We had the good fortune of connecting with Vishali Bawa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vishali, what are you inspired by?
I find inspiration from various sources that fuel my creativity in the artistic and design realm. Design blogs and newsletters, such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), Adweek, and the Co.design section on fastcompany.com keep me updated on the latest trends, innovative ideas, and thought-provoking content in the design industry.

I draw inspiration from the works of talented graphic designers who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Jessica Walsh inspires me with her exceptional use of colour and layout, while Mallika Favre’s flat art style captivates my attention. Their creativity and unique approaches push me to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of my own work.

When facing creative blocks, I seek inspiration by visiting museums and immersing myself in diverse artworks. The range of artistic expressions and techniques I encounter there often sparks fresh ideas and ignites my imagination. It allows me to appreciate the richness and depth of artistic creations and find new ways to incorporate those influences into my own work.

Furthermore, I actively participate in jury panels for prestigious awards such as the Le Book Awards, Communicator Awards, W3 Awards, and Davey Awards. Engaging in these activities provides me with the opportunity to recognize innovative design work and engage with industry professionals. This not only expands my network but also offers valuable insights into various projects and companies, enriching my understanding of the design landscape.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Q. Please tell us more about your career. A. I have established myself as a Senior Art Director at Digitas Health in New York, a pioneering global connected-health agency within the esteemed Publicis Healthcare Communications Group. My focus lies in creating purpose-driven design experiences in the Health and Wellness Industry, leading teams of designers, production artists, and video editors to deliver prominent cross-channel work.

Over the years, I have worked on diverse design and strategy projects for prominent organisations such as Endeavor, WaterAid America, Terreform1, and Leo Burnett which has broadened my perspective towards creating and leading functional and user-friendly design deliverables for various print and digital mediums.

I hold a Master’s degree in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons School of Design, New York. This further expanded my knowledge and skills, equipping me with the tools to excel in my field. Prior to that, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts from Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, a renowned art institution affiliated with the University of Mumbai.

Contributing to the creative community has always been vital to me. I periodically exhibit my ‘custom’ art series at prestigious art shows in New York and India. I also actively participate in awards and juries. In fact, my expertise has been recognized by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, where I have not only judged esteemed competitions but have also received awards.

Q. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others?
A. What sets me apart from others is my unwavering dedication to harnessing the potential of design development to create immersive, consumer-centric experiences. I possess a profound understanding of how design can elicit emotions, stimulate contemplation, and shape behaviours. I strive to go beyond the ordinary, infusing each project with a sense of purpose and meaning. This mindset has guided me throughout my professional journey and has enabled me to consistently produce exceptional results.

Q.What are you most proud or excited about?
A. A moment that fills me with pride was my Solo Art Exhibition, titled ‘Prismatic,’ held at The Bombay Art Society in Mumbai in February 2023. The presence and words of honour from Padma Shri Awardee, Shri Bhalu Monde Ji, as the Chief Guest, made it even more special. Through this exhibition, I aimed to capture and explore the complexity and depth of human emotions, examining them through the lens of a prism. Emotions are a powerful force that shapes our experiences, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to shed light on their many nuances through my artwork.

Working with Digitas Health has also been a significant highlight for me. It brings me a sense of immense fulfilment and satisfaction to know that my art has the capacity not only to please aesthetically but also to make a tangible difference in people’s well-being.

Something I am very excited about is my collaboration with Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, the youngest disciple of Shri Pandit Ravi Sharma, on the album artwork for his music album ‘Nava Rasa’. This project is allowing me to merge different creative forms, such as digital art and music, to create something truly magical.

Overall, what I am most proud of and excited about is the ability to use art as a means to connect with people, evoke emotions, and make a positive impact. Whether it’s through purpose-driven design experiences, solo exhibitions that explore the depth of emotions, or collaborative projects that merge different art forms, these experiences fuel my passion and drive me to continue pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

Q. How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
A. Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. It hasn’t always been an easy path. I recognized that the track I had chosen was not the conventional or mainstream route. While attitudes towards art and design as viable career options have evolved over time, some people still undervalue the potential career opportunities available in these industries. Many people questioned my decision to pursue professional training in art and design, expressing doubts about the growth prospects within these fields.

However, my desire to chase my dreams propelled me to move halfway across the world to pursue my further studies and garner recognition for my work. I made a conscious effort to showcase my work and establish a strong portfolio. This involved participating in art exhibitions, showcasing my projects online through websites and social media platforms, and collaborating with other artists and designers on creative endeavours. By consistently showcasing my skills and capabilities, I have been able to demonstrate the potential and value of a career in art and design to those who questioned its viability.

The creative industry is highly competitive, and breaking into it requires dedication and perseverance. I remain focused on my goals and continuously sought opportunities for growth and development. Through hard work, resilience, and a belief in the potential of art and design, I have been able to carve out a niche for myself in the creative industry.

Q. What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? What do you want the world to know about you and your story?
A. Throughout my journey, I have learned valuable lessons that have shaped me personally and professionally. In today’s competitive landscape, it is crucial to have your own unique voice to stand out from the crowd. I have realised the importance of staying up-to-date with design trends in the industry and around the world, as they provide inspiration and keep my work relevant. Additionally, proficiency in a variety of software and tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, etc is crucial to provide effective design direction.

However, being a good visual artist or art director goes beyond technical skills. Self – discipline has played a pivotal part in accelerating my career graph. Maintaining a healthy routine, prioritising physical and mental well-being through exercise and meditation, working towards short-term and long term goals, and staying organised have been essential practices for me.

I have also honed my communication skills to ensure that I can effectively convey my creative vision to clients and collaborators. Moreover, I believe in maintaining a childlike curiosity and a thirst for learning. Embracing new ideas, techniques, and perspectives has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to pursue their creative passions, nurture their unique voice, and never stop learning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting New York, I would want to show them the city from my lens. Here’s an itinerary for a week-long trip filled with some of the most fun, interesting, and exciting places to check out:

Day 1: Williamsburg
We would start our day with breakfast at Sunday in Brooklyn. We would then make our way to Domino Park and enjoy the breathtaking Manhattan skyline views. For lunch, we would explore Smorgasburg, the famous open-air food market. We would then go to St. Mazies for dinner and drinks in the evening.This cozy bar has a vintage vibe with live jazz music and a charming outdoor garden. After dinner, we would continue to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Williamsburg by exploring bars and music venues, such as Westlight, Baby’s All Right, or The Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Day 2: Soho and Greenwich Village
We would start our day by grabbing breakfast at Maman cafe along with their popular lavender coffee. We would then spend our afternoon soaking in the unique architecture, cast-iron buildings, and artistic vibes as we stop by flagship stores, art galleries and shopping destinations. We would get a quick lunch at Balthazar and then head to Greenwich village. I would take my best friend to Washington Square park. It has a vibrant atmosphere with live performances by street musicians or artists. As the evening progresses, we would make our way to the Comedy Cellar, a renowned comedy club located nearby and enjoy an evening filled with laughter. After which, we would head to La Lanterna, a charming Italian dinner spot with an indoor garden for their delightful food and the best espresso martinis I’ve had in the city. We would end our night by going and getting a pecan pie and cappuccino from Caffe Reggio, one of New York’s oldest and most characteristic cafes

3. Museum Mile
We would start the day by visiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art to explore its vast collection – specially Egyptian, Tiffany and contemporary sections. Then, we would head to the Guggenheim Museum to admire its unique architecture and modern art. After a quick lunch break, we would visit Cooper Hewitt museum to delve into the world of interactive design and innovation. In the evening, we would take a leisurely stroll through Central Park, enjoying its beauty and landmarks. Finally, we would end the day at the Museum of the City of New York, delving into the city’s history and culture. For dinner we would head to Prohibition or Ippudo. It would be a day filled with art, history, and memorable experiences.

4. Dumbo and Fi -Di
We would grab brunch at Cecconis and then take a leisurely stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge Park and the waterfront promenade. We would stop at the Pilot, a bar on a vintage boat docked at the pier that serves delicious oysters & cocktails. After which, we would head to the Financial District to explore Wall Street and its historic landmarks like the New York Stock Exchange. In the evening we would head to The Dead Rabbit for their vintage cocktails and then go eat the famous Artichoke Pizza Slice.

5. 5th Avenue
We would walk around on 5th avenue where we would indulge in some retail therapy and admire the perfect blend of luxury shopping, cultural experiences, and iconic landmarks. We would start by exploring the boutiques that line the avenue. We would grab lunch at Hangawi and then visit The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on 53rd Street during the early evening and marvel at masterpieces by renowned artists like Monet, Picasso, and Warhol. In the evening we would catch a Broadway show in the Theater District, just a short walk from Fifth Avenue. And then head to The Leopard at des Artistes for dinner and drinks. This southern Italian restaurant space is adorned with beautiful large historic murals which enhances the whole dining experience and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a museum of fine art.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate a heartfelt shoutout to my incredible parents, who have been instrumental in fostering my creativity and supporting my artistic endeavours. Their unwavering encouragement has played a significant role in shaping my journey.

They recognized the importance of self-expression and actively encouraged me to explore various artistic avenues. From dancing to painting, singing to playing musical instruments like the guitar, tanpura, and harmonium, they ensured that I had ample opportunities to indulge in diverse creative pursuits. Additionally, they exposed me to a wide range of art forms, such as origami, ceramics, and oil painting, expanding my artistic horizons even further.

They never subscribed to the notion that success can only be achieved through traditional academic or mainstream fields like medicine or engineering. Instead, they encouraged me to follow my passions and pursue a creative career, understanding that true fulfilment comes from embracing one’s dreams.

Website: https://www.vishalibawa.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vishalibawa.art/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishalibawa/

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