Shweta is an Indian designer whose creative journey began during the stillness of COVID lockdowns, when daily drawing shifted from distraction to direction. What started in 12th grade as curiosity quickly became commitment. Today, her work blends experimentation, cultural storytelling, and a belief in continuous self-education. In this interview, Shweta reflects on learning beyond the classroom, embracing Indian maximalism after initially chasing Swiss minimalism, and building a design practice shaped by curiosity, technology, and cultural pride.
Can you tell us a little about your first few steps in your career. Was there a moment or experience when you realised this was what you'd do as a career?
During COVID, I was in 12th grade, attending online classes and open houses of design institutes. I started unpacking the things I loved and began drawing again. Once I started creating everyday, there was no going back.
What lessons from your career have most shaped your style and approach?
When I started my journey in design college, the focus was heavily on software. I believed that once I learned the tools, I could do anything. But I soon realised that software is only half of it and thinking like a designer is what truly shapes the work. That mindset was something college didn’t teach me, so I turned to YouTube channels like Chris Do, Satori Graphics, and Gareth David Studio to build it.
To further shape my approach, I started taking Domestika courses in illustration, 3D, experimental design, and social media marketing, so basically everything I wished was part of my curriculum. These courses were taught by people I admire and were easy to follow, and with each one I felt myself improving. That progress kept me going, and I made it a habit to take one course every 2–3 months.
Tell us about the core values or philosophies that guide your creative practice.
My core philosophy is to stay curious and keep evolving. I don’t want my projects to feel repetitive. If my next work looks exactly like the last, then I feel I haven’t pushed myself enough. Every project is an opportunity for a new style, challenge, or experiment, especially since I still see myself as a beginner.
Another value I strongly believe in is prioritising good work and letting the money follow. People are always willing to pay for quality. So I focus on polishing my craft and creating work I’m genuinely proud of.
What needs to change, so emerging and under-represented creative professionals have more opportunity, are seen and heard?
In recent years, more platforms have emerged for young creatives to showcase their work, but visibility still feels limited, as only top portfolios tend to get highlighted. Recently, I attended portfolio reviews organised by The One Club and Storm Communication in Delhi, and it was incredibly insightful with meeting creative directors, receiving real-time feedback, and understanding what works and what doesn’t. It boosted confidence, not just for me, but for many others as well. More events like this would make a huge difference.
Another gap I see is access to international exposure. Many designers want to think beyond borders, but opportunities are often tied to expensive institutes, winning competitions, or paid bootcamps, things not everyone can afford. In a global age, we need more accessible platforms where creatives from different countries can collaborate, exchange ideas, and share their work. Even small cross-country creative exchanges could open doors for underrepresented talent.
How important is it that creative professionals find their unique voice?
Looking ahead, what do you think are the key factors that will influence change for creative professionals?
AI will be a major factor not in the “AI will replace designers” narrative, but in how designers will thrive by using it as a creative companion. It can speed up execution, support ideation, and allow creatives to focus more on what they like to do.
A strong social media presence will also play a key role in showcasing work, building community, and unlocking unexpected opportunities.
I’m also excited about how AR and VR will evolve. As experiential and interactive design becomes more accessible, there will be a growing demand for designers who can blend art with technology. I was a science student in school, so combining art and science feels natural and exciting to me 🙂
How much does your city influence your work?
How much does your culture influence your work?
When I first got into design, I thought everything had to look Swiss and minimal. But once I realised Swiss design is just one style and not the standard, I started giving more attention to my own culture. Since then, my work has only grown. I’m Indian, and I love the maximalism, vibrancy, and storytelling in our art.
In my recent project for Phalam, a premium fruit gifting brand, I drew inspiration from how royal fruits entered India through the Silk Route. I illustrated this narrative in a modern Indian visual language to bring the story alive.
I’m also working on a passion project called The Laddu Nation, where I’m creating a postal stamp for each Indian state, inspired by their folk art styles and the ingredients used to make laddoos there. Even after many projects, it feels like there’s still an endless amount of Indian culture left to explore, reinterpret, and celebrate.