Barkha Lohia is an Indian illustrator working across picture books, chapter books, and editorials, who moved to Canada in late 2022 and has ever since called Toronto her home. She graduated with a BFA from College of Art, Delhi and a certificate in Illustration from Riyaaz Academy in 2019 and has since been working as a freelance illustrator. Her clients include WWF, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Pratham Books, Room to Read, and Orca Book Publishers.
Her practice is rooted in hand-drawn mixed media explorations, using charcoals, watercolours, soft pastels, pencil colours, and layered processes to build texture and mood in her work. She enjoys working on a wide range of stories, from exploring quiet, reflective moments to playful characters, and adventurous narratives with humour and heart.
Her work has been recognised with honours including the Binod Kanoria Children’s Book Award, the Young Illustrator Award from Room to Read, and selection in the Society of Illustrators 2025 Annual Exhibition.
When not working, she can often be found sipping chai and exploring the vast natural spaces across Canada.
