Visual Artist | Wanderer | Womanimal


Aditi Dash completed her design studies & graduated from Srishti School of Art, Design & Technology, Bangalore. She is happiest in the vicinity of mountains, forests & oceans wandering about & exploring new spaces and things. This helps her evolve as an artist. In the past she has worked on a diverse range of projects that include, branding, Publication Design, illustration. She is currently exploring her range as an illustrator & enjoys experimenting with geometric shapes that merge seamlessly into fluid illustrations. She likes finding a balance between the rigid and the flexible.

Why are you a Graphic Designer? Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Although I was always inclined towards the creative aspect of things, I’d say my decision to study art & design was a spontaneous one. When I was younger, my parents encouraged me to draw & paint a lot. Growing older, other activities & interests started overshadowing my love for art a bit, but my creative curiosity never died. 
Only after talking to a few friends who were applying to art school, did I realise that studying art & design was an option available for me. I was out of touch with my skills, but decided to go ahead & apply anyway. I’m glad I made this decision, because studying in Srishti School of Art, Design & Technology not only helped me grow as a visual artist, but also shaped me into a responsible & socially aware person. I learnt that design is not just a visual aid, but is in fact a powerful tool that can help bring about change.
I graduated with a diploma in visual communication.

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Design should be functional while having visual appeal. This is the reason my design sensibilities seem organised. The information at hand, should be easy to grasp & understand, otherwise one loses interest. Being desi, I’m fond of vibrant colours, so I try to incorporate that into my designs as much as I can. I don’t think I could say that I have conformed to a certain “style” as yet. As a creative person, I like to keep myself open to trying out new things. I don’t believe in finding my comfort zone & working only within its boundaries. My ideal as a designer is to be able to continually challenge my abilities & traverse through the vast possibilities this field of expression has, to offer.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
“Courage, the cowardly dog” was my role model as a kid. 
On a more serious note, I can’t say there has been one single person that influenced me completely as a role model, because I was learning different things from most people around me. I’ve mostly aspired to take on the good qualities that I admire in people around me rather than following a particular person as a role model.

When did you start freelancing?
After completing my studies in Bangalore, I moved base to Bombay. I started off working full time jobs but soon realised that it was not a structure I was compatible with. A lot of the time, when there probably wasn’t much work load / exciting projects, I’d always think of how I could have been so much more productive with my time instead of sitting in my workspace because I have to. That’s when I made the decision to start working independently as a freelancer. People may assume that freelancers are probably lazy and don’t want to do jobs, but that is not the case. On the contrary, I’ve been so much more productive as a freelancer than when I was working at a design studio. Of course, not everyone can be comfortable with freelancing as it requires a lot of self discipline. Which is why one must understand the environment they are most creative and productive in, and then choose to go ahead on that path.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit graphic design?
When I say I like to experiment and explore new possibilities, I don’t just mean that in terms of art & design. That is the philosophy I embody in life as well. I find it important to constantly discover new / unexplored interests apart from design. Quitting something I love and enjoy doing (design) may not happen, but it doesn’t mean that it’s the only thing I want to pursue in life.

Are many advertising agencies hiring graphic designers? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
The field of design in India has progressed a great deal in recent years and more people realize the value of good design. Advertising agencies are well aware of this and are constantly on the lookout for fresh talent. Personally, I’ve come to realise my area of interest in the worksphere lies away from the advertising world in general, which is why I tend to take on projects that fit my design sensibilities more. I’ve worked with agencies as well as individual clients directly.

Do you have clients who give you steady work or do you advertise for new clients often?
Once you start working and do it well, a professional network automatically starts building up. When clients are happy with the collaboration, they usually tend to come back for more projects. They also go ahead and refer you for other projects that they might be aware of. Being a thorough professional and giving every project the best I can, has helped my clients build confidence and trust in my work. I’d say there’s a good mix of steady work as well as new opportunities that make their way in.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in graphic design? Any other Indian graphic designers who you admire?
I was really fortunate to have been surrounded by so many talented young people throughout my time in art school. My peers, I’d say have helped most in my personal growth as a visual artist, and we admire each other’s work. A lot of design studios in India are doing fresh and innovative design work which is always inspiring.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on graphic design as a career option?
Sometimes it’s a bit unnerving to put ourselves out there completely and trying out new things. I find that approaching challenges with confidence is half the battle won. Even if you do fail, there’s nothing to lose. Instead you come out of it with added knowledge & experience.
We have access to information today like never before; so don’t be afraid of inspiration. Ideas sometimes emerge from the places you’d least expect so it’s important to always keep your mind open to let the creative juices work their way through.
Graphic design is getting recognition in the workspace and I’d definitely advise young designers to follow their interests. The only thing to remember is that it helps to stay away from the clutter.
Do you think Clients are opening up to keeping aside a decent respectable budget for design work? Do you think clients are understanding that they need to invest in Design as a communication tool and also to cut the clutter, and that good design comes at a price?
In my experience so far, I’ve had a fair share of “clients from hell” as well as very understanding and great clients. As I stated earlier, more people are slowly but surely realising the value of good design which is bringing about some noticeable changes in the budget structure. Clients realise that good design is good business. But there’s still some work to be done here, as I also receive e-mails asking me to work within budgets that are impossible. I believe that some people still haven’t understood how much effort is put into good design. They are not just hiring people with good software skills, rather they are hiring creative minds that can approach a problem and find a unique solution for it.

Mac or PC?
Mac.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Tim Burton.

What’s on your iPod?
Everything apart from House, Techno and the likes.
I love experiencing music from different cultures.
Currently listening to some beautiful Greek music: Imam Baildi (Samba Clarina)

Whats your Twitter Handle?

@Aditidash