MEIN THEEK HOON RE;
a fusion of design and creativity
Paperclip-the studio draws analogy from the physical form of paperclip-Ductile, flexible and holding different paradigms of design intact, yet accessible
What inspired you to establish Paperclip Studio?
Paperclip emerged during the pandemic. As an architect, all my interior design projects had come to a halt, leaving me with little to no work while being confined at home. During that time, I immersed myself in sketching and painting every day. Before I even realized it, what started as a passion project gradually transformed into a business.
How does your background in architecture influence your designs?
With global brands dominating the market, how does Paperclip carve out a niche and compete creatively?
Attending architecture school was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It broadened my perspective on design and encouraged me to explore art and creativity beyond just constructing buildings—it nurtured my curiosity. I began drawing inspiration from everything around me—food, music, movies, and culture—and found joy in documenting and reinterpreting them into something new.
At Paperclip Studio, we make sure our designs execute a quirky sense of humour, so as to break the norms of conventional thinking and reasoning. We try rendering our products with contemporary techniques keeping the traditional craftsmanship alive. We believe ‘why carry boring stationery or reside in an unpleasant space when you have us?’
What are some of the unknown challenges you faced while building PaperClip?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced—and continue to face—is determining how much of myself to put out there. In a world overflowing with content, creativity often hits a roadblock when self-promotion becomes more important than the artwork itself. It makes me wonder—can an introvert truly make their art known? Today, it feels like success is less about the art and more about how well it’s marketed. In the process, creativity often takes a backseat while mediocrity finds its way to the audience more easily.
Humour is something that I am always carrying with myself. I believe we all have quirks, and to translate it to design is just chef’s kiss in my mind. I consciously try and put some element of fun in my design, so that however mediocre the design, the customer at least has a chuckle on his face. I know big words, but if there is something Paperclip would like to leave as its legacy, it would be smiles and laughter.
What is the initial investment required to start a venture like yours?
That’s a tricky question! Initially, I invested around 3-4 lakhs from my savings to get started. However, if I were to do it today, I would focus more on managing my inventory and finances more efficiently.
You've partnered with well-known brands like Blue Tokai and Sooper Dooper Kids. How did those collaborations come about, and what impact did they have on your work?
These collaborations came about organically—some through my work, some that I pitched, and others that found me on Instagram. I’ve always loved working in coffee shops, drawing inspiration from my surroundings. Perhaps it all fell into place when I casually sketched a café, shared it as a story, and the rest is history.
What are your future aspirations for Paperclip Studio?
Just thinking about this brings a huge smile to my face and fills me with excitement! I have countless ideas and so many new materials to experiment with. I’m eager to explore fabric design and ceramics, redefining stationery in fresh, unexpected ways. Creating art on a larger scale with new mediums is also high on my list. And of course, marketing it all—now that’s a challenge! Ha-ha, wish me luck!
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