Simran Tapadia

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

I wasn't really sure if I wanted to become a designer. But one thing I was sure of was I wanted to be in the design field. I did a short diploma course in digital painting and that when I knew I wanted to get into digital art. Then I graduated with a previsualization student and here I'm. I had been inspired by the art around me since childhood I have always successes in it the field of arts. The power of storytelling by one painting is what inspired me to take up art as my career.

What is "design" for you?

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.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

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.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

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.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

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.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

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

When do you feel the most creative?

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.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

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

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

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

What makes a design successful?

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

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

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.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

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.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

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.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

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.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

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.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

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.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

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

Can you describe a day in your life?

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.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

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.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

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.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

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.

What skills are most important for a designer?

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

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

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

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

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

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

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

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

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

Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

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