Off the Shelf

Off The Shelf has always felt like an independent bookstore that doubles up as a shared reading room. Rooted in Hyderabad, proud of its independence, and deeply invested in building reading habits, the store carries a sense of belonging that goes beyond shelves and spines.
When I met the founders, they spoke passionately about wanting to reflect the city they love—its architecture, people reading under trees, the pauses that exist between pages and days, and the quiet, lived-in rhythm of Hyderabad. The first illustration grew from these conversations and went on to become the anchor for their merchandise ecosystem. It began as a tote bag and was later adapted across bookmarks, postcards, stationery, and eventually box packaging curated for their first-ever birthday celebrations.
Alongside this, we worked on a second illustration created specifically for the kids’ section. Bright, playful, and full of movement, the brief here was to spark curiosity and joy—inviting children into the habit of reading through colour, characters, and imagination. This artwork too became part of their merchandise, extending the experience of the store into everyday life.
Together, these illustrations for Off The Shelf—for adults and for children—were created not just to be seen, but to be carried, gifted, and returned to, much like a favourite book.