ABOUT

Hi, I’m Riyad Hossen Sajjad. I was born in the countryside of Bangladesh and spent my early childhood there before moving to Dhaka, where I live today. I’m currently pursuing a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering and taking art as a hobby. My illustration style is whimsical and cozy, and I love to interpret traditional medium textures, especially pencil texture, through digital illustration. I’m especially drawn to muted color palettes, and I use them across both backgrounds and characters to create a distinctive atmosphere in my work. My process usually starts with reading the manuscript carefully, then developing characters, sketching rough storyboards, and refining page sketches before final coloring.

A lot of my illustrations are built around thoughtful storytelling. One of my favorite pieces shows a group of boys playing in a tree, inspired by a fig tree from my childhood that meant a lot to me, but that I couldn't save from being cut down.

Growing up surrounded by trees and animals shaped the way I see the world and continues to influence what I create. Nature, especially autumn, is a constant source of inspiration for me, and I also care deeply about animals. I spend time feeding stray dogs and cats, and I hope my work can encourage more compassion toward them and someday support animal rescue efforts. These days, when I need inspiration, I turn to picture books, Pinterest, or a quiet moment to sketch. At home, I’m also lucky to have two cats, Muezza and Izyo, plus a lovely group of stray cat and dog friends I care for outside.

Please get in touch with me at riyadillustration@gmail.com for illustration inquiries, or contact me here.