Why are you a Graphic Designer?
I believe that communication is one of the most fundamental traits of being human. Unfortunately we as human being just do not communicate well with each other. We unnecessarily make things so complicated, by assuming and misinterpreting each other; there-by completely negating the basics of communication. Communication needs to be simple and concise.
The reason why I am a designer today is to help my clients communicate better with their target audience. Graphic Design is one of the most power forms of communication.
But I try not to identify myself only as a graphic designer, I think one of the most important things we learn early in our design education is that… designers are creative problem solvers, so no matter what kind of design problem the principals are the same… you have to just apply the design thinking and process on different substrates or contexts or problems.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Both, I was fed-up with the educational system in India after my 12th standard, so I decide to initially pursue my under-graduation from Indira Gandhi Open University, (IGNOU). At that point in my life (2001-ish) I was involved with a group of young people we called ourselves Nation 1. We were trying to create an online nation via the Internet. We were a bunch of 16-18 year old kids who were super idealist and wanted to change the world through Internet and communication technologies. I traveled a lot during this time. And eventually decided that I need to get my act together.
So, I applied to some US colleges during that time, got a partial scholarship into a liberal arts college (Concord University) in West Virginia and decided to move there for my under-graduate degree. I went there thinking I would pursue International Relations… but then I feel in love with the art department and landed up graduating with a double major in Graphic Design, Studio Art (water colour painting) and a minor in Political Science.
Eventually I wanted to continue some form of activism, and I loved art and design so pursued a master’s from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), in Baltimore and graduated with a degree in Community Arts.
You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Not sure if I actually do have a style… I try hard to keep experimenting when I get new projects, and try to break away and improve from what I have learnt and done in the past. I try very hard to create new and different work, it’s a constant challenge.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
As, clichéd as this sounds, my mother was my biggest role model. I grew up seeing her work very hard everyday juggling her professional life and home.
My design professor’s at both my undergrad and master’s level have also played a huge role in shaping me as a good human being.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in graphic design?
I love Rothko, Sargent and Turner’s work. I also love the work of Massimo Vignelli, David Casron, Erik Spiekermenn. Some of the community artist’s that I love are: Amalia Mesa Bains, Lily Yeh, Kara Walker… very powerful work.
When did you start freelancing?
I used to freelance right from my college days, but I gave up “the job” and started my studio in 2011. So approx. 4 years
Was there any time when you wanted to quit graphic design?
No, but there are times when I am super frustrated with how the industry works in India. I wish we had a design union/guild like AIGA.
Are many advertising agencies hiring graphic designers? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
As a rule of thumb, I do not work with Ad agencies. I have had terrible experience working with them. One of the first jobs when I moved back to India was in an Ad agency and that’s left a very bitter taste in me.
I have build my whole client base by word of mouth and good work and networking.
Do you have clients who give you steady work or do you advertise for new clients often?
Luckily touch wood, I have not had to advertise. Most of my clients are through referral’s and yes I have got some steady work. But its taken a lot of hard-work to get there.
Any other Indian graphic designers who you admire?
Super embarrassing to say this… since most of my design education was done in America, I have not really followed any Indian Designer…
What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on graphic design as a career option?
Yes, definitely… as is the case with any profession you have to work hard. I call graphic design or design as a passion profession. Unless you are not passionate about your work you cannot be successful. And as a designer you have to be open to working on different type of design projects. You cannot afford to categorize your self only as a “graphic designer” or product designer…
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?
Honestly, it’s a constant struggle. Its changing very very sowly. But we are not there yet. India has a long long way to go. I think the startup culture is making a huge difference with this regards. Young people are understanding and appreciating the value of design today. But the effort vs. cost vs. money is not in par with the west. A creative profession is still seen as a craft, that mindset needs to change.
Mac or PC?
Mac definitely.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Rothko or perhaps Hugh Grant 😉
What’s on your iPod?
Hahaha, I do not own one… actually let me take that back I do have one of the very very first generation iPod’s, the ones with the rotating dials… I have indefinitely lent it to my grandmother so that she can listen to all the gazals, and all the golden oldies.
What’s your Twitter Handle?
I am not much of a social media person, I do have a handle name but rarely am active or on twitter. 😛 – (mitu2k83)
