The text and sketches on this website are the copyright of Somali Roy. Please do not download or use them without permission. Thank you!

I am an artist, illustrator and writer currently based in San Francisco. 

I’ve written and/or illustrated for National Geographic Traveller Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, Bon Appétit, Complete Wellbeing Magazine, Selamta Magazine, Cup of Jo and Changi Airport to name a few. My illustrations have been awarded ‘selected winner’ in the annual American Illustration AI 43 in 2024, and will be published in the book this year. I was also a ‘chosen winner’ in AI 41 and 42 competitions for the previous two years.

When I’m not doing client work, I am out in the city, at cafes, parks, bookstores, markets and in quiet back alleys with a sketchbook in hand, observing and drawing from life. Often people stop by to chat or share personal stories about the place I’m drawing which always elevates the whole on-location drawing experience!

I share these vignettes of everyday life in my blog and on Instagram.

My current favourite drawing tools are crayons and colour pencils although I equally love the scratchy lines a dip pen makes on rough paper or the delicate strokes of watercolour. Being self-taught means that I spend a lot of time exploring and experimenting with different materials and techniques.

If you wish to work with me, please email at somali.roy@gmail.com. For personal commissions or to purchase my sketches, do get in touch as well. I’d love to hear from you!