Tell us about where you studied and some of your highlights and favourite lecturers.
I am currently finishing my MFA in Graphic Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Some of my favorite parts of the program include sitting in critique sessions and discussing projects with my peers. There is a level of cordiality and sincerity in these meetings that I thoroughly enjoy. Although daunting in the beginning, they are incredibly beneficial and have helped my workflow grow by leaps and bounds.
Ellen Lupton, Jennifer Cole Phillips, and Jeff Glendenning are few of my favorite lecturers who have provided me with invaluable support. I often felt restricted by a style that I practiced a lot, but through their feedback, I have grown to embrace it and mold it in interesting directions. Through their classes, I have improved in typography, publication, layout design, motion graphics, design thinking, public speaking, and so much more!
What weird and wonderful things are you obsessed with right now that inspires your creative work?
I’ve always wanted my time at MICA to be a balance between analog and digital practices. My week usually starts with a six-hour-long weaving class, where I’m learning traditional Guatemalan weaving techniques. There is something oddly gratifying about following a design process that has remained unchanged for centuries. At the same time, I’m also learning to weave my digital artworks on the Jacquard loom. I’m astounded by how many different types of designs and patterns one can create with this setup—the possibilities are endless (and slightly overwhelming).
In my free time, I’m also learning how to knit. I’ve long had a desire to walk around with a self-knit scarf (fingers crossed this is the year). A few other curious analog obsessions include screen printing, letterpress, and print collage. One may ask, how am I going to connect these with graphic design? I have no clue—but I’m sure the answer will reveal itself in some wildly profound way, haha.
On the other hand, the rest of my week is filled with self-imposed motion design projects, learning 3D in Blender, and coding with p5.js.
Favourite travel destinations that inspire you?
I was born in Kochi, a city in Kerala in the south of India. It is my favorite place to visit as it always stirs a strange collection of emotions and long-forgotten memories. In retrospect, many of my projects have been either dedicated to or inspired by my love for the city. I find myself rejuvenated and thoroughly inspired after a visit—because clearly, nothing says "creative spark" like a bit of nostalgia.
A brief walk through the neighborhoods of Manhattan also instills a sense of wonder. Something about the joyous, ridiculous art culture and the eclectic communities of people brings out a whimsical energy within me. I have only been there a handful of times to visit a friend, but it has left a lasting impression on me.
Lastly, Bandra, a vibrant neighborhood located in the western part of Mumbai, India, is one of my favorite places to be. Although the traffic can be frustrating, it has an unusual blend of colonial-era architecture and modern street art—a haven for inspiration!
Tell us about your tools / what tech, programs, equipment and environment do you do your best work in?
For the past few years I have been busy learning Photoshop, Illustrator, After effects and Procreate. Most of my projects incorporate these tools. I usually start my day with a strong cup of ginger tea and my Illustrator artboard. I like to note down or even sketch out few of the tasks I’d like to do in the day. These sometimes result in a wonderful artwork but only at the cost of the task at hand.
My favourite routine place to be is at my desk in my hall. The warm sunlight and the nice carpeted floor make for a stimulating work environment. I also, annoyingly at times, like to munch on things while I’m working. The kitchen being in close proximity really helps. My college studio space and the MICA garden are also a few of the places I get my best work out of.
Which 3 creatives do you look up to and why?
Aniruddh Mehta is a graphic designer and visual artist from Mumbai, India. I had the wonderful opportunity to work for him in his multidisciplinary studio, 'Studio Bigfat', right after my undergrad. I credit the beginnings of my design journey to him and the studio, which shaped the foundation of my understanding of design and its role in society. Under his mentorship, I also learned how to balance a personal artistic vision with commercial projects. Truly, the experience was equivalent to a master's degree in design.
Shagnik Chakraborty is a visual artist from Pune, India and is a good friend from my undergrad days in design. He has a very delicate but confident illustration style that has won him numerous accolades. Watching him grow and get better and better in this journey has been nothing more than captivating and inspiring. Since we share a lot of interests, it’s always fun riffing off inspiration and working on projects together– which most of the times don’t really go anywhere.
Kel Lauren is a distinguished graphic designer and artist (also one of the amazing judges at TDK). There is such a terrific sense of freedom and liberation in their work, which I am in absolute awe of. I’ve always wanted to run my own design practice and be confident in my creative decisions. Kel does exactly that and excels at it. In a world abundant of lifeless AI-generated products, Kel stands resilient with their distinct analog techniques. Nothing is more inspiring than that.
What are your biggest hopes and dreams for 2025, both for the world and your career?
My biggest hope for the world is for it to simply be a more welcoming space. Not just in graphic design spaces, but in general, there seems to be a dwindling sense of empathy among people. Everyone is dealing with their own personal battles. Please be kind if you can.
As for graphic design specifically, I hope for myself and the world to continue innovating and building—maybe less with AI and more with our hands.
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