Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Akanshya Upadhyay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Akanshya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I stumbled into design by accident, but once I started learning about it, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. Even though I was new to the field, it felt like the right move at the moment to go for a BFA, probably because I was trying to keep up with what’s often seen as the ‘normal’ timeline.. But I was excited about the chance to do something in the creative field, and I’m very fortunate my parents supported my decision.

It was when I had to curate a portfolio for my college application, I was trying out different art forms and had only been learning about design for less than a year. I tried to catch up quickly and paid attention to the visual culture around me: mostly ad graphics, social media content, and one-off branding projects. Studying abroad immensely supported my understanding of storytelling and design. While the perspective was mostly Eurocentric at first, it still challenged me to think more critically about the industry and my own creative approach. As my understanding has grown, so has my focus. More recently, I have been drawn to spatial graphics and experimental print, which has been so fun as it continues to expand how my understanding of visual communication.

Looking back, I think a bit more time before starting formally might’ve helped me approach things with more intention. But overall, I feel fulfilled and I am excited to keep growing. There’s still overlap between what interested me four years ago vs now, but I also think I have a better sense of the bigger picture, and I know that perspective will keep evolving. That’s one of the things I love most about being a creative.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born and raised in Nepal and am currently based in Washington, DC. I’ve always been drawn to art, though I didn’t quite imagine it could be more than a side interest until after high school. My work ranges from visual identity and printed materials to more recently, experiential design. I’m currently at National Children’s Museum, where I’ve been fortunate to explore projects that bring design into physical spaces– something I’d been eager to explore since my final year of undergrad. I also like to dabble in motion graphics and photography every now and then, and I’m generally drawn to anything that involves bold type, printed matter, and analog processes.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

How it adds intention and a little whimsy to seeing things in any aspect of life. Even the smallest details can carry meaning, and catching those moments can feel extremely rewarding. I think that kind of mindful attention keeps me inspired and helps me move through life with a bit more authenticity and joy.

I am also in awe of friends, collaborators, and creative peers who openly share how they see the world. Being a creative has introduced me to some of the most thoughtful and talented people I know. It’s a gift to be in conversation with them, to exchange ideas, and to grow alongside one another through shared curiosity and care.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Creativity is not just something “extra” or decorative, it weaves through every part of life, grounding and guiding us. It asks for spaces and systems that allow for risk, rest, play, and care. And honoring creative work means not only recognizing its symbolic or aesthetic value, but also offering fair pay, and structural support and resources that sustain the people behind the work. By making space to nurture creativity, even when it challenges the norms, we are inviting deeper understanding and richer connections, and a more courageous and rooted community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.akanshya.online
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akanzhya