Paru is a freelance designer and illustrator who lives and works between Goa and Bangalore. If she had it her way she would be sitting in a forest in Central America with her favourite animal, Totoro (aka her pet dog) and rehabilitating wildlife all while saving the world with good design.
Why are you a Graphic Designer?
I actually decided to go to art school with the eventual plan of pursuing product design. When I got to my second year of foundation however, I did a typography and illustration course. I was obsessed, and have never looked back since.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, Srishti School of Art and Design.
You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I don’t think I have a distinct style. I like exploring different style and mediums.
I do a lot of book covers- and this allows me to experiment with styles a lot.
How did you focus so much on graphic illustrations? When did you realize you loved doing it and wanted more of it?
I realized I loved it in my second year at art school. While I do a lot of corporate work, I make sure I try and do at least one illustration project every month or two.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
When I was two, my parents chose to send me to a school that was run by an artist- Anitha Loganathan. She has been and still remains a huge role model.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in graphic design?
I don’t think there is one person I can is the ‘most’ influential. Over the years there have been a few.
When did you start freelancing?
I started freelancing in my last year of college to save up for a trip to Sikkim after I graduated.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit graphic design?
Not entirely. But sometimes after finishing a long corporate project- I need a break.
Are many advertising agencies hiring graphic designers? Do you work more with agencies or publishers or direct clients?
Yes, I think they are. I work with a couple of agencies based out of Bangalore and Bombay. I also work with publishers like Harper Collins, Amazon Westland, and Cntxt. However, I think a large part of the work I do is with direct clients.
Do you have clients who give you steady work or do you advertise for new clients often?
I have been working with some of these places for the past 5+ years. But I constantly advertise for new clients. I enjoy working on new projects across different platforms.
How do you market yourself?
Mostly online- through my Behance page www.behance.net/paru
Any other Indian graphic designers who you admire?
Again, the list is long. But to name a few Jasjyoth Singh Hans, Sameer Kulavoor, Amruta Patil, Orijit Sen, Mira Malhotra, Lokesh Karikar…
What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on graphic design as a career option?
Yes. If it’s something you are passionate about- then it’s a great field to work in.
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?
I think some of them are beginning to. But there still needs to be a bigger push in the industry for people to understand that investing in good graphic design will only do good for your brand.
Mac or PC?
Mac
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Yayoi Kusama and Banksy
What’s on your iPod?
I don’t own an iPod. But right now Billie Eilish is playing on my Spotify.
What’s your Twitter Handle?
I’m not on twitter.





