My Real Moment:

It was in 9th grade, during art class. We had to redesign a book cover, and I chose an old Hindi poetry book. I spent days on it - mixing Devanagari script with modern typography, using colours from old Mughal miniatures. When my teacher held it up and said, "This tells a story before you even open the book," I felt this crazy excitement. That's when I knew design was my thing.

My Inspiration Circle:

My biggest inspiration is actually my Dadi (grandmother). She does these incredible Rajasthani block prints by hand, and the precision is insane. Online, I love following @indian.design.archive - they showcase traditional crafts in cool ways. Also, the street artists in Shahpur Jat - they make political murals that are both beautiful and powerful.

The Highlight:

Last year, our school had a sustainability fair, and I designed the entire branding - logo, posters, even the cloth bags. The theme was "Old Wisdom, New Solutions." I used earthy reds and traditional patterns but made them look fresh. We sold out of bags in an hour, and the principal asked if we could use the design for next year too.

The Reality:

It's honestly tough. During exam season, I have to put my sketchbook in another room so I'm not tempted. But I've found ways to combine them - like when studying history, I create visual timelines. For physics, I draw diagrams that actually make sense. My parents were skeptical at first, but now they see how it helps me learn better.

My Actual Toolkit:

Okay, real talk - I use what I can afford! Canva (the free version obviously), Figma because it's amazing and free, and good old paper and pens. I've taught myself basic Illustrator through YouTube tutorials, but it's slow going. My uncle gave me his old Wacom tablet, which was a game-changer.

Friend Reactions:

Most think it's cool! I'm the designated "poster person" for school events. But there are misunderstandings too - like my best friend asked if I could "just Photoshop" his picture to look better, and I had to explain that's not really what design is about. Some don't get why I spend hours on something that "looks fine already."

Cultural Influence:

It's everywhere! The way rangoli patterns create symmetry from chaos. How marriage cards use specific colours and fonts. Street vendor carts with hand-painted signs. Temple architecture where every carving tells a story. Even the way my mom arranges spices in the kitchen - it's colour theory in action! India is basically a design education you get just by living here.

Modern Twist:

Put it where we actually look! Like Phulkari embroidery patterns on laptop sleeves. Madhubani art as Spotify playlist covers. Temple bell sounds as phone notification tones. The key is keeping the meaning but changing the context. And please, no more boring museum exhibitions - make it interactive, Instagrammable, something we'd actually want to share.

The Struggle:

Not knowing if you're doing it right. Like, YouTube tutorials show you how to use tools, but not how to think like a designer. Also, feedback is hard to get - my family says everything is "nice" which doesn't help. And when I compare my work to professionals online, I sometimes feel like "why even try?" But then I remember they started somewhere too.

My Solutions:

I go to Dilli Haat or Chandni Chowk - the colours, sounds, and chaos somehow reset my brain. Or I switch to a completely different medium - if I'm stuck digitally, I'll try linocut printing or clay. Sometimes I just take a break and watch a movie - Indian cinema is actually great for design inspiration if you look at the sets and costumes!

Issues That Matter:

Making mental health resources actually appealing to teens - right now they look like hospital brochures. Designing better menstrual product packaging that doesn't look like a state secret. Creating educational materials for rural schools that don't require expensive printing. And definitely something about waste - Delhi's air and landfills break my heart.

College Dreams:

Everything I can't learn from YouTube! How to actually critique and receive critique. Working in a real studio environment. Access to equipment I can't afford. Meeting other weirdos who care about typography and colour theory. And most importantly, guidance from people who've actually done this professionally.

Future Vision:

Hopefully working with a design studio that does meaningful work - maybe in Mumbai or Bangalore. Or maybe I'll start my own small brand combining traditional crafts with modern design. I definitely want to keep learning, maybe do an exchange program somewhere. But wherever I am, I want to be creating things that make people feel something.

My Unique Angle:

I'm living in this crazy intersection of tradition and technology. One minute I'm helping my Dadi with her embroidery, next I'm designing an Instagram story. I see design potential in things others might miss - like the rhythm of a vegetable vendor's call or the pattern of tea stains on a newspaper. Plus, I'm not afraid to mix things that "shouldn't" go together - that's where the magic happens!

My Advice:

Just start creating! Don't wait for the perfect idea or tools. Use your phone camera, collect interesting packaging, keep a visual diary. Follow designers you admire but don't compare your beginning to their middle. And most importantly, design what you care about - whether it's your favorite band, a social cause, or your neighborhood park. Authenticity beats perfection every time.

If you're serious about design college admissions, a strong portfolio is essential. Check out these specialized classes in Delhi:

(Recommended by art teachers and former design students)