes more precarious to pursue art, I welcome the challenge. I will always find a way to thrive in my career despite it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career is currently split in few directions. My full-time job is working as a concept artist for Timberline Studio, where I get to design for video games. My freelance work often involves doing book covers and illustrations for private clients.

A lot of my artistic personality came out when I started getting in touch with my South Asian heritage. As a kid, it was a source of shame often, and I was determined to find a way to turn it into pride. I started drawing scenes from Hindu mythology and even took a hand at designing my own fictional gods. It’s silly, but it really brought me into my own artistic identity. You’ll find me indulging in any kind of mythological aesthetic, especially if it deals with fauna— in fact, you’ll see that almost all the projects I’m involved with have some sort of animal inspiration, and I want to keep it that way!

I’m proud of a lot of my works, but one that I’m especially fond of is my first published book cover, Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca. Seeing that book on the shelves of my childhood library— the library that raised me— was such an amazing moment! And I’m grateful to say it won’t be the last.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, this is hard! I love doing everything that I can in Los Angeles. Since most of my friends are also artists, I’ll give you the Artist Itinerary.

First off, I’d highly recommend finding some inspiration at the beautiful Huntington Gardens in San Marino. It’s such a perfectly curated space that is just made to inspire. If you’re looking for an additional museum in the area, the Norton Simon is one of my favorites.

After that, I’d drive over to Alhambra and head immediately to Gallery Nucleus. They stock an amazing collection of independent artworks and books. For any artist, it’s the quickest way to lose your wallet in the best way possible. After that, I’d spend my last five dollars on an afternoon coffee from Uncle Fung. And if you’re hungry after all that, well, lucky you! You’re in a great place for food! Borneo Eatery, Chef G on 4th, Szechuan Impression, all within walking distance. It’s the dream!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been extremely lucky that my life has been saturated with so much support from my family and friends. I wouldn’t be anywhere without my parents’ encouragement and it’s been a blessing to be able to pursue art as a career. My friends are also an incredible source of inspiration. With their every success, I find myself inspired and motivated to push my art. Without them, I wouldn’t have the same amount of confidence or love for what I do.

And of course, a huge shoutout to my partner. It’s a gift to share my life with someone who also creates art for a living.

Website: https://nidhinaroth.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aranyaksha/?hl=en

Twitter: https://x.com/Aranyaksha