We recently connected with Divya Negi and have shared our conversation below.

Divya , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I’m taking a big leap right now. As a self-taught designer, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of art school. So last year, I decided to go all in—I applied for an education loan, used my savings, got into art school, and moved to the US for better education, creative opportunities, and a fresh start. Whether this risk pays off or not will depend on finding a job this year, but I’m determined to make it count. It does feel life-changing.

Divya , 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?

I’m a Brand Designer and Illustrator based in Baltimore, currently pursuing an MA in Graphic Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art. My journey into design wasn’t a traditional one—I hold a Master’s degree in Nanotechnology and was even exploring PhD options before I stumbled upon design. It was one of those rare this is it moments where everything just fell into place. While I wrestled with the sunk cost fallacy and moments of doubt, especially not knowing if design would work out, pivoting was the best decision I ever made. Staying stuck in something you don’t love just isn’t worth it.

Design, for me, is about raw expression and evocative storytelling. My work leans into visuals that are slightly but purposefully unfiltered—intended to guide the viewer through a specific emotion or idea. Design, in my eyes, is so much more than aesthetics—it’s about forging a visceral, lasting connection.

I collaborate with brands and businesses that crave bold, unconventional, and maximalist visuals. Whether it’s branding, illustration, marketing campaigns, or print design, I specialize in helping my clients craft visuals that stand out while staying true to their voice.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Art and design, for me, are about self-expression and living authentically. I believe in ‘Art for art’s sake’—creating not to serve a function, but because it’s something that naturally comes to me. It’s a way to connect with others who resonate with the ideas or visual themes I explore. My work is about expressing myself in a way that speaks for itself, inviting others to connect with what I’m putting out there

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Art is personal, and while it’s important to separate one’s work from their personal life, the passion that draws us to this field inevitably blurs the line. There have been moments in my journey where the final result didn’t align perfectly with my initial vision, especially when collaborating with multiple stakeholders. But those experiences taught me to embrace the collaborative process and to find balance by channelling my personal creative freedom into my portfolio—a space where I can explore ideas that might not exist in real life but are still fulfilling and inspiring.

Something that’s often overlooked is the amount of thought, effort, and care that goes into the creative process. A simple logo, for example, can go through dozens of iterations, countless drafts, and refinements before it’s ready to present. Most of this happens behind the scenes, but it’s what ensures the final design resonates. Quick work isn’t just fast—it’s a reflection of years spent mastering the craft, which is why valuing that expertise and understanding its depth is so important.

In the end, great design is about collaboration, shared goals, and creating something meaningful together. That’s what makes the work truly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bydivya.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepapermuse/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyanegi28/

Image Credits

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