Soumya Gupta’s journey into design began with a revelation: that graphic design could be more than a dream—it could be a profession. Leaving behind a conventional path in science and software, she embraced design with the curiosity of a lifelong learner and the spirit of a cultural storyteller. Now based in New York, Soumya blends Indian heritage with systems thinking, championing intentional design that is as thoughtful as it is joyful.
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?
Back in 2012 when I discovered that there were colleges in India that teach graphic design, and it felt like a whole new world had opened up to me. I found idea of formally studying (and eventually practising) design absolutely thrilling! Until that point, my only real career option had been software engineering—following the well-worn trail of science and math that I was pursuing in high school. Good design education in India was sparse and the field was not as popular as it is now. Just finding out that this was an actual career that I could follow changed everything for me.
Getting into a design school was the first real step into a world where I felt like I truly belonged. I was surrounded by peers who thought visually. People who cared about film, animation, the design of products, graphics, fashion, and more. People who believed in the beauty of things. That was inspiring.
From there, I took every chance I could to learn and grow—internships, freelance gigs, pro-bono work, and an exchange program with the Toronto Metropolitan University in 2018 that exposed me to a very different, multicultural perspective on design. I began understanding how design can shape thinking, conversations, and communities, and that curiosity still drives me.
What lessons from your career have most shaped your style and approach?
One of the biggest lessons is to have a bias for action. This mindset has helped me move quickly, test ideas, and stay creatively energized. So many great things in my career have come from just taking that first step. As Claire Butler said in her article ‘10 Things I learned from 10 years at Figma’, “When you’re stuck, commit to action. Strategy will follow."
The other big one is to be a lifelong learner. Even though I’ve studied design both at the undergrad and graduate levels, I love to keep adding to my 'curiosity toolkit'. Software will change and evolve, but what really sustains you is a genuine curiosity to learn new material, a passion to understand people, cultures, stories, patterns, and of course tools. That curiosity has shaped not just my style, but the way I approach problem-solving, collaboration, and community-building through design. So, never stop being a learner!
Tell us about the core values or philosophies that guide your creative practice.
What needs to change, so emerging and under-represented creative professionals have more opportunity, are seen and heard?
There is a need to move beyond performative representation and build structures that support and sustain emerging and under-represented creatives. That means accessible mentorship, fair and simplified visa pathways, pay transparency, and more leaders who reflect the diversity organizations claim to value.
Mentorship, especially, can be transformative. I’ve seen that firsthand through my involvement with AIGA NY, where the mentorship program is doing a wonderful job of creating encouraging spaces for early-career designers to grow.
And for those of us who have gotten through the door, it’s on us to hold it open. I’ve guided about 40 students into their dream design schools, and I still remember how it felt to be the one searching for a way in.
How important is it that creative professionals find their unique voice?
So important. Voice is what gives your work soul. I think every creative should be an artist at heart—making things not just to solve problems, but for the pure joy of creating. That joy is often where your voice begins to take shape. But it doesn’t arrive overnight. It emerges slowly, through years of making, reflecting, and noticing the tiny details. What do you keep returning to? What themes or styles feel second nature to you? What makes you say “wow!" and why?
For me, the magic has always been in the details—colour, tone, warmth, playfulness. Following my curiosities has led me to create work I’m genuinely proud of. And while my voice is ever evolving, I’ve learned that showing up consistently and honestly matters more than trying to be unique on demand. Keep creating. Your voice will meet you there.
Looking ahead, what do you think are the key factors that will influence change for creative professionals?
One of the biggest shifts is already here: AI. The tools are faster, smarter, and more accessible than ever, and that means anyone can create almost anything. But what will truly set creatives apart is the voice you bring to it, like I mentioned in my previous answer. Your perspective, taste, story, sense of humour, weirdness—that's the real value.
We're entering a time where there are no real limitations to what can be made. So don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait to be chosen. Create the thing. The future will belong to creatives who lead with authenticity, stay open to learning new tools, and share the joy of making. More than chasing perfection, it’s about being authentic. The most exciting work often comes when you aren't afraid to experiment, share their process, and bring others along for the ride. As technology evolves, it’s your perspective and your willingness to keep playing, exploring, and learning that will truly set creative professionals apart.
How much does your city influence your work?
How much does your culture influence your work?
Constantly. Indian languages, art, fashion, architecture and it's rich heritage has always had a profound influence on me. I find myself often referencing these elements in my work, whether it’s through color palettes that evoke the warmth of the people's hearts or typography inspired by the fluidity and geometry of traditional Indian scripts.
Indian history is incredibly rich and layered, and I feel a sense of responsibility to bring awareness to it. I try to honour my roots and ensure they are part of the stories I tell.
Tell us some of your favourite, creative professionals and inspiring places in your city!
I’m glad you asked! I’m so lucky to be in New York City, which is also home to some of the most inspiring creative professionals in the world. I was starstruck when I recently ran into hand-lettering queen Lauren Hom at an event because everything I know about hand-lettering, I have learnt from her online courses! Lately, I’ve also been enjoying the design writing of Carly Ayres and Elizabeth Goodspeed; their perspectives and insights into creative work are always refreshing to read.
New York itself is an endless source of inspiration. I love discovering places like the Locavore Variety Store, which is a treasure trove of independently-owned local brands. Of course, the MET and Museum of Modern Art never fail to inspire with their exhibitions. The MoMA Design Store is also a favourite of mine, I always find the coolest gifts for my friends there. Having said that, most of my inspiration comes from my routinely strolls in parks and exploring different neighborhoods.
What should emerging creative professionals keep in mind as they begin their design career?
Develop your taste and keep expanding your horizons. Don’t limit yourself to screens, get out into the world and observe. Let everything around you inspire you—architecture, interiors, music, dance, even that quirky piece of furniture or the funny-looking lamp you saw somewhere. Explore different mediums, try drawing, illustrating, or working with physical materials—you’ll likely feel like a beginner at first, but the process will help you discover what you truly enjoy and where your strengths lie.
Most importantly, create for yourself. The more you explore and create from your own perspective, the more you’ll figure out how to create for others. I see so many designers immediately turning to Pinterest for inspiration, which is great source, but it’s just one part of the creative journey. Try to do more than that. Experience the world around you and let the unexpected details spark something new. The work you produce will be all the more rich and authentic.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
One thing I’d like to emphasize is to be patient with yourself. As Ira Glass beautifully said, "Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there's a gap. For the first couple of years you make stuff, it's just not that good. It's trying to be good, but it's not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past that phase, they quit."
It’s totally normal to feel that gap between your taste and your skills when you’re starting out. The key is to keep pushing through that phase, be patient, and understand that with time your skills will catch up to your vision. Your creative voice will evolve and mature as you continue to refine your craft.