Rooted in Culture, Driven by Design
A multidisciplinary artist, illustrator, and visual storyteller, Neha is driven by a passion to inspire the design world to embrace the perspective of a South Indian femme creative—highlighting how local culture, community, and lived experiences offer rich, yet often overlooked, avenues for unique and meaningful design thinking.
Can you walk us through your creative process when translating a personal or cultural narrative into a visual story?
Much of my inspiration comes from the world around me and my ancestral roots. While the elements and cultures I reference may vary, I’m drawn to exploring vibrant yet lesser-seen cultural iconography—like Kannada scripts and symbols—and layering them with personal ideologies and values, such as the raw, anti-establishment spirit of punk and gothic aesthetics.
In what ways do your experiences as a South Asian femme influence the direction and themes of your creative work?
As a South Asian/Indian femme, my roots lie in a richly vibrant maximalist culture—a treasure trove of color, symbolism, and tradition. This energy deeply informs my work, where I not only channel its visual richness but also reflect on the societal challenges we face as femme individuals.
How does a general day look for you?
A typical day for me strikes a balance between intention and ease. It often begins with deep research around a specific piece or project—something I enjoy just as much as illustrating itself.
I make it a point to step away from screens during the day, usually with my sketchpad or a graphic novel/book in hand. This is often followed by a walk or a return to the drawing board to explore color choices and visual storytelling elements, depending on what the project calls for.
How do you challenge stereotypes or mainstream depictions of South Asian culture through your work?
While South Asian culture is often depicted through familiar tropes—like women in sarees, nazarbattus, or iconic monuments—these representations tend to skim the surface. The everyday nuances, struggles, and lived experiences of the people are frequently left out of the narrative.
What are some recurring themes or struggles in your work that you believe are underexplored in the Indian design landscape?
How do you balance your online persona with your offline life?
In my experience, I’ve encountered people who believe that leaving social justice issues out of design or illustration makes the work more palatable—keeping politics at a distance. But here’s the thing: if design is meant to serve the collective and offer meaningful solutions, how can it truly be effective if it ignores the everyday struggles people face?
My online and offline selves aren’t too different. While my introverted nature can make me more reserved in person, the para-social space of the internet gives me the confidence to express myself more boldly and assertively online.
What advice would you give to somebody pursuing the same field as yours?
To organize their finances and gain better clarity on navigating the industry, they should seek a mentor or professional guidance.