<h2>Curiosity creates art</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Akshara-comic_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
I have always been interested in art since childhood. As a neurodivergent kid, growing up I had a lot of questions about the world. Especially regarding the rules imposed on women and the taboos surrounding us. My questions were mostly ignored as these topics weren&rsquo;t openly discussed. So, art became an outlet for me.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Akshara-Ashok_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
My art has helped me explore my thoughts and process my feelings while finding answers on the way! The censorship on social media has affected my work heavily in the past. And there&rsquo;s always a certain level of judgement you face for being an outspoken woman, which does discourage me sometimes.&nbsp; &nbsp; Akshara Ashok, 28 LOG ON TO @happyfluffcomics Artists who inspire me: Sarah Andersen and Beatrix Potter
<h2>Taking a dive and keeping afloat</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Vibha-Rao-comic_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
After graduation, I approached my parents to give me one year to prove I can make a living as an artist. Their worry made sense since we don&rsquo;t hear of many artists in India who earn a living in my field. It&rsquo;s important to have the confidence and proof to take their worries away.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Vbha-comic-2_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
I worked as an animator for four years and a year as a storyboard artist before finally deciding to dive into the world of comics.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Vibha_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
The biggest challenge is always about being financially independent since it requires different skills that are not typically taught, unlike marketing. Pick up such skills, and things get good really fast. &nbsp;
Vibha Rao, 31 LOG ON TO @Indianscribbles Artists who inspire me: Masashi Kishimoto, Bill Watterson, and Gomyang
<h2>Nurturing the change</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Alicia-Souza-illustration_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
I&rsquo;ve been in this field for a very long time now [nearly 15-16 years]. From then to now, everything in the world has changed. When I began, I didn&rsquo;t even know if this field would go in the direction I would like it to go, and if it would make financial sense.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Alicia-comic_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
But it worked out, thanks to technology and social media. The one place I feel is gender-neutral is commercial art, as people look at the end product as opposed to the person behind it. A lot of my drawings are based on the things I see and do in my life, and motherhood is a big chunk of it.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/apr/Alicia-Souza_e.jpg" alt="" />&nbsp;
Alicia Souza, 39 LOG ON TO @aliciasouza Artist who inspires me: Quentin Blake

Mumbai Comic Con 2026 is all set to take place in May, and these women artists including Alicia Souza dive into their careers and how they navigate challenges

Mumbai Comic Con 2026: Women artists highlight how they navigate challenges in their field

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As dates for Comic Con Mumbai draw close, three participating women artists speak about slaying challenges in their chosen field

Mumbai Comic Con 2026: Women artists highlight how they navigate challenges in their field

Curiosity creates art

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Home / Mumbai-guide / Things To Do / Article / Mumbai Comic Con 2026: Women artists highlight how they navigate challenges in their field

Mumbai Comic Con 2026: Women artists highlight how they navigate challenges in their field

Curiosity creates art

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