Illustrations for Heart it Out, Jan 2020

Mental health can be hard to talk about, and even harder to visualize. When working with Heart It Out, a Bangalore-based mental health startup, the goal was to create illustrations that felt welcoming, warm, and easy to connect with. The art needed to reflect the diversity of experiences people have with mental health while making sure everyone felt included.

The decision to go with abstract and colorful illustrations came from the need to move away from rigid, clinical imagery. Instead of sharp lines and defined forms, the artwork uses soft shapes and flowing colors to create a sense of openness. The illustrations were designed as a flatpack, meaning they could be adapted for different uses across the website and social media while keeping the visual identity consistent.

Inclusivity was a priority. The figures in the artwork don’t fit into strict categories. They are body-diverse, gender-neutral, and open to interpretation. The idea was to create something that feels familiar to anyone who sees it, no matter their background.

This project was about more than just aesthetics. It was about making mental health resources feel approachable and safe. The right visuals can make a difference in how people engage with a space, and this work was about creating that kind of comfort.