Shreya Mujumdar : In Conversation With An Illustrator / Graphic Designer

Shreya Mujumdar is a communication designer navigating her way through different disciplines, focusing on illustration at the moment. Professionally delving in visual merchandising, she finds joy in watching animated movies and learning about different cultures.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
I have always been interested in art and design from a young age and knew I wanted to do something in the creative fields for sure. Graphic design serves as an outlet to my ideas and helps give a visual identity to my thoughts. In some ways, my work is an extension of my personality.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I am currently a final year student at the National Institute of Fashion Technology pursuing B.Des in fashion communication.

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
My approach towards design depends a lot on the brief/requirements of the task at hand. As a designer, it is important to first consider the purpose of design. Once that has been established, I try ways in which I can incorporate my sense of style into the work. There is a certain aesthetic that I lean towards, either clean & simple or an illustrative approach. As I began working on different projects, my style kept developing on its own. Its been 3 and a half years of academically pursuing design which has brought my design where it is today.

Your design has a lot of illustration. How did you focus so much on graphic illustrations? When did you realise you loved doing it and wanted more of it?
It is only recently that I started working on illustrations as a part of my portfolio. My love for animated movies and illustrated children’s books has propelled me into doing more of it. Positive feedback from friends in design and the satisfaction I got in the process were factors that encouraged me. I recently took up online courses focused on the discipline and absolutely loved it!

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
My elder brother was always interested in graphic design and was the one who helped develop my sense of design early on. His interest in typography rubbed off on me pretty well. My mother is pretty artistic too so she pushed me for going after my passion.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in graphic design?
Since illustration is my primary focus nowadays, there are several illustrators whose work I adore. I love Gemma Roman’s work; she is a Mexican illustrator with a distinct style and her illustrations are full of personality. Closer to home there’s Sandhya and Chaaya Prabhat who are brilliant with their use of vibrant use of colour and rooted Indian aesthetic.

When and how did you start freelancing?
I did freelancing a few times whilst juggling college assignments in college, mostly related to social media marketing and graphic design. It helped me grow as a creative and get industry experience. The way I got projects was either through me looking for internships or being contacted through my Behance profile.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit graphic design?
As fun as design is, it can get difficult at times. Sometimes in a professional corporate environment, one might have to make creative compromises that can be upsetting. Or when starting out, you might not be abe to do exactly what you imagined but its all about learning and getting where you want slowly.

Are many advertising agencies hiring graphic designers? Do you work more with agencies or publishers or direct clients?
Advertising agencies are always on the lookout for fresh talent and creative individuals. One can start by interning for an agency and explore the possibilities of their future in it. I have worked with both direct clients and agencies in the past as an intern.

Do you have clients who give you steady work or do you advertise for new clients often?
Since I’m currently a student, I find it easier to work on short-term projects with different clients that offer experience while helping my time management.

How do you market yourself?
I keep updating my Behance profile to showcase my work which brings exposure and can potentially bring in clients.

Any other Indian graphic designers who you admire?
Mehek Malhotra does some awesome work under her banner- Giggling Monkey studio, Vidhi Khandelwal, Sumouli; all of their work is extremely personality-driven and unique in its own right.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on graphic design as a career option?
To any aspiring individuals, my advice would be to look at graphic design or design in general as a serious profession before deciding anything. Design takes time, discipline and self-motivated efforts to progress. If you are willing to invest the aforementioned it is a wonderful community to be a part of!

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?
A lot of clients do value the importance of the right compensation due to so much conversation surrounding the topic. But at the same time, a large section still fails to look at designers offering/expertise as a valuable commodity. Good design can do wonders for a brand, right from increasing engagement to customer experience to recall value. The brands/clients are starting to realise this and hence communicate with designers more when it comes to projects.

Mac or PC?
PC.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Probably, Emma Watson; she seems like an amazing listener and is also quite eloquent. The fact that I am a Potterhead also helps 🙂

What’s on your iPod/Spotify?
I am currently listening to Rihanna, LANY and Coldplay.

Whats your Twitter Handle? Instagram?
I am off of social media but my Behance profile is here…

Shreya Mujumdar Illustration
Shreya Mujumdar Illustration
Shreya Mujumdar Illustration
Shreya Mujumdar Illustration
Shreya Mujumdar Illustration

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.