Graphic design as a discipline conveys messages using visual and textual elements. It lies at the intersection of design and creativity and uses lateral thinking to innovate and communicate using manual or digital tools. Graphic design has improved and evolved by leaps and bounds within the past few years, with websites like Instagram and Behance becoming platforms to share and spotlight creative work that was previously restricted to people within the industry.
Each artist is different and brings their own experiences and identity to the drawing board. Here we explore new and upcoming graphic designers and their works, which range from everything including riots of colours and monochromatic beauties to Picasso-esque people and places.
I. Pearl D’Souza
Goan artist, Pearl D’Souza’s work is informed by her passion for mental health, gender, feminism, body positivity and social good. She counts Google and FRIDA The Young Feminist Fund among her clients, and her work is approachable and fun. She has also contributed to Goa’s My Mollem Campaign, to save Goa’s rich biodiversity from harm and destruction.
Find her work here.
II. Chaaya Prabhat
Chennai-based illustrator Chaaya Prabhat is an emerging name in the graphic design world. She has illustrated several children’s books, among them ‘Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers’, a book on Raksha Bandhan, and ‘We Love Our Home’, a book on native Indian animals and their habitats. Her work also adorns the 75th Anniversary Edition of George Orwell’s Animal Farm by Amaryllis Publishing. Her work is a riot of colour, joy, and childlike details.
Find her work here.
III. Muhammed Sajid
As Sajid puts it, “Art is freedom.” The Bangalore-based illustrator is compelled to create things that don’t exist, but that he sees in his head. His work is surreal and eerie, inspired by the nature and culture around him. His works are a mix of watercolours, pastels, pencils, and digital art, starting with sketches and then finally adding colour to bring the piece to life.
Find him here.
IV. Aaron Pinto
Aaron Pinto is a man of many talents. Along with being a drummer with his band Gutslit, Pinto is a visual artist who goes by the name ‘Kidsquidy.’ He is a multidisciplinary independent visual artist and subverts expectations by using bright colours for dark themes. He defines his work as ‘lowbrow pop surrealism leaning towards the macabre’. He also handles the visual aesthetic of his band, which lends itself to a more metal aesthetic, inspired by iconic bands like Iron Maiden and Pink Floyd.
Find his work here.
V. Utsav Verma
Freelance graphic designer Utsav Verma got his start 5 years ago when he started illustrating for fun. When the pandemic hit, he began uploading his work on Instagram, and within short order was receiving requests for commissions and corporate work. According to him, the pandemic caused a boom in more graphic designers uploading their personal work on the platform. He says his aesthetic involves, “Translating older ideas and aesthetics for a modern audience, while not fetishising nostalgia.” His inspirations come from the typographies of the ye olde print media, an aesthetic of twisted celebration. Modern, minimalistic style is definitely not his cup of tea and Verma prefers making his designs beautiful, interesting, and functional.
Check out his work here.
If you enjoyed reading this, we also suggest: