Exploring Diversity in Design

While Yadvi Maheshwari was pursuing a graduate degree in art in India, she suddenly came to a realization: “Art and design are not just confined to using paper and pencil. I knew I needed to expand my knowledge in these fields using technology. Today’s art industry is thriving with digital design, and I knew that my creative mindset combined with the best opportunities in the industry would allow me to be an expert in my field,” she says. Maheshwari knew there was no better place than New York City to complete her degree. She sat down with The Box to discuss her experience in the program and plans after graduation.

Why did you come to New York Institute of Technology to pursue your graduate degree?
Choosing the digital art and design – graphic design program at New York Tech was a no-brainer for me. The curriculum aligns with my professional goals. I want to learn more about traditional art and incorporate its elements into design and technology. The program illustrates this collaboration well, with courses ranging from art history to VR/AR development. I was also impressed with the art studio space and the advanced digital design tools available to me, not to mention the state-of-the-art 3-D printing and virtual reality labs.

What inspires you creatively?
My interest in the field of fine arts stems from childhood. I have always been intrigued by the fine stroke of a watercolor brush. My intrigue grew with age, and although I received my B.A. in commerce, my heart always belonged to art and design. I was always very interested in the mixture of traditional art and design approaches with modern technologies. My passion grew even further after interning as a graphic designer with a leading startup specializing in asset and risk management. Being responsible for the company’s logo, web presence, and online branding gave me the confidence to believe in my design’s power to convey a clear message.

What has your experience been like here?
My experience at New York Tech has been surreal. The curriculum has shaped my approach to many of the real-world problems that designers face. My peers come from all across the globe, and being able to learn from them has influenced who I am as a designer.

What are your plans for the future?
Graphic design is a branch of art and design that can be beneficial in any industry with many possibilities. My goal is to gain as much industry experience as possible, have the opportunity to design digital art with a creative team, and work from a business development perspective in web design. Eventually, I hope to open a design-consulting studio, where I can practice independently and help students who wish to pursue the field.