Tell us about where you studied and some of your highlights and favourite lecturers.
I'm currently studying at the Indian School of Design and Innovation in Mumbai but my design journey actually began sometime before I joined. I used to watch a lot of Youtubers to get inspiration (Kel Lauren and Elliot Is A Cool Guy content occupied my days) I was also more of an artist before I started designing and that love for drawing eventually converted to love for making type. I believe that your personal experimentation takes you a long way in terms of finding your creative identity and finding people that nurture this is what keeps you going. I found this in a tight-knit group of graphic designers, now good friends, that I would have a lot of fun designing with during and after covid. We learnt a lot from each other and the internet.
What weird and wonderful things are you obsessed with right now that inspires your creative work?
Less weird but a lot of my inspiration actually comes from the music I listen to. I design monthly playlists for my Spotify so even if I'm caught up with coursework or work, I have that creative outlet where I can explore and experiment at my own will. I also have been known for having a slight obsession with pharmaceutical packaging, solely because of the amount of type they put on those things.
Favourite travel destinations that inspire you?
As a student my travel has been very limited, but I'm a big maximalist, so I'm very drawn to cultures that are visually very adorned. I wish to visit Marrakech soon to look at the exquisite architecture, pottery, tiles and textiles. I'm very drawn to East Asian maximalism as well, so China's on my bucket list. From the places I'm more familiar with, my city, Mumbai is a great source of Inspiration, it's always alive and there's always something going on. I've been familiarised with so many sub-cultures, artists and ideas here, I'll need another article to fully describe Mumbai. It'll forever hold a special place in my heart.
Tell us about your tools / what tech, programs, equipment and environment do you do your best work in?
Same old adobe programs actually when it comes to digital. But I'm a big believer in drawing things out and have multiple pocket notebooks that I use to write my ideas down. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night to badly sketch ideas out on my notes app! I have a dedicated sketchbook for my typography that I love and cherish and claim to be my most prized possession, and it's absolutely integral to my process.
Which 3 creatives do you look up to and why?
- Phraw Graft: Very realistically, Claire is at the top of my list. I've been inspired by her love for music, her personal style, basically everything she does.
- Seo Hyo: I've been very fascinated with processing lately and Seo's work is magical to me.
- CS2MF: Ishaan's Devanagari type experimentation always make me gasp.
What are your biggest hopes and dreams for 2025, both for the world and your career?
For the world, I hope we get through both this politically and environmentally dark time soon. On a more design level, I hope more people start publishing print media just for fun. As for my career, I hope to continue learning more and being pushed creatively, wherever I find myself working.
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