Interview with Simran Tapadia

I found my peace and solace in design. I feel free and vulnerable while creating something.

No, it was my decision to be a designer.

I design depending on my mood.

Work hard, every day. Worship your work. Be kind to yourself be and do not give up. More importantly, always believe in yourself and your design, even when no one else does.

Power of storytelling.

Can’t really put a number on the artists I look up to, every day, I get inspired by someone or the other.
But two of my favourites are,
Paula Scher – She’s one of my favourite graphic designers. I love the look and feel of her work. It’s my dream to work with her and visit her company Pentagram.
Christoph Niemann – It was love at first sight when I saw his work. His each and every work for the New Yorker is mind-boggling. He’s a true inspiration.

Design for me is to connect with people via visuals. I believe visuals are more powerful than words. We tend to remember images more distantly than words.

I'm a versatile artist. I don't have one particular style. I adapt and change over time. I personally find one art style boring and repetitive, hence even my portfolio consists of various amalgamation international and Indian art styles, along with illustrations.

I have various favorite designs. But one in particular that inspired me for the story of Sati would be Van Goghs, The Starry Night. I love the flow of the brush and each and every stroke has meaning to it. You can see the patience and time given to the painting. And the colors are so in sync with each other.

I did illustrations for the magazine called The Juice by Jabong. Later I designed all India banner for Lakmé India. You can see all my work on my Behance portal.

My favorite platforms are adobe software, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Ironically when I'm heartbroken if the time I'm very creative. Other than that I'm a workaholic, so each day is creative for me.

I try to focus on storytelling more than anything.

I feel happy and content. While designing I feel this is my purpose, to tell a story. To make others feel something.

I feel i have achieved my goal and I'm one step closer to my ultimate goal of being born.

The balance of colors, composition and storytelling makes a design complete.

I consider colors, compositions, and look n feel of the design. Also of the design is doing justice to what is needed to be conveyed.

As a designer, it is our responsibility to take care of the environment and society. To create something that would benefit both the parties equally.

We are definitely evolving as people are getting conscious to create something that would help both humans and the environment. Because for years, we have been selfish and now we as a designer are taking conscious steps to help the environment.

My last exhibition was at comic con 2018, Mumbai. I had my comic books one sale via my college and I sold out by the end of the day.

My process of inspiration is very random. I never force my self to be creative, it comes naturally to me. I will wake up and think okay today I will work and I'll just browsing and suddenly get a hit of an idea to create something and I just start working. I never stress my self out with what next. I keep my self-calm, that's what makes me productive with my work. I know when to work and when to stop. I don't let my self burn out. I was never taught this, it came very naturally to me. I get inspired by other artists and creators. I love seeing the process of their work and try to break down how they came up with it.

I come from India, and I'm so grateful to be from India. Our country is filled with rich culture and heritage. Indian fold art inspired me to illustrate my first three books.

My process is very random like I said it all depends on my motivation.

My book, pen tab, black ball pen, laptop, and paints.

It depends on what day we are talking about. If its a weekday, it is my workday. I wake up, work out, and then start working. It depends on what my to-to-do list has. Sometimes also just take a day off and relax. or sometimes I work so much I don't even realize its night.

I would just ask one thing “How bad do you want it?”
You have to put your 200%, stay up all night to come with concepts, and meet your deadlines. It’s not going to easy but it will be worth every second. There will be times you’ll feel demotivated but you just gotta get up and create, even though it will look shitty, it will be your shitty work. One last thing; surround yourself with positive and inspiring people whom you can talk to and look up to.

It is all positive. You get to do what you love each and every day. You get to spread the love with your designs. There will be days of struggle but it is always worth it. People will always look up to you even when you have gone, because you created something that will stay lifelong.

My rule is there is no rule. You can't create something with a rule. You have to let it go free and let your self create. You cant bound yourself with rules and steps, that way your won't create something different by mistake and learn something new.

Patience, Patience, Patience. That is a very important skill a designer needs.

My favorite softwares are adobe software, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

I have faced a problem with time. I have always managed my time well and got my work done before the deadline.

It all depends on what art style I'm going for.

How did you do it?
How did you think of it?

The rejection was the most important job experience.

I enjoy working solo. Or when I'm creating something for my self with no bound of getting approval from someone else.

My future plans are to get into publishing and write more books.

I fly solo. No one can match up to my speed or work ethics.

Yes, I'm working on a new project. But you can wait for it and check it out once it goes live.

They can contact me one Behance under the name Simran Tapadia or on Instagram under the name Tapsiiee