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4.9

(11 reviews)

Tejas K.

@Tejkam

4.9

5.1

100%

Children’s books & comic Illustrator | Fine Artist

$45 USD / Hour

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India (4:44 PM)

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Joined on October 7, 2015

$45 USD / Hour

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Children’s Book & Comic Illustrator and renowned painter from India | 10+ Years Experience | KDP & Storytelling Expert Hi, I’m a Human Artist known as Tejas Janardhan — founder of Dark Pencil Studio, specialising in storytelling-driven illustration for Children books and indie comics , Web comics and Manga . I help authors and publishers turn their ideas into visually engaging, print-ready books that connect with readers. From character design to full storybook illustration, I focus on clarity, emotion, and professional quality suitable for publishing (Amazon KDP and beyond). ✨ What I can do for you: • Children’s Book Illustration (Ages 3–10) • Comic Book , Manga & Graphic Novel Art 16+ • Character Design & Concept Art • Story boarding (Films, Animation, Ads) • Book Cover Design (Print + Digital) • Brands and logo Design (Print + Digital) • Portrait and landscape paintings (Original + Digital) 💡 Why work with me? • Strong storytelling + cinematic composition • Professional quality artwork ( traditional + digital ) • No AI used ! 100% Hand drawn • Clear communication & on-time delivery • Experience with international clients • No fake commitment and timeline I’m open to both short-term and long-term collaborations focused on quality and consistency. Let’s create something meaningful.

Verifications

On time

100%

On budget

100%

Accept rate

92%

Repeat hire rate

See all Illustrators in India

Portfolio

Landscape or still life Painting | Plein Air Original Art | Hand-Painted Fine Art (No AI)
I create original landscape paintings and plein air artwork using oil, watercolour, and mixed media, capturing natural light, atmosphere, and mood. Perfect for home decor, collectors, and art lovers seeking authentic, hand-painted fine art.

✔ Original Landscape Paintings
✔ Plein Air (On-off Location) Artwork
✔ Home - Office Decor & Wall Art
✔ Watercolour ,Pencil ,Charcoal and Oil paint
✔ Large scale painting options available

Looking for an Original Painting?
Collectors interested in owning an original version, a hand-painted replica, or a custom commission based on this artwork—or your own reference—are welcome to get in touch.

Process:
Send 2–3 high-resolution reference images → Artwork creation → Approval → Delivery

Time line - 2-3 weeks as per size and complexity

Original artwork can be shipped worldwide ( unframed loose canvas / paper roll )

Handmade Landscape Paintings

Custom Hand-Drawn Original or Digital Portrait Painting for Gifts ( NO AI )
Custom Portrait Painting | Hand-Drawn Oil, Watercolour & Digital Art (No AI) With a strong academic background in fine art, I create high-quality custom portrait paintings in oil, watercolour, and digital media. From my studio, I craft couple portraits, pet portraits, and personalised artwork that captures emotion, likeness, and detail.

✔ Custom Couple & Family Portraits
✔ Pet Portrait Painting
✔ Traditional & Digital Artwork
✔ High-Resolution (300 DPI) Print-Ready Files
✔ Large scale painting options available

Process:
Send 2–3 high-resolution reference images → Artwork creation → Approval → Delivery

Time line - 2-3 weeks as per size and complexity

Original artwork can be shipped worldwide ( unframed loose canvas / paper roll )

Custom Hand-Drawn Portrait Painting

My award winning creation in 2025

Children’s Book Illustration | Hand-Drawn Storybook Art & Character Design (No AI)

“Zara and the Boogie Man” is an ongoing children’s book project featuring 100% hand-drawn illustrations created on iPad. This project combines traditional art skills with modern digital techniques to create expressive, story-driven visuals for young readers.

I developed the main character from concept references, focusing on emotional clarity, child psychology, and strong visual storytelling. The process includes sketch approval followed by high-resolution, print-ready final artwork (KDP compatible).

✔ Hand-drawn illustrations (No AI)
✔ Unique character design & storytelling visuals
✔ Print-ready high-quality delivery

Have a story idea? Let’s bring it to life—feel free to message me.

Children’s Book Illustration | NO AI

Children’s Book Illustration | Hand-Drawn Sci-Fi Storybook Art (NO AI )

“Imani Ishtari’s Intergalactic Adventures” is a complete children’s book illustration project, delivered in mid-2024. It features 100% hand-drawn artwork created on iPad, blending traditional art skills with modern digital techniques.

The project focuses on building vibrant sci-fi worlds and expressive characters that inspire curiosity, imagination, and bravery in young readers.

✔ Character design based on client references
✔ Multiple style options (A & B) with final selection
✔ Clean sketch approval → final colored illustrations
✔ High-resolution, print-ready files (KDP compatible)

Each illustration is crafted for strong storytelling, emotional connection, and professional print quality.

Have a story idea? Let’s bring it to life—feel free to message me.

Children’s Book Illustration | NO AI

“Koyal (Kuku) Story” is a children’s book illustration project where I created 79 full-page hand-drawn illustrations in a detailed, semi-realistic style.

The project involved designing 50+ bird characters from minimal references while maintaining consistency, storytelling clarity, and emotional connection across all pages. Frequent story changes required adapting scenes and visuals throughout the process.

✔ 79 illustrated pages
✔ 50+ unique character designs
✔ Strong storytelling & consistency

Have a story idea? Let’s bring it to life—feel free to message me.

Children’s Book Illustration | NO AI

Handmade Landscape Paintings

Custom Hand-Drawn Portrait Painting

My award winning creation in 2025

Children’s Book Illustration | NO AI

4.9 · 11 Reviews

11 Reviews

Bohemian Floral Adult Coloring Book Design

Requirements were met.

Dark Fiction Cover Realistic Illustration

Outstanding professional! A great find, delivered on time and above and beyond. Woukd do business with again.

Caricature & Cartoons

SciFi Adventure Children's Book Illustrator Needed

Well done. Easy to work with and met my expectations. I'm very pleased with the outcome.

Graphic Design

Illustrator

Illustration

Caricature & Cartoons

Visual Arts

Realistic Pencil Illustrations for 24 Products

Tej was professional and so easy to work with. Open and fast communication throughout the entire project with flexibility and consistency.

Graphic Design

Illustrator

Illustration

Caricature & Cartoons

Visual Arts

Digital Painter for Comic book Creation

He was really professional and gave me almost exactly what I was looking for, I am very eager to work with him in the future.

Founder & Lead Illustrator -Studio Experience

Jan, 2015 - Present

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11 years, 5 months

DARK PENCIL STUDIO (Formerly TEJKAM STUDIO)

Jan, 2015 - Present

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11 years, 5 months

Led and managed a creative studio delivering high-quality illustration and concept art services to national and international clients. Specialized in children’s book illustration, comic creation, and visual storytelling. Handled complete project pipelines including concept development, character design, story boarding, and final artwork delivery. Built strong client relationships through consistent quality and professional communication.

mumbai , India

Jan, 2015 - Present

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11 years, 5 months

Freelance Illustrator & Comic Artist-Freelance Illustrator (Global Clients)

Jan, 2014 - Present

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12 years, 5 months

Self-Employed

Jan, 2014 - Present

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12 years, 5 months

Worked with global clients on a wide range of creative projects including children’s books, comics, and concept art. Delivered end-to-end solutions from initial sketches to print-ready final artwork. Adapted multiple art styles based on client requirements while maintaining strong storytelling and visual clarity.

mumbai , India

Jan, 2014 - Present

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12 years, 5 months

Web Comic Book Illustrator

Sep, 2019 - Nov, 2023

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4 years, 2 months

Pratilipi

Sep, 2019 - Nov, 2023

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4 years, 2 months

Collaborated with writers on full web comic production, including character design, environment design, and sequential storytelling. Worked on complex themes such as space-based narratives and horror , sci-fi concepts, ensuring visual consistency and engaging storytelling.

Mumabi , India

Sep, 2019 - Nov, 2023

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4 years, 2 months

Mumbai University

2008 - 2012

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4 years

B.F.A Fine art in portrait painting

India

2008 - 2012

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4 years

Top 5 Finalist – Waves Comic Creator Championship 2025

2025

Government of India & Indian Comics Association (ICA)

Recognized as a Top 5 professional artist in the Waves Comic Creator Championship 2025, an international competition by the Government of India and ICA. My short comic “The Fridge” was selected among top global entries, showcasing strong storytelling and visual narrative. This achievement reflects my ability to create compelling, high-quality comic content. Project available in my portfolio.

2025

1st yr highly commanded annual exhibition Award 2008 in sir J.J school of art.

2008

Sir J.J school of art.Mumbai

Completed formal academic training in fine arts with specialization in painting. Developed strong fundamentals in anatomy, composition, and classical art techniques.

2008

JSW foundation Award 2012, to recognizing the creative leaders of tomorrow.

2012

JSW foundation

J S W foundation Award 2012, for creative paintings to recognizing the creative leaders of tomorrow.

2012

Dark Pencil Tiny Tales

2026

Dark Pencil studio

Dark Pencil Tiny Tales is a premium children’s book brand created by Indian illustrator Tejas Janardhan, dedicated to delivering 100% human hand-crafted books for young readers. Review of the exiting published children's books - www.amazon.com/author/darkpencil_tinytales

2026

Preferred Freelancer Program SLA