Anu Chouhan is a multidisciplinary illustrator. Growing up, she drew inspiration from animated movies, music, fashion, video games, and her own imagination. Anu remixes these influences through the lens of her Punjabi heritage. The result is an eclectic mixture of east-meets-west imagery, as well as a high-yet-low brow art style. Her edgy, energetic art has gathered a following on Instagram, as well as attention on social media from major publications, celebrities, and influencers.

Tell us about the path you took to get to where you are today. What advice would you give young South Asian women wanting to do what you do?

I started drawing at a very early age, so I always knew I would pursue a creative profession. During my university years, I studied interaction and graphic design and then went on to study animation. I started posting character and fashion illustrations on Instagram while I was working full time as a mobile game artist. Soon after, I began to receive inquiries for custom illustrations, especially for weddings and anniversaries, in addition to requests for illustration prints.

My advice to younger South Asian women would be to definitely follow your dreams, especially if you are blessed with access to education and opportunities. It can be hard to come from a South Asian family and make them understand if medical or law school isn’t what is best for you, but remember you have to live your life for yourself. Make the most of any chance that comes your way, but do not beat yourself up when things don’t go exactly as planned. Success and growth do not happen over night, in fact it may take many years…the key is to stay positive and focused.

How important is it to you to make South Asian women feel empowered? What do you do to help South Asian women feel empowered?

It’s very important for us South Asian women to empower each other. I am glad that I am able to inspire other women through my art. Illustrating confident South Asian women in positions of control and dominance has been an ongoing theme for me for the past two years. My hope is that my sense of humour and cartoony style make my art approachable, while creating a dialogue and bringing people together to laugh and think. I am thrilled every time I see comments from other South Asian women telling me that they were able to relate to my messages, and share it with their friends.

What is your personal motto or mission statement?

Don’t be afraid to be different, and know your self worth.

Besides your work, what are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about social justice! I keep an eye on current events (though it can definitely be headache-inducing in this current political climate), and like to be informed about current issues.

On a more chill note, I love listening to music and going to concerts. I also love reading, browsing design and fashion blogs, and playing video games.

Where can one find you on her days off?

On a cold rainy day you can expect to find me curled up in a blanket burrito listening my very eclectic playlist, ranging from old school Hindi songs to rap to alternative indie music. Otherwise I love to hang out downtown or at the beach, and hit the gym regularly during the week.

How do you balance work, life, family?

It is very hard to balance work, life, and family…I struggle with it. When your job is also your passion, I find it can be easy to end up biting off more than you can chew, so it is important to know your own limitations so you don’t burn out. I learned that the hard way when I overworked my drawing arm and damaged it. It’s good to work hard, but it’s just as important to take care of yourself and to spend time with friends and family to unwind.

Check out Anu’s work on at upcoming event!

Anumation, Mahari Collection & Jessie Sohpaul present an Exclusive Art & Fashion Showcase. Taking place over 2 days at 434 Columbia Street, Vancouver. Join local designer Taran and artists Anu & Jessie as they showcase their collections together for the first time! The opportunity to purchase brand new designs and artworks will be available throughout the weekend.

Sat Feb 25th: 5-9pm Launch Night
Sun Feb 26th: 10am-7pm Pop-Up Shop

Stay connected with Anu!

Facebook: @anumationart 

Instagram: @anumation

Twitter: @anumationart

Website (new site coming soon): www.anumation.ca