My Story:

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Growing up in an Indian middle-class Hindu joint family of 14 people, I was immersed in a rich cultural environment that instilled discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving from an early age. With no family background in business, I forged my own entrepreneurial path, earning the trust of global clients like Ritz-Carlton and John Deere, leading high-impact projects at the intersection of art, design, and technology. These experiences shaped my ability to lead teams, think creatively under constraints, and develop solutions that seamlessly balance aesthetics, functionality, and user needs.

 

The Art of Innovation

I began my journey in fine arts, earning a BFA from Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai, and an MFA from M.S. University, Baroda, where I mastered painting, sculpture, and printmaking. However, my creative vision demanded more than traditional mediums; it needed interactivity, technology, and immersion. This curiosity led me to experiment with motion sensors, Arduino programming, kinetic sculptures, and projection mapping, blending classical craftsmanship with emerging technology.

 

After completing my first master’s degree in 2014, I wanted to give back to my hometown after spending six years away, living and learning in different states. I became an assistant professor at one of the oldest art colleges in my city, where I curated the institution’s first national printmaking residency and built a fully equipped printmaking studio from scratch in just nine months. My expertise in curriculum design and hands-on research led institutions to invite me to their syllabus update committees, helping shape the future of art education.

 

Bridging Art, Business & Technology

In 2016, I founded ArtLab Studio, an initiative aimed at empowering young artists, artisans, and tribal communities by creating sustainable income sources through commissioned public art projects. Over time, I expanded the studio into two branches, leading large-scale collaborations with global clients. During this period, I also led digital product initiatives, designing seven websites and expanding into interactive experiences, further merging art, research, and digital storytelling.

 

While running ArtLab, I developed a profound understanding of business strategy, from identifying market gaps and user pain points to conducting in-depth research, developing creative solutions, and executing them through strategic project planning and high-performing teams. Without any marketing spend, I built a global client base solely through word-of-mouth referrals, demonstrating the impact of design thinking and problem-solving expertise.

Despite handling large-scale projects, running a business, and securing financial stability, I continued exhibiting my personal artwork internationally. I was invited for cultural exchange programmes in Lithuania, where I had the opportunity to work and exhibit in Vilnius and Berlin, as well as visit Dubai, the Maldives, and the UK – experiences that broadened my perspective on global work cultures, cross-border collaborations, and the role of design in diverse socio-political landscapes.

 

The Shift to UX Design

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant shift. It made me question: How can art go beyond provoking thought to actively solving problems? That realisation led me to User Experience (UX) Design, where I could apply my expertise in visual storytelling, research, and behavioural psychology to craft meaningful digital interactions with broader global reach.

Even though my business was thriving, with steady clients and financial security, I made the bold decision to pivot. I pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in UX & HCI from IIT Guwahati and later moved to the UK to pursue my second master’s degree, an MSc in UX Design from the University of Brighton (with an international scholarship).

 

During my MSc, I won two design awards for my AI-driven and Web3-integrated UX solutions, designed to enhance user engagement, accessibility, and seamless digital interactions. I also wrote a research paper on Web3 and blockchain technology, exploring the decentralised future of digital ecosystems and their impacts on user experience, security, and digital ownership.

Now, my work spans art, UX, and emerging technologies. Having worked with startups in both India and the UK, I thrive in fast-paced environments where constraints fuel innovation. I lead UX research, product strategy, and design workshops at premier institutions, helping teams integrate design thinking, behavioural analytics, and business strategies to create scalable, user-centric products.

 

Beyond Work

Beyond my professional work, I find inspiration in music, endurance sports, and exploration. I play the tabla, a classical Indian percussion instrument, which has taught me rhythm, discipline, and the art of improvisation skills that directly impact my approach to iterative design and problem-solving. I have also completed numerous marathons and love organising treks and camping expeditions; I believe that nature offers the best lessons in adaptability and resilience. A lifelong enthusiast of sci-fi movies and cutting-edge innovations, I am always drawn to the next big idea shaping our world, whether it’s in AI, space exploration, or human-machine interactions.

 

Whether crafting interactive public art, designing scalable UX solutions, or curating immersive digital experiences, my goal remains the same; to create work that challenges perceptions, sparks dialogue, and shapes the future of human-centred design.