We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pooja Venkatachalam Kumar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pooja below.
Pooja, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Growing up in the vibrant, tropical town of Tirupati in South India, art was my first love. However, in a society where academic achievements, particularly in sciences and engineering, are highly valued, pursuing art as more than just a hobby seemed like a distant dream. Despite my passion, I found myself following a more conventional path, excelling in sciences and eventually enrolling in a prestigious university to study chemical engineering. I appreciated the scientific insights my education provided, but my heart still yearned for artistic expression.
During my undergraduate studies, the world was hit by the pandemic, which brought unexpected opportunities to delve deeper into my artistic pursuits. It was a period marked by introspection and discovery, leading me to leverage my art for social causes. I collaborated with non-profit organizations, creating illustrations that highlighted the impacts of industrial projects on tribal communities and the environment. This experience opened doors for me to intern at Current Conservation, India’s premier illustrated conservation magazine, where I worked alongside scientists, designers, and activists to demystify the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for the Indian audience.
My journey took a significant turn when I decided to risk it all and pursue an MFA in Illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). It was a leap of faith, transitioning from chemical engineering to fully embracing my identity as an artist and designer. At MICA, my work gained recognition on platforms such as Communication Arts and ADC Young Ones, and I had the opportunity to exhibit in New York. Beyond creating art, I was intrigued by the development of visual identity systems through collaboration. A pivotal moment was my project with Kalam Shastra, a collective of women artisans from Tirupati specializing in Kalamkari. This project allowed me to apply my design theories to support and preserve a 3000-year-old art form while ensuring its relevance in today’s global context.
My experience was further enriched during my design internship at AARP, where I learned the intricacies of publication design for a vast audience. These experiences have imbued me with a profound confidence in my ability to impact the world through art and design. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that taking the risk to follow my passion, supported immensely by my family, was the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s a testament to the idea that with courage and dedication, it is possible to carve out a path that is true to one’s self and beneficial to the world at large.
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?
My path into the realm of design and illustration began in an intriguing manner, rooted in a blend of science and art. Initially embarking on a career in chemical engineering, my enduring passion for art eventually led me to pivot towards a more creative profession. This transition was catalyzed by an internship with an illustrated environment conservation magazine based in Bangalore, South India, where I had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse group of scientists, conservationists, designers, and activists to craft engaging content aimed at preserving our natural world.
What truly excites me about the work I do is the refusal to be pigeonholed into a single discipline or title. My curiosity and eagerness to explore have led me to dabble in a variety of design fields, from poster making and editorial illustrations to character design, augmented reality, and interactive coding. This multidisciplinary approach allows me to bring a fresh perspective to each project, blending insights from different areas to create something unique and impactful.
I pride myself on my ability to continuously challenge my own boundaries and expand my knowledge base. It’s this aspect of my work that I find most fulfilling—the constant evolution and the refusal to remain static in one ‘zone.’ My journey is characterized by a relentless quest for growth, experimentation, and the desire to make a meaningful contribution to the world through my creative talents.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my brand and work are defined by this spirit of exploration and commitment to making a difference. Whether it’s through a captivating illustration, an innovative design project, or a piece of interactive media, my goal is to evoke thought, inspire action, and bring about positive change. I believe that design is a powerful tool for storytelling and advocacy, and I’m dedicated to using my skills to support causes that matter.
What sets me apart is not just the diversity of my skills but also my approach to design as a form of activism and a means to contribute to a better world. I’m most proud of the journey I’ve undertaken—from a promising engineer to a multifaceted designer and illustrator, all while staying true to my values and the causes I care about. It’s a path that has been as challenging as it has been rewarding, and I look forward to where it will take me next.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
one of the transformative experiences I had was upon my arrival at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Before attending MICA, I must admit, my understanding of what illustration and design could entail was quite narrow. I had certain preconceptions about the industry and a somewhat limited view of the creative process. However, being at MICA opened my eyes to the incredible diversity and richness of the design world.
I had the opportunity to connect with a wide array of artists and designers, each with their unique approach and practice. Engaging with them, learning about their thought processes, and understanding how they refine their creative workflows was immensely enlightening. It wasn’t just about the technical skills but also about seeing the myriad ways one can navigate and thrive in the creative field. This experience was pivotal for me; it expanded my horizons and challenged me to think more broadly about my work and the potential paths it could take.
In essence, my time at MICA served not just as an educational journey but as a critical period of personal and professional growth. It helped me to appreciate the vast landscape of possibilities within the art and design industry and underscored the importance of maintaining an open mind. This has been instrumental in shaping my approach to my work and continues to influence how I navigate my career in the creative industry.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
one aspect I find myself contemplating is the value of mentorship in the formative stages of one’s career. Not having attended an art or design school for my undergraduate studies, I couldn’t benefit from the structured mentorship programs that such institutions often provide. This absence of direct guidance from creative professionals in the early phase of my career meant that I had to navigate the intricate landscape of the art and design industry largely on my own.
In an effort to bridge this gap, I proactively sought out opportunities to connect with individuals within the industry. I engaged in conversations with as many professionals as I could, inquiring about their experiences, seeking advice on navigating the field, and understanding the myriad opportunities available. While these interactions were invaluable and provided me with a broader view of the industry, there’s a distinct difference between these casual mentorships and the structured guidance one might receive in a more formal educational setting.
Looking back, I see this lack of formal mentorship as a potential drawback, especially when laying the foundational skills necessary for graduate studies or transitioning to professional work. The structured critique, regular feedback, and consistent encouragement from mentors in a dedicated art or design program can significantly impact one’s growth and confidence as a creative professional.
Despite this challenge, I’ve come to appreciate the resilience and self-motivation required to seek out my own path to learning and professional development. This experience has taught me the importance of mentorship in the creative industries, and as I continue to grow in my career, I’m more committed than ever to giving back by mentoring others who may be starting their journey in similar circumstances. It’s a way for me to contribute to the community that has helped me navigate my own challenges and to ensure that emerging talents have the support they need to thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://poojavkumar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poojavkum/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooja-kumar-b694b8215/