Women & Design // WID Insights
It's been long overdue, but someone we know once asked us why we haven't interviewed each other yet? Well, here we are! A short insight into the girls over at women in design, India!
We have had an amazing year here, at WID! From long conversations planning the Webazine to preparing interviews for iconic designers, the process couldn’t have been more exciting. We started at 400 followers in the beginning of 2020 and we're almost at 3K starting 2021! Thank you for being a part of this journey and for your endless support.
It's been long overdue, but someone we know once asked us why we haven't interviewed each other yet? Well, here we are! A short insight into the girls over at women in design, India!
This article is a Q&A we've been wanting to do for a while. This will also give you guys an insight into who we are as creatives. We've had the incredible opportunity to make some great connections with creatives all across the globe. It's been a dream. here's to many more!!
What are the key differences between education outside India and in India?
Dhruti Soni : I'm not too sure it's a fair comparison, considering there was no constant throughout these experiences. Age was probably the biggest variable! I would say that throughout my high school years, we were pushed to be incredibly independent and open to explore what our calling may be. I think I'm starting to see a lot of the same come to education in the younger years here in India. We were constantly pushed beyond our comfort zones and encouraged to try things that were unlike us, and I think that's a great practice to develop from a young age; to truly be comfortable going beyond your comfort zones. Another main difference would probably be the easy acceptance and encouragement to go beyond 'school stuff', we were taught road safety, sex education, understanding the importance of counselling and accepting your emotional health. For example, a lot of us were TCK's (Third Culture Kids) and we were given talks on how it's okay to be different and feel lost, or not know where 'home' is. I think that's something that I truly appreciate even beyond my educational years outside of India.
What is one impact you aspire to achieve through your craft?
Ashwini Muralikumar : I think I have always aligned with the values of Constructivism. This quote by Naum Gabo sums it up, “The image my work invokes is the image of good - not evil; the image of order - not chaos; the image of life - not death. And that is all the content of my constructions amounts to.”
Tell us about an experience so influential that it changed how you design/think.
Dhruti Soni : During my final year of undergrad, I was applying to a few studios that I really wanted to work with for my Graduate Thesis. This was the first time I experienced the true power of manifestation and understood my creative potential! I was fortunate enough to work with my mentor, someone who I have looked up to for a while, Lodovico Marchesini! It was an incredible opportunity that truly changed my outlook and passion for design, I think that was when I truly started believing in myself as a creative individual — of course, most of the credit goes out to my mentor, Lodovico for helping me realize my potential and guiding me in the right direction. It made me a better thinker and I realized the immense potential the gift of empathy has, and how It can be used to make the world a better place.
How has your journey towards spiritual self-development helped you as a creative?
Ashwini Muralikumar : Faith has a part to play in everything I do, mostly because it helped me find purpose, courage and the freedom to be myself. For me, to live in faith is to live in the moment conscious of my every action. This practice has enabled me to create with responsibility and a mindset of service. It also made me realise the importance of inclusivity — not just for people but, for life in its entirety.
What do you think is your most prominent quality that made you the designer you are today?
Dhruti Soni : Observation, adaptability, and empathy. As a child, I would move around a lot, and as an introvert, I would mostly keep to myself. As a result, I was always observing, understanding and internalizing my surroundings; it fascinated me to know why people do what they do, and that, I would say is something that still stuck with me today. A natural side-effect of a nomadic childhood would be to be able to adapt to any situation, environment, or experience. This would be something I cherish the most, adaptability has blessed me with the ability to step out of my own shoes and into another — this truly helped me constantly and consciously get a closer relationship to my users while creating!
What piece of art (book, music, movie, etc.) most influenced the person you are today?
Ashwini Muralikumar : ‘Peaceful Warrior’ the movie and the book. It changed the way I experience life. I remember pausing the movie to fetch my notebook! There is so much to learn from this brilliant novel by Dan Millman. Some other noteworthy mentions are 'The four agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz, 'The Universe has your back' by Gabby Bernstein and 'Zero Limits' by Joe Vitale.
Your vision for WID.
Dhruti Soni : Women In Design, for me, is the start of something great. I see it helping creatives around the globe become better creatives, working together to create a better world. One thing I do hope we can one day achieve, is to help provide and support educational opportunities to the talented in any way. I see WID disrupting positive change in the Indian design industry, uncovering incredible upcoming talent and leading the course of design in India. I hope we can take it a step further to channel and prioritize diversity and inclusivity throughout India, and work towards becoming an equal community and country.
Ashwini Muralikumar : WID today is a community of people that are extremely talented and supportive. I think everyone we have had the pleasure of interacting with has made a huge difference in my life, personally and professionally. Looking ahead, I think it’s going be an adventure where we learn from each other, create lasting connections and make a difference — As designers & individuals.
Your advice for fellow designers?
Dhruti Soni : I think I've come to understand that each and every day, in fact each moment, has it's own learnings. But if there was something I'd want my younger self to know would be — have faith, and trust yourself. It's okay to be different, that will become your best quality as a creative. Learning to fall in love with your work and creating for yourself, is a blessing. It's okay if your renders don't look like everyone else's, or your art is different than what everyone else is doing. Believe in yourself and your practice, and things will follow. People who've managed to influence great change didn't stand among the crowd, they had the courage to stand far apart, and walk in the opposite direction. Yours is the only approval you're ever going to need. You've got this!
Ashwini Muralikumar : Now more than ever, we need people to live consciously. Think about the impact your actions will have and be open to having conversations (even about the things that make you uncomfortable)!
We're always open to other perspectives, opinions and a good chat over some coffee or tea. We'd love to host a conversation with you, head on over to our Discord and get in touch!
With 🧡 Team WID.
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