Interviews

Vipul Arora : In Conversation With An Advertising Creative

Vipul Arora is a creative professional with over 10 years of experience in advertising, digital marketing, and conceptual photography. He has worked across both B2B and B2C sectors, and currently. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to lead and execute digital campaigns, print media projects, and brand strategies for clients like HIcare, Agronic Foods, Torus Skillforce, Mednet Labs, and more. Vipul also founded his own creative agency, Post Office Media, where he explores storytelling through podcasts, YouTube shows, and branded content. He is passionate about creating ideas that are not only visually strong but strategically sound—and is always looking for opportunities to bring fresh thinking to the table.

Why are you into Advertising?
I’m into advertising because it’s where my art gets to flex its muscles and make a real splash. I love mixing creativity with a purpose—like crafting posters that tackle social issues, such as mental health, and seeing them spark conversations. It’s not just about selling stuff; it’s about telling stories that stick with people, and advertising gives me that playground.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
I went to Kurukshetra University for Fine Arts—Applied Arts, to be exact. Got my Bachelor’s and Master’s there, wrapping up the latter in 2021. It was all about art and design for me. That’s where I honed my skills, from sketching to designing, which I now pour into my work.

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Priya Gupta : Designer And Illustrator

Priya Gupta is a New York-based designer and illustrator with over a decade of experience in the fashion and accessory industry. Originally from India, she draws on her strong foundation in accessory design and her expertise in illustration to shape a distinctive creative voice. With a Master’s in Illustration from FIT, NY, Priya is channeling her combined skills to build her own brand rooted in storytelling, surface pattern design, and children’s books. Her work blends cultural richness, detailed craftsmanship, and narrative depth—resulting in illustrations that are both timeless and contemporary.

Why are you a Designer & Illustrator?

Design has always been at the heart of my journey. With over a decade of experience in accessory design, I’ve spent years creating fashion products that are both functional and beautiful. But illustration has always been my true calling—an avenue where I can tell stories, express emotions, and bring characters to life in a way that product design couldn’t. What excites me most is the ability to merge design and illustration to create products that tell stories—bringing visual narratives to life in a tangible, physical form.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?

Yes, I have a formal design education. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Leather and Accessory Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi in 2013 and MFA in Illustration from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York.

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Sunayana Dey : Illustration

Sunayana Dey is a Pune, India-based illustrator of children’s books. She has devoted her professional life to delivering captivating and colourful images to the world of children’s reading because she has a strong passion for art and narrative. Most of the time, her characters are reflections of the world around her. Young readers’ imaginations are piqued by the vivid style and colours of her illustrations. She takes inspiration from Indian mythology, folklore, culture, and the natural world to add a distinct charm and depth of cultural complexity to her work.

Why are you an Illustrator?
Since childhood I always had a knack for arts and craft in school. Once I completed my high school, my family was supportive enough to let me choose my passion as my career and I graduated from an art school with flying colours. I guess I was born to be an illustrator because I know nothing more but to Illustrate.

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Muhammed Sajid : In Conversation With An Illustrator

Based in Bangalore, Indian illustrator Muhammed Sajid creates imagery rich in feeling, yet dreamlike and surreal – as vibrant as unusual. His psychedelic color palettes always catch the eye, while fascinating themes engage the mind by drawing on both the modern and traditional in unique ways. People, colour, culture, and nature all play important roles in Muhammed’s work. One of his goals setting out as an artist was to depict the lives and way of life in his home village in Kerala. However, rather than folk art or traditional landscapes, his imagery is reminiscent of a high-end graphic novel, where the characters grapple with everything from ancient, mystical beliefs to the latest technology. Muhammed’s clients include global brands, who praise his ideas, creativity, and execution. He’s an artist who always brings something different to a project – something only otherwise seen in dreams or visions.

Why are you a designer- Illustrator?
I started drawing when I was in 3rd std. After completing 12th I just realized biology science doesn’t work for me, so accidentally I applied for a Bachelor of Fine Arts. I realized I got the right path and started enjoying what I was doing. I love showcasing my art and love the way my audience approaches me. That thrives me to do more.

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Tanya Mehtani : Graphic Design and llustration

Tanya Mehtani is a passionate graphic designer and illustrator known for her innovative approach and versatility. With a background in graphic design, she excels in crafting captivating visual experiences, from sleek UI/UX designs to intricate illustrations. Tanya thrives on collaboration and enjoys exploring new creative possibilities. Outside of work, she loves sharing memes, playing games and reading comics.

“Hello, I’m Tanya Mehtani — a passionate graphic designer and illustrator. My creative journey is fueled by my love for pushing boundaries and experimenting with innovative design techniques. I love experimenting with creative designs, whether it’s sleek UI/UX or captivating illustrations.

Beyond pixels and vectors, I find joy in sharing memes with friends, diving into games with my husband, and cherishing quality time with our adorable dog. Collaboration excites me, and I’m always up for a challenge. 🎨✨”

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
From an early age, I was captivated by art. Whether it was sketching, painting, or simply doodling, I found joy in expressing myself visually. But it was when I discovered design software that my fascination truly took off. I started with humble programs like MS Paint, where I’d create pixelated masterpieces (or so I thought!). Then came Photoshop—a powerhouse for image manipulation and graphic design. I dabbled in Macromedia (remember Flash?) and even tried my hand at basic animations using Movie Maker.

Graphic design became my compass. I decided to pursue it formally, honing my skills, learning about color theory, typography, and layout principles. Each project felt like a puzzle waiting to be solved—a chance to communicate visually, evoke emotions, and tell stories. Today, I channel that passion into crafting visual experiences—whether it’s sleek UI/UX designs, captivating logos, or intricate illustrations.

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Shruti Kulkarni : Illustration

Shruti is originally from Nashik, a place known for its delicious wines and spiritual travels. Tucked away in the lap of nature, Shruti’s birthplace has given her a strong respect for the natural world. She is a voracious reader and movie watcher who is passionate about tales and her artistic endeavors.

Shruti is an incessant wanderer who discovers beauty in the well-known areas of her city. Equipped with a sketchbook, she seizes momentous occasions, converting them into enduring recollections via her artistic expression. She enjoys being creative all the time and detests being inactive.
She started her artistic career with conventional mediums like paints and pencils on paper. She would decorate and make colorful rangolis for festivals, bringing her artistic flair to the festivities.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Shruti cherishes the company of friends. Whether it’s cooking a meal together or letting loose on the dance floor, she finds joy in shared experiences.

Why are you an Illustrator?
It was the enchantment I discovered in comics like Champak and Chandoba that inspired me to become an illustrator. Those fascinating drawings kindled a burning curiosity within me. Then, my mind took off, propelled by my father’s stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. I started converting such epic tales into my own visual language in order to record the close relationship I developed with the storytelling and illustration industries. I’m inspired by more than just stories, though; everything around me is vibrant! Because I’m an astute observer, the colour of my environment permeates my work, resulting in a singular reflection of my experiences.

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In Conversation with Shwetha Raja, Graphic Designer

Hi, I am Shwetha, I am a Graphic Designer, avid reader and an anime lover. I have been working as a Graphic Designer for about 5 years now, saying it out loud just makes me realize that time has really gone by since I started working in this field. 



Why are you a Graphic Designer?

So this question is a first for me! I have been into art and design practically all my life, but I happened to fall into Graphic Design by accident. It’s not a general notion in Indian Households to encourage professions in the arts, so I stumbled into Graphic design in college, and I have been in love ever since.



Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I pursued by Bachelors in Visual Communication at MOP Vaishnav College for Women, in Chennai. It was this course that introduced me to the world of Graphic Design and I was hooked ever since. I am currently looking to pursue my Masters in Design from La Salle University, Singapore

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You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop
your style?

I probably started figuring out my design style during my Internship at Smudge Design Studio. I had joined there as an intern after my first year and they introduced me to the basics of design, design language and style. My style of Design includes a lot of colour, and is heavily influenced by Indian art and Indian art forms. A lot of my designs include Indian elements in a modern and contemporary art form. It took me around 2-3 years to develop my style, and I would still say it’s in the nascent stages, and there is much room for growth. Design styles are every evolving as the trends change, but my roots would always be in Indian art styles.

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Deepti Sunder, Illustrations

I’m an artist and illustrator who works across multiple mediums, both 2D and 3D. I would describe my work as colourful, whimsical and highly imaginative with a strong focus on storytelling. I draw and paint to tell stories, and enjoy transporting viewers of my art into a world of whimsy and playfulness. I also have a deep love for tactile art and objects, and the other side of my creative work lives in this realm – creating murals, sculptures and crafty objects. 

Deepti Sunder is an award-winning illustrator, muralist, sculptor and educator based in New York City, originally from Bombay, India. She works across both digital and traditional media. Whether crafting giant animals and plants out of papier-mâché, making whimsical clay sculptures or creating illustrations to bring a story to life, Deepti finds great happiness in using her hands to create. She has received the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the children’s book Bonkers!, and appeared on Viceland’s The Untitled Action Bronson Show as a featured artist. As she continues to share her art with audiences across the world, she hopes to help viewers connect with the childlike wonder and enchantment within themselves. 

Why are you an illustrator?
As a child, I spent most of my time making art or reading. Illustration is kind of my way of combining both those passions, since the core of all of my artistic work is driven by storytelling.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I did my undergraduate studies in architecture (from Manipal School of Architecture & Planning), but then veered away from it. I set off on a bit of an exploratory phase after graduation, and sort of stumbled into illustration. It felt like something I would enjoy doing and be good at. Since then, I have gotten my MFA in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where I am currently based.

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Aanchal Lodhi : In Conversation With An Illustrator

Aanchal Lodhi is an independent illustrator and surface pattern designer from Delhi, India. Her work consists of bright, whimsical, and oh-so-cute illustrations! In the last two years, she has illustrated over 5 children books and worked with a wide array of clients. Apart from client work she works on a number of passion projects allowing her to explore and experiment beyond her comfort zone.

Outside of work, Aanchal finds joy in exploring new art or craft forms and loves a cozy night in.

Why are you an Illustrator?
As someone who was NEVER good at drawing, I find it quite amusing that I ended up here! My journey into illustration began after graduation when I discovered surface pattern designs by Bonnie Christine. This led me to fall in love with the boundless possibilities,and made me slowly transitioned to creating illustrations.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I have completed my formal education in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College, DU. Along with that, I pursued a certificate course named “Design Innovation in Fashion and Textiles” from NIFT, Delhi.

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