Student Journeys: From Mechanical Engineering to Graphic Design

“Mentors at AND are incredibly kind and patient. They encourage us to voice our opinions and offer very detailed feedback on all projects.”

In this latest edition of Student Journey, we are in conversation with Yukta Chaurasia who completed her Diploma in Graphic Design from AND Academy. Let’s explore how she came across the course and her experience with it. Read on to learn more about her challenges, learnings, and how they helped her pursue graphic design further. 

Here’s a brief overview of our conversation with her.

1. Yukta’s introduction
2. How did she develop an interest in Design
3. What made her choose AND
4. Walkthrough of her Brand Identity Project
5. Walkthrough of her Chikankari project 
6. Her thought process from the projects
7. Challenges faced during the project
8. Top three aspects she liked about AND
9. Her experience with the classes
10. Her current career aspirations
11. Her experience as an intern at AND
12. Major learnings from the experience
13. Advice to future AND learners
14. Would she recommend AND Academy to others 

Let’s get into it! 

Q1. Let’s start with a quick introduction. Would you like to share something about yourself, your background, and your hobbies?

Hi, I am Yukta Chaurasia. I am from Indore, Madhya Pradesh and currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering. My hobbies include design, obviously! But, I would say, it is more than a hobby now, it has become a passion. I really enjoy it and love the process of creating different types of designs.

I am interested in all types of arts and enjoy exploring different avenues through which I can use my creative energy. So, I love dancing and dabble a bit in photography, as well. I have an inherent appreciation for art and a special interest in design.

You have a great set of interests!

Q2. How did you discover your interest in Design? And what led you to Graphic Design in particular?

So, this one is an interesting story. As a child, I have always loved math because it is very logical. Everything in it makes sense. But, I also loved art. So, it was like two ends of a stick. Then, I discovered design - a beautiful amalgamation of the two. 

Art can be free, it is very independent and can go in any direction. There is a lot of freedom there. Graphic design, on the other hand, is very logical. There is always a point you are trying to make through it and nailing that really requires you to be logical. It is also very creative, like, designing all those graphic elements and placing them in a certain manner. It is like the perfect marriage of art and maths for me.

Apart from that, I also realised that a lot of things can be made better with graphic design. For example, people don't really read instructions and manuals on planes, or at least, they don’t go through them as thoroughly as they should. It is mostly because they find them boring as the images are not appealing. I think that can be changed with the help of graphic design. With its help, we can make these manuals more interesting and readable. 

So, graphic design was this perfect combination of art and logic, with very useful applications. And this led to my current interest in the field.

We absolutely love that analogy!

Q3. What motivated you to join AND Academy and made you choose the Graphic Design course here?

I was already searching for online graphic design courses but there weren’t many that provided what I was looking for. I researched a lot and found some places but none of their offerings satisfied me.

So, when you are on a website, you get this feeling like, yes, this is legit and will benefit me. I went through many websites but I just didn’t get that feeling. Probably because we are in this age of social media and capitalism, there just didn’t seem to be an actual emphasis on the education part. Many were offering recorded sessions and I was not interested in that. I just didn’t feel the passion from them that I myself feel for design if that makes sense.

I wanted to learn in real time. I wanted to learn from a place where I could get regular feedback. Somewhere I could learn and get my doubts solved. So, I kept on surfing the net and running queries on Google. And then one day, I finally came across AND Academy.

The website looked very promising and professional. For a graphic designer, branding matters a lot. It should be accurate and AND Academy’s website was really nice. The branding was on point and that was a real selling point for me.

Scrolling through the website, I found the course page with the list of mentors. They all had a good amount of experience and seemed to have a great skillset that is required to mentor students. Everything looked great and after getting in touch with the institute, I decided, okay, this is where I want to learn from. And that’s how I got into AND. 

We are glad you liked the website!

Q4. Now, let us talk about your Brand Identity Project. Would you like to take us through it?

So, this project was done in four phases. It was divided in a way that helped us focus on each phase properly. In retrospect, that really helped achieve the perfect result.

First came the ideation stage. In this phase, we had to ideate but only using words. We were not supposed to use any graphical elements. It had to be plain text. We had to create a brand identity project for an event. The first step was to determine what the event should be about - industry, target audience, location, etc.

I have heard a lot about the fashion industry and how much they value graphic designers. So, I thought having a project related to the fashion or beauty industry in my graphic design portfolio would be great. With that in mind, I started brainstorming about a fashion show that would showcase Indian fashion and how vibrant it is.

The first assignment was to decide our target audience and create their personas. My target audience was professionals working in the fashion industry. I really liked doing this part. I have also studied graphic design on YouTube and was aware of the basics. But this part really taught me how important it is to have a target audience as it helps narrow down the elements to use in the final project.

Event Description and Target Audience

Then, we did the brand identity iceberg, crafted by AND Academy, especially for the students. This is something we do in every project. You will not see it anywhere else. This is a unique exercise and we took almost two weeks to complete it. However, it was really worth it because it not only helped in the graphic design process but also provided an understanding of how branding and related elements work. It has also helped me understand how big brands do their branding on social media.

The next thing we did was visual research. I went through the existing fashion shows and understood how they did their branding. Based on that, I created a visual bank to portray the mood of the event.

Then, we did the Design Inception Worksheet which was reviewed multiple times. Prachi ma’am always emphasizes this process because it provides the context based on which we have to craft our project. Based on all my research, I created a mood board. I wanted the fashion event to have a modern feel but also carry traditional Indian values.

Visual Research for the Project

Then, I did some ideations which were very messy. We were encouraged to be as messy as we wanted to be as this stage was not about narrowing anything down. I created a lot of drawings and elements I wanted to be a part of the event. Once we were done, we were asked to choose what elements we wanted to use. This was the stage where we had to narrow things down based on what aligned with the brand values we created earlier. 

Logo Design Process

Then, we did the springboard and this was really interesting. We were told this stage is called a springboard because it makes you jump higher in your design journey. We were doing multiple things at once and had a whole format. It was really fun and helped me understand a lot of things.

We used to have detailed conversations about why we chose certain elements for our design, what they represent, etc. It was really intense but I also got to learn a lot.

Then, after all this was done, I finalized the name of my project. It is called ‘Aabha’ which means projections. Then, came the designing part. I chose font types and colors and also created logos, motifs, and brochures. It was challenging to choose one out of the many I created.

Logo Styles and Typefaces

I tried my best to mix the modern with the traditional in this project. Looking back, I can do a better job now but this project certainly was a great learning experience.

That was very comprehensive and creative.

Q5. You have done another Chikankari project and we have heard great praise about it. Would you like to share that with us too? 

Yes, so, I have this habit of revisiting my old projects. I am always trying to do something different with them. This Chikankari project was supposed to be in print and it was our first time doing something in print. I really liked this project because it was the perfect blend of text and design.

We were asked to incorporate visual elements that also complemented the text in the brochure. In this project, we were all given different textiles to work with and I was given Chikankari.

We were taught typesetting and how to align text with images. How to put adequate spaces and a lot of other technicalities. We were creating motifs and working with different typefaces to figure out what works the best.

There were a lot of practice tasks. We had to create brochures in A3 size and the whole process took a lot of effort. I created the design inception sheet and took inspiration from the designs in Chikankari that are very delicate and sophisticated.

There were many rounds of ideation, a lot of them messy. But then, ideations are supposed to be messy. After that, I created a mood board. The colour palette was mostly subtle pastel colours. So, I made the final brochure in a hurry because I had to meet the deadline. But I decided then that I would revisit this project later and I actually did!

Final Brochure

I revisited everything I had learnt and then used it to re-create motifs, logos and background designs. The current version of this project is a lot cleaner and I am more proud of it. 

It is great you could re-do the project to your satisfaction.

Q6. During this project redesign, what was your thought process and how did your learnings at AND help you?

So, the second time I was aware of all the places where I messed up the first time. The photos were not appropriate, for one. With the second attempt, I was a lot clearer on what I wanted to do and what mistakes to avoid.

The most important thing I learnt was that it is okay to mistakes. At AND, it is alright to mess up because someone will be there to help you and walk you through the whole process. Another important thing was that it is okay to have messy ideations. Your first attempts don’t have to be perfect. The second time, I was very conscious and I definitely learnt a lot from my mistakes.

The second time was the charm, then! 

Q7. What were your biggest challenges while working on these projects?

Oh, the biggest challenge was not to take criticism personally. We would peer review each other’s work and whenever someone would tell me this is not working, I would think how is this not working? Why would you think so? But then, I would take a minute or two to calm myself and realise that it is not about me, it is about the work. It is important to separate yourself from your work so that you can accept the criticism that will ultimately help you improve your designs. This was certainly my biggest challenge.

Another challenge was meeting the deadlines. I am not really used to submitting the work on time so it was a challenge. Like, to create good work that actually works within the prescribed time limit. The work has to be logical and practical and needs to be done before the deadline. It was quite challenging for me but I learnt to manage my time well due to this.

We are glad you got these valuable learnings.

Q8. What were the top three aspects about AND that had the most impact on you? 

The first aspect is the mentors. They are really professional and very experienced. Most importantly, they were always so kind. You know how teachers get frustrated when you are asking too many questions? None of that happened.  All my questions were answered very patiently. Nobody was rude and they were all very cooperative. Even if I talked for 20 minutes about my design, they would let me. They would never interrupt and listen patiently.

Also, in the review meetings, mentors always talked about the positive aspects of the design first. They got to the criticism gradually and very gracefully. They always gave me a reason for why they thought something wasn’t working and our review sessions were also very enlightening. We were given proper time slots of half an hour to get our work reviewed. It was a one-on-one meeting and the mentors were really supportive of it. They created a very comfortable environment so any nervousness dissipated and we could present our design properly.

Another aspect of AND that I really like is that the whole course is very organized. We use software like Teams, Miro, and Canvas. Anybody would get confused about what is where but everything was organised really well. It took me time to understand things but once I opened Canvas, I knew my money was in the right hands. Everything seemed set properly. The moment I logged in to my first class, I knew it was the best decision of my life.

We are glad you think so positively about the course.

Q9. Would you like to share something more about your experience with the classes?

Definitely! They were very interactive. Sometimes intimidating as well, because they would point you out and ask you to speak up. Mentors would ask us to share our opinions on a design or something else. But, it was actually a good thing as it helped me overcome my struggles with public speaking.

And since the mentors are really nice and always ready to help, it was overall a great experience. Even the other students were supportive. It felt like we were part of a community which made classes really great!

That’s nice to know!

Q10. What are your current career aspirations like? Where do you see yourself heading forward?

I want to work in a creative studio. I want to learn how work gets done there and what processes they follow. I'm only a beginner so, starting my own creative studio is not feasible right now. But, it is something I would love to pursue in the future. As of now, after I am done with my studies, I would love to work in a creative studio.

There are two industries I am specially interested in. The first is the animation industry where I would love to explore movie posters. The other is the fashion industry which has been an interest of mine for a while now. I would love to explore how they design campaigns and product launches. Both industries are very different but I would love to explore the scope of graphic design in both. 

That sounds like a plan!

Q11. Since we are on the topic of career, you are currently doing your internship with AND. How was this transition from a student to an intern for you?

It was very exciting but unexpected. So, I saw this opening on Linkedin and thought, let’s apply. It could do no harm. So, I applied and after two weeks, got a call from HR. I was asked if I really wanted to do this graphic design internship and how serious I was about it. I initially wasn’t sure about whether I would get selected or not. I really doubted they would hire someone like me who is just a beginner.

I was sceptical about it but then what Afrin ma’am told me completely changed my mind. She told me that they have full faith in me and what I have been taught here at AND Academy. This was eye-opening because it showed how much faith the staff had in what AND does. That gave me the confidence that I can work here and it has been a great journey! I learnt a lot and got to work on some great projects. It was a really enriching experience.

We are so glad you had a nice experience with us! 

Q12. Do you think what you learnt during your course helped you navigate the real-world challenges of being a graphic designer?

Yes, definitely! In a way, my learning also continued after the course, as I am also interning here. I have mastered meeting deadlines because they take that seriously here. Like, social media posts or anything else, they all have to go out on a certain date. So I love working here and am also learning how to manage my time efficiently.

And of course, I am working with very experienced designers on a variety of projects. What I learnt in the course has also helped me in my work here. Plus, what I have learnt during my internship is sure to help me in my career ahead.

It is great to know that you learnt so much here.

Q13. If you could offer advice to someone starting a similar journey, what would it be? 

My first suggestion is to have lots of patience. Design is a dynamic field and evolves continuously. So, you always have to keep up with the trends and new technologies. It is important to be patient and take your time exploring these things.

Also, always listen to your mentors and people who have more experience than you. They always have something to teach you. When you apply things you have learnt to your design, it actually shows. 

As for students planning to take this course, just be prepared. Just because it is an online institution, don’t think things are not serious. They very much are. If you want to jump five steps, they will make you jump ten. It will be hectic but every minute of it will be worth it. So, just be prepared because they will push you really hard and everything will be more than what you expect. It will definitely be one of the best learning experiences of your life. 

These are great pieces of advice!

Q14. Before we finish, would you recommend AND Academy to others based on your experience?

Yes, I already do. I had a great experience here. I recommend AND Academy to everyone who reaches out to me.

That’s great to know! Thank you so much for your time today, Yukta! We are delighted to know that AND could contribute meaningfully to your journey as a graphic designer. We wish you all the best for your future endeavours! 

Feeling inspired after reading about Yukta’s journey as a graphic designer? Explore the Graphic Design courses at AND Academy to start yours! Our flexible, stackable courses are suitable for learners of all skill levels. They enable you to start with an 18-week Certificate course and progress to a Diploma or PG Diploma course to gain more expertise and knowledge.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Course Advisors.

Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.