Custom Illustrations & Commissions

Sometimes a card from the rack isn't quite right. Maybe it's a particularly meaningful milestone, a person who deserves something made just for them, or a moment that doesn't fit neatly into any category. That's where a custom commission comes in.

Let's work together

Studio Sunanda takes on a small number of commissions each season: hand-painted whimsical illustrations for the people, pets, and places that matter most. Past commissions have included housewarming portraits, retirement pieces, and illustrated gifts for milestones that don't come with a gift registry.

I love working on custom projects and I'm open to all ideas. If you have something in mind, get in touch! Every commission starts with a conversation.

Tell me a little bit about what you have in mind.

Past work

I've designed personalized holiday, thank you, and condolence cards; custom art pieces to celebrate milestone birthdays; and a custom pet-themed calendar, among other things. Explore some examples of my work to date.

Affirming friendship

Thank you card

Manisha wanted to thank a dear friend who went out of the way to help her move.

She recalled her friend painstakingly filling holes in the walls, left by nails they had to remove, ultimately getting her security deposit back.

And so, a card depicting the stepladder and spackling was exactly the right solution.

Showing team support

Condolence card

Brad wanted to let a colleague know that the team was thinking of her & had her back, while she was out on bereavement leave.

We collaborated on a framable art-piece and accompanying condolence card, that spoke to her love of the Chicago cubs and made a nod to the team that was sending their support.

Capturing travel memories

Holiday cards

Viji sends holiday cards to friends and family each year and wanted to share memories from a recent trip to Newfoundland, Canada.

The result: 20 individually hand-painted holiday cards, each depicting scenes and moments from the vacation... sometimes with a bit of a whimsical spin on it.

Christmas present

Pet-themed calendar

A client was looking for a personalized 2026 calendar to gift their partner for Christmas.

The result: a calendar featuring 12 watercolor illustrations customized to the recipient's interests... specifically, their super cute dog!

Birthday present

Swiftie art

Danielle wanted a personalized piece of art to gift for her sister's birthday. Specifically, she was looking for a Taylor Swift inspired piece that was whimsical.

The end result: a bread-y pun tied to her sister's favorite Taylor Swift song "The Lakes."

"Take me to the bakes, where all the sourdough goes to rise..."