Illustrating my first book - the why, how and what
An Illustrated book about obscure food from around the world
I
I've always been intrigued by food. Not just because it tastes good, but also because of how different parts of the world treat food. Food can inform us of climate, culture, and geography.
There is so much to be learned about food that it has caught my attention enough for me to decide to author and illustrate a book based on obscure food from around the world.
II
So, what is obscure food?
Well, it's not the kind of food that is so obscure it repulses you. No, it's more like the kind of food you might find only in the cozy comfort of someone's home on a cold winter day. The kind of food you fondly remember when you are stuck in your college dorm room. The ones you associate with memories of comfort, companionship, and excitement.
This is NOT a book about the "30 most delicious foods from around the world," . Because that would include "chicken tikka masala," "pad thai," and the "American cheeseburger"—stuff that most people don't make and eat on a daily basis at home. I've realized that people don't have the fondest memories associated with food found on most restaurant menus.
III
I've been thinking about so many ways to make this book feel special and meaningful. Not just something where I Google the most famous dishes from around the world and illustrate it, right? How do I make it personal, but still relatable enough that everyone 'gets it'?
Here’s a sample version of a spread.
In this AI-generating, mass-producing information culture, I believe everything I put out into the world should be meaningful, genuine, and ‘REAL’. So a few decisions were made.
Every single page will be illustrated.
Every single text will be hand-lettered.
At least a portion of the book will feature dishes from real people from different parts of the world, relaying their personal experiences with food.
The version below is a draft - just for me to get an idea of how this book could look. What do you guys think?
IV
So far, these are the rules I've set. It's simple. I want this book to be about food and community. A celebration of what makes us HUMAN.
If you want to be a part of this book, all you have to do is fill out this form by clicking the button below. It takes about 5 minutes.
If there’s anything else you would like to talk to me about, hit me up. I reply to messages! Also, actually comment below and let me know what you think. Like actually comment, lol. Here’s the button.
Hi, I am Anjana. I am an illustrator, designer and maker of many things. You can follow my journey here.