51±¬ÁϹÙÍø

How/why did you choose your major?

I had been exploring what I wanted to do at 51±¬ÁϹÙÍø by taking a lot of intro courses. But when I did Graphic Design 1, I knew that I wanted to be a Graphic Designer, and every class I take proves to me even more why I want to be one.

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

The work I submitted is a 4-layer risograph with images and type, where I explored gradients, colours, images, and type. I had to figure out how to have 2 colour gradients, where each colour was a separate layer. The pictures were clicked at the state fair and we were asked to find 2 words that we felt spoke about our trip. My words were Feet + Places. I began to see the concept of our feet and where they take us. Where they lead us. Food, toys, games, etc.

Why did you decide to come to 51±¬ÁϹÙÍø?

When I took the tour for 51±¬ÁϹÙÍø I just knew that I had to join 51±¬ÁϹÙÍø, not only because of the spaces but also scholarships and opportunities that 51±¬ÁϹÙÍø provides to its students. Even seeing the work on the walls. And as a POC I've made a lot of friends who I can relate to not only emotionally but artistically!

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

I'm excited for senior year because I heard you can learn how to make your own FONT!?! But also sad because I've made a lot of friends, and I'm part of a really good Graphic Design community that supports each other and helps each other creatively. Beyond 51±¬ÁϹÙÍø, I plan to study UX/UI Design and Sound Production. I will also work at a design house, eventually working my way up to Art and Creative Director. I desire to work for NIKE and Urban Outfitters but also to build my brand to eventually sell Books, Clothing, Home Improvement furniture, Stationery, Posters, etc. If I could, some day I would like to collaborate with NASA to create merchandise.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

THE FREE SHELF! But also the friends I've made in school life across different majors and the Graphic Design community I have found INCLUDING the faculty!

What inspires you?

My mother inspires me to keep going and to not give up. She always supports me and pushes me when I can't. She inspires me to be a better version of myself not just for me but for others. She's an artist. She has Guts.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

A favourite piece I've made was called Displaced. I hand-wove a mat. It was made out of ribbon I found on the free shelf, tape, fabric I've collected over the years, metal wire, needle and thread. The central idea of my installation played with the feeling of being displaced. I feel like I’m now, part of many cultures. The Indian culture, because that’s where I’m from. The American culture, because that’s where I am. I’m not able to fully integrate into being part of the American culture, but when I go back, I am not Indian enough to be a part of their culture. I am stuck with my feet in two cultures. Which is okay. But hard to be accepted for the kind of person I am. I remember sitting on mats that were made with plastic ropes. And how it would hurt my bare skin but was also sturdy enough to hold me up. And sometimes grass and flowers would push through the braids of the mat and touch my skin. The mat is fraying, but so am I. I am the mat. Even though it hurts, I am strong enough to hold myself up and still grow into everything I was made to be. The flowers coming through the holes of the mat represented how I’m still growing into something beautiful.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

I'm OBSESSED with typography and buying books on typography at the moment. Also a TV series called The Bear on Hulu. OBSESSED.

What's the best thing you've found on the Free Shelf?

A set of shelves that have baskets as draws from Ikea, a 55 inch roll of yellow paper, spray paints from the MIA, rolls of ribbon, alcohol markers, etc.! The free shelf is like a little thrift store for art materials, but free!