We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ananya Singh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ananya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
One of the most meaningful investments I’ve made, and continue to make, is in my PhD research and the ongoing work that has followed. My doctoral research on Indian political cartoons and their evolving role in communication was an enormous investment of time, intellectual energy, and commitment. I dedicated years to this project, diving deep into historical archives, interviewing cartoonists, and analyzing the cultural and political shifts reflected in their art.
The decision to pursue this topic stemmed from my fascination with the power of visual media to influence public opinion, especially in politically charged environments. Completing the PhD was just the beginning. Since then, I’ve continued to build on that foundation, expanding my research to explore American political cartoons, and making the connections between different cultural and historical contexts even more robust.
My key lesson is that investing in long-term research is both challenging and rewarding. The process is not about quick wins but about contributing to a body of knowledge that can shape future academic and social conversations. It has also reinforced the importance of persistence, curiosity, and commitment to growth qualities essential in education and research.
Ananya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Ananya Singh: Blending Art, Technology, and Education for a Purpose-Driven Future
For those unfamiliar with my work, I am Dr. Ananya Singh, an academic and researcher in the fields of visual communication, media arts, and emerging technologies. Currently, I serve as a faculty member at the University of Texas, where my focus lies in exploring the intersection of design, media, and technology to foster creativity and critical thinking.
My journey into this discipline began with a curiosity about how art and communication shape our perceptions of the world. Over time, that interest evolved into a career that merges both education and creative practice. I work with students and professionals to hone their design skills, while also addressing larger questions about the role of media in society questions that touch on everything from the ethics of AI-generated art to the influence of augmented reality (AR) on cultural identity.
In terms of services, I primarily operate in three areas: education, research, and creative consultancy. As an educator, I aim to equip students with not only the technical skills to excel in design and media but also the ethical grounding to be responsible creators. As a researcher, I delve into how emerging technologies like AR/VR and artificial intelligence are reshaping the boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds. My consultancy work is centred around helping brands and individuals develop their visual identities, communication strategies, and digital presence, particularly when it involves integrating cutting-edge technologies.
What sets me apart is my emphasis on a values-driven approach. I am passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything I do. Whether it’s designing a syllabus, curating a research project, or collaborating with a client, my focus is on creating environments where all voices are heard, and innovation is a result of interdisciplinary collaboration. I believe strongly in the idea that creativity is most powerful when it’s inclusive, thoughtful, and purpose-driven.
Among my proudest achievements is my work in fostering broader societal discussions through art and media. I have led projects that not only challenge conventional ways of thinking but also encourage ethical considerations in the creative process whether that’s addressing cultural appropriation in design or examining the psychological effects of virtual environments on audiences.
For potential clients, collaborators, or followers, I want to emphasize that my work is rooted in a mission to combine creativity with meaningful impact. My goal is to push the boundaries of media arts while ensuring that ethical practices and social good remain at the forefront. Whether you’re a student looking to build a career in design, a brand seeking to sharpen your visual communication, or a fellow researcher exploring the latest in technology, my approach is always to create with purpose. I believe that through thoughtful collaboration and innovative thinking, we can build not just better products but a better society.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the most pivotal moments in my career came when I was deep into a complex, high-stakes project for a major client. Halfway through, the client’s requirements shifted significantly, which meant the scope of the work nearly doubled, but the deadline remained the same. I remember thinking, “How am I going to manage this?” But I also knew that being a designer—and a design educator—means being a problem solver at the core.
As a designer, we’re trained to look at challenges as opportunities for creative solutions. I broke down the massive task into smaller, more manageable steps, communicated openly with the client, and stayed focused on finding innovative ways to meet their needs. Being a design educator gave me the perspective that challenges like these are part of growth, and I drew from that mindset to stay calm and adapt quickly.
I worked long hours, but instead of letting the pressure affect the quality of my work, I saw it as a test of everything I teach resilience, creativity, and problem-solving. In the end, the client was thrilled with the outcome, and that project opened the door to even more collaborations. It was a moment that reaffirmed for me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through it’s about adapting, innovating, and turning obstacles into opportunities.
That experience not only strengthened my confidence as a designer but also as an educator, reinforcing what I always tell my students: challenges are inevitable, but it’s how you approach them that defines your success.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Apart from my role as an educator, I also work as a Creative Strategist, Brand Consultant, Market Research Analyst, Strategic Project Manager, Advertisement Concept Developer, and Art Director for various companies. These roles allow me to stay deeply connected with industry trends and bring fresh insights directly into my teaching. The work I do outside of academia enriches my classroom approach, offering students exposure to real-world projects and market-driven strategies.
Collaborating with clients not only benefits my students but also opens up new opportunities for me. The success of these projects—whether they involve students or are personal projects—often results in more offers and partnerships. This blend of education and industry keeps my work dynamic and relevant, allowing me to continually evolve and remain at the forefront of both worlds. By actively participating in both, I ensure that my students experience firsthand how design thinking and creativity can translate into impactful, real-world solutions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/14ananyasingh
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna14artist/?locale=%E4%BC%AA%E9%80%A0%E5%B0%BC%E6%B3%8A%E5%B0%94Gobank%E9%93%B6%E8%A1%8C%E5%AF%B9%E8%B4%A6%E5%8D%95%E8%81%94%E7%B3%BB%7B%E5%A8%81%E4%BF%A1%2BTG%2F%E9%A3%9E%E6%9C%BA%3A%40buth2788%7DSfcXN%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%D1%A7%3F%3F%C6%BEd7b5Z&hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ananya.singh.16547/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananya-singh-7305516b/
Image Credits
I would Like to Thank my team for the projects. Also, SCAD Atlanta for supporting me with class Projects.