We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nehal Modi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nehal below.

Nehal, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I think design is a lifetime learning process, though my creative journey was afoot since childhood. Painting, doing crafts, animation and slowly discovering that there is world where this is a job. Undergrad was an eye opening experience making me aware of the craft, thought that goes in creating design. I also believe in understanding the context and content of the visuals, one is creating. With our world events it can be get hard to be stimulated to function, let alone learn but that’s where one can find the greatest joy of learning. Learning is never a linear process, it’s a maze, spiral with speed graphs and it can be hard to accept that. I was struggling with learning or just upgrading my skills and that’s when I decided to pursue my masters. It’s a different experience than one’s undergraduate as the whole methodology has changes and one can take greater risks.

I think what would have accelerated my learning was do more, introspect later. There is no need for perfection in learning and more you experiment, the more you learn. With more tools and softwares entering the market, I feel one should learn what would make their workflows better but also for the joy of learning. Tools are just meant for execution but if you have the idea – you are already on the right track. Also I know we all have heard but being too attached with your work, I still struggle with it at times as one has been a lot of time and effort but sometimes you need to start afresh.

Nehal, 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?

Well hello all, I am Nehal and a visual designer, currently based in USA. I am interested in crafting vibrant and energetic visual narratives that contribute to immersive world-building. These influences comes from living in India one is constantly surrounded my plurality in terms of language, colours, sounds, movies, traditions and food.

My work also delves in branding, motion, UI/UX, and publication design. I am interested in exploring the intersection between the digital and the tangible through motion. I am often draw inspiration from various disciplines such as science, literature, food, history, sci-fi, fantasy, mythology and more.

One of my major interests is motion and I want to explore graphic design through motion almost bringing the digital into the real world. There is something very joyous to see something move, like your designs are coming to life. I want to keep exploring this space and bringing XR (extended reality) in the mix.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I mean this was more of a catharsis than an achievement of resilience. In 2022, I moved from India to USA for my grad school. I was very excited to see what’s next for me and live alone in a new country! Unfortunately the apartment I had booked was not in the best conditions. Within 12 days of staying there were a multitude of problems from shower not working, roaches, dirty and more. Soon I realized that I could not stay in this apartment and had to move out. It was extremely daunting as an international student to move out and figure this as college starts in a week and Idramatic but no roof on my head. Long story short with support and help of my college and new friends, I found a new apartment – all it took for shifting 4 times and sleepless nights. 

 Later as a part of catharsis, I created a data visualization of this journey – of how many days it took, the feeling of displacement/ loneliness one feels, finding new friends and figuring life by yourself all while starting grad school. When I look back, I still can’t believe how I was able to manage and feel immense pride of how I dealt with it and my data visualization poster.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part as a creative is seeing what you have created coming to life. Looking at the designs from your sketchbook and laptop existing in real world. Design is similar to music, it transcends all borders and can communicate to all. It’s watching people interact and resonate with the design one has created. How it impacts people, evokes emotions and connect with people.

The idea to be intellectually challenged and create solution along with a freedom to explore to push the boundaries of visual expression and what more can be done.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nehal-modi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nehal.modi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehal-modi-58a85a1b4/