We were lucky to catch up with Preethika Asokan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Preethika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

All my life, I have found peace and a profound connection to the flora, fauna, and the natural world around me. My love for traveling takes me deep into the core of nature and culture, providing inspiration for crafting meaningful stories through my lens. My aim is to raise awareness through art and design by partnering with organizations and like-minded people to educate on the vital importance of harmonizing with our environment.

This passion extends into my personal project, “Strolls and Waves,” an evolving brand promoting mindful living and its impact on both mental health and the well-being of our planet, conveyed through art. Strolling through nature is genuinely my method for allowing my mind to roam freely—a remedy for creative blocks and a means of regulating my emotions. As a result, the brand draws inspiration from movement and the essence of nature, encouraging its integration into daily life. It’s a call for everyone to find solace in nature, foster respect and empathy for all living beings, and embrace a coexistence that ensures the preservation of our delicate interconnected ecosystem.

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?

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been an introverted soul who channels my creativity into art, creating an imaginative and surreal world as a means of self-expression. Despite pursuing engineering for my undergraduate studies, I maintained my passion for art outside the academic domain. The introduction to the digital medium fascinated me, revealing the limitless possibilities that arise from the synergy between art and technology.

Later, I was honoured with GREAT Scholarships from the British Council, enabling me to pursue a Master’s in Graphic Design at Arts University Bournemouth in the UK. This experience not only enhanced my professional skills in Graphic Design but also provided a valuable opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures, influencing my body of work.

My professional journey includes serving as a senior product illustrator at Lollypop UI UX design studio, which provided me with valuable design insights across different domains and industries. Consequently, I took on the role of Art Director for the US retail company, Target, contributing to the development of brand pages, marketing strategies, and seasonal ad campaigns for renowned brands. Currently, as an independent designer, I craft Brand Identities, Packaging Designs, and Illustrations for clients worldwide.

In parallel, my personal projects play a pivotal role in honing my skills, where I experiment with different tools and mediums to visually communicate my thoughts. These days, I am delving into the realms of 3D design and motion graphics.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

In the world of art and design, there has always been a notion that adhering to a single aesthetic style is an important aspect of creating a signature in the industry. To a certain extent, this notion holds true as it can attract a specific kind of work or client who seeks your distinctive style. Some of my favourite artists are those with unique styles and that works seamlessly for them. However, as someone who easily becomes restless and creatively blocked by sticking to the same style, I often find myself straying and experimenting with different styles and mediums. Consequently, this has resulted in a body of work that may not necessarily be cohesive, initially viewed as a drawback.

Over the years, I have learned that having a diverse body of work has its advantages. Instead of imposing a signature style onto a project, it allows me to choose a style based on the project and the client’s needs. This approach has also attracted a variety of clients who can select what they want from my diverse portfolio. Some of my favourites, such as Seymour Chwast, Christoph Niemann, Jessica Walsh, and Stefan Sagmeister, serve as inspirations for embracing varied styles.

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

Growing up in a family of doctors and surrounded by academically accomplished friends whose work I see as essential for everyday lives, I naturally questioned the significance of artists and designers in our society. However, it was only later in life that I realized the profound impact art and design have on our lives. Even though they may be considered non-essential, I believe art is a vital part of life. It facilitates emotional connections, inspires, enhances the beauty of our lives, and educates.

As a graphic designer, I have the opportunity to work with various industries, services, and products, playing a significant role in narrating a brand’s story and indirectly helping people. As an illustrator, I contribute to bringing beauty to the mundane and effectively communicating ideas. Every project is a fresh learning experience, making it both engaging and rewarding. Now, I can collaborate with doctors to create healthcare applications, work with schools to develop learning platforms, and partner with NGOs for environmental campaigns. It allows me to play a small but meaningful part in any sector while doing something I love—a win-win situation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://preethikaasokan.com/work
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preethikaasokan/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/preethika-asokan-092019b0/