Published books [Open Book Illustration - Trina Ray, Cover Illustration - Kaashvi Kothari]

The inception of The Lemonaide was a personal project born during the pandemic, aimed at bringing together a collective of creatives—designers, illustrators, and writers—who were navigating uncertain times. The vision was to curate a versatile, monthly digital and phygital magazine, with each edition centered around a unique theme. Content ranged widely, from artworks and write-ups to videos, all while embracing flexibility and diversity in format.

One significant series we developed was Indie Fables, a collection of short stories aimed at reimagining Indian folk tales to be more inclusive and address challenging themes, all while staying true to the regional cultural contexts. The goal was to bring fresh perspectives to traditional narratives, exploring subjects often left unspoken, such as identity, gender, and societal norms. I worked with 25 creatives, thoughtfully pairing writers and illustrators to breathe new life into these stories. In addition to guiding the creative vision, I also took on responsibilities in finance, operations, and publication design, ensuring the project was executed seamlessly.

Personally, I contributed a short story titled Smells Like Summer to Indie Fables. This reimagined a classic princess folktale, delicately exploring themes of bi-curiosity and asexuality. Aware of the sensitivity around discussing sexuality in India, my aim was to create a narrative that would resonate with younger audiences while addressing these important themes with care.

Throughout four publications, The Lemonaide’s inaugural edition embodied the theme of 'lemonade'—a vibrant, purely digital release that showcased a wide array of artistic expression. Although Indie Fables ultimately concluded due to financial constraints, the project was an enriching experience that provided valuable opportunities for fresh graduates to showcase their talents through published work, and helped us connect with clients, fueling a strong collective synergy.

This venture remains a fulfilling chapter in my journey, blending creativity and organizational leadership in ways that fostered meaningful collaboration and personal growth.

Cover Illustration - Kaashvi Kothari