In our conversation with Rubina Rajan, she shares her experience of pursuing a graphic design course at AND Academy. Read on as we delve deeper into her challenges and learnings.
“I had my doubts but the classes ended up being very interactive and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed the activities we did in class!”
In this edition of Student Journeys, we are interacting with AND Learner, Rubina Rajan. She is currently pursuing a Diploma in Graphic Design and will be discussing her experience with us in this blog. Let’s explore her learnings, challenges, and overall experience at AND Academy along with her future career aspirations!
Here’s a brief overview of our conversation with her.
- Rubina’s background
- Her transition from Wildlife Sciences to Graphic Design
- What motivated her to choose AND Academy
- A walkthrough of her Brochure project
- Her thought process behind the project
- Challenges she faced while working on the project
- Her experience with the classes and mentors
- How she manages her time while working as a Freelancer
- Top 3 aspects of learning she likes at AND
- Her career aspirations
- Her advice for future AND Learners
Q1. Let’s start with a little introduction. Can you share a little bit about yourself, your background, hobbies, etc.?
Hi, I'm Rubina, and my background so far has been a mixed bag. I started my journey in a completely different field. I have completed my master's in wildlife science. Nature and the natural world have been my inspirations for the longest time. But, I also loved art as a kid; it has been an on-and-off thing. However, for the last 3-4 years, I have started doing art more frequently and with greater enjoyment. I really like the process of creating something and most of my art is nature-inspired, obviously. I do a lot of small projects like illustrations and t-shirt designs for nature magazines, NGOs, etc.
My educational background is in science but I wanted to do something that is sort of a middle ground between art and science. Graphic design is perfect for that! So, I decided to upskill myself and learn the skills needed to excel in the field.
You have a very interesting background!
Q2. Would you like to elaborate a bit more on this transition from Wildlife Sciences to Graphic Design?
So, it was very challenging initially. I knew the various aspects of design interested me. Like, when I am reading or looking at something - the color palette, the signs, I make a mental note of all that. But, I had no idea that I had been keeping at the back of my mind was actually so elaborately planned and designed!
My background in science has equipped me with strong research skills. Those are definitely coming in handy. When you are faced with a problem around branding, you need to analyze it and then research the market trends, etc. to get a solution. So, in that way, my educational background helps me create mindful designs. There are some overlaps, but most of the things are entirely new.
What I am really enjoying is using my technical knowledge and combining it with art. I would like to translate scientific information into easily digestible content via graphic design. I want to make scientific concepts understandable for laymen as well, not just the people in the science community. That’s something I would like to explore further!
Your idea of combining the two fields is really great!
Q3. So, what motivated you to choose AND Academy to pursue a Graphic Design course?
I had been thinking about doing a course for some time and working as a freelance graphic designer on some small projects I got via contacts. As I worked more on these projects, I realized a few things. First, I wanted to learn more and apply for a full-time graphic design job. Second, I will need some kind of qualification to be able to do that.
I know you can learn anything from YouTube nowadays and there are so many courses on platforms like Coursera. But, I work really well when there is a structure. I liked it better when there was a step-by-step plan that I could follow instead of the pick and choose whenever you want to start type of approach.
I wanted to do a full-time course but I did not want to spend the kind of time needed for a Bachelor’s or Master’s. I did not want to put in 3-4 years, I wanted something that would be useful and quicker. And while searching, I stumbled upon AND Academy.
Initially, the online and part-time aspects worried me a little. I am a very hands-on type of person and I spent my Master’s doing online classes, which weren’t very enjoyable. I prefer face-to-face interactions more than online classes. So, I was very skeptical about the whole thing.
But, I decided to give it a try anyway. I spoke to a counselor and they gave me all the information I needed. The flexibility and the option to stack the courses really interested me. So, I just decided to dive in. I knew once I paid for it, I would just have to do it. And the stackability option enabled me to see how it was all working out for me. And dare I say, it’s been working wonderfully!
We are glad AND Academy turned out to be exactly what you were looking for.
Q4. Now, let us talk about your Brochure project. Would you like to give us a walkthrough of it?
This was a very exciting project. We were supposed to pick an Indian art form from the list we were given. I was very confused about which one to pick but I decided to go with Gond, as it is an art form inspired by nature. It was perfect as I am very drawn to nature and animals. I had also seen Gond before at an exhibition in Delhi and it really drew me in. So, I thought okay, let’s pick that one!
Project Brief
There is also a lot of history behind this artform and coincidentally, we were also supposed to create a brochure for an event that was about storytelling. It seemed like the perfect combination. After choosing the art form, we started with our research. We created mind maps and I went into ample detail about every aspect - what should be the visual language? What lines and colors are to be used? How are the colors made? What is the material? What is the meaning of this and that? Doing all that was eye-opening. I had no idea so much went into designing!
Motifs and Color Palette
Then, we broke it down further with the design inception sheet, where we looked at different things, like what type of patterns to use for the design. So, Gond art has this repeating pattern. Eventually, I found out it is actually quite simple, like, it is mostly an outline that is filled in. It was like an outline where we were filling in the intricate details. It was all very unique as every artist had done something of their own to make the pieces stand out. So, I went on to finalize colors and patterns to use, and other stuff.
This process made me have a newfound respect for traditional artists and their work. Nowadays, everything can be made on machines so, it was humbling to see how artists made such brilliant designs with their hands which must have taken years of practice to master.
Next, we went on to digitize the motifs we saw in the paintings, isolating the colors that work well, creating layouts, etc. I wanted the event to be for pre-teens so, I started designing my brochure accordingly. I went for a storybook kind of layout. It was like a book that kids could open and I used bright colors and engaging characters.
Brochure layout
Next, we did some messy ideations for the cover page and invite. I created characters like snakes, ten-headed animals, etc. But the challenge was to fit the text in the tiny space I was left with. It was like a sudden reality check but the whole design process was really enjoyable. Figuring out the text, finding places to fit it in, and creating a story out of it all! Especially, since I like writing and enjoy Children’s Literature.
The first digital draft
I came up with a small story about a monster plaguing a village. I used my background in science to do some additional research for that. So, in a way, this project pretty much combined everything I enjoy so, it was very fun. I also took inspiration from an NGO I used to work with as they focused heavily on the relationship between nature and humans. So, the monster in my story was not really a monster, more like a forest spirit. And built it up from there.
The final brochure has three spreads and the printed version of it was so interesting to me. Like, the way it folded in my hands and you could see everything, was amazing.
The final brochure
I also created collaterals for the kids such as t-shirts, name tags, and a storybook. Overall, I really enjoyed working on this project.
Collaterals for the event
The effort and creativity you put into this project are admirable!
Q5. Can you elaborate a bit more on your thought process behind the project? What was going through your mind when working on these ideations?
Initially, when I got the project, I was confused about how to approach it. There were just so many ways for one to go about it. So, I narrowed down my target audience and worked on creating something that would appeal to them. And at the same time, it should be something that would stay true to the Gond art form.
We learn a lot about different art forms in the classes and how to use them. We learn how to change the art forms to fit our style but also, how to limit that change, so, it does not lose its authenticity. The art I chose aligned with what I believe in so, I was like, okay, this will be easy for me.
The brochure spread
I used inspiration from nature and adapted Gond's art for this purpose. I wanted children to learn more about nature and how to live in harmony with it. This purpose helped me engage a lot more with the process of creating this project. I came up with many ideas and there was a lot of back and forth about colors, font types, font size, images, etc. It was a lot of trial and error. Some things worked out wonderfully while others did not.
Font details
I printed the brochure out to see how the fonts looked. If the text was readable and if all the elements I used aligned with the graphic design principles taught in the class. It is said that until you apply what you learn, you won’t understand the full extent of it. So, I made a conscious effort to include as many of these principles in my work as possible. I tried out a lot of things I personally don’t do like trying new color combinations, etc. All these elements helped me create a work of art out of the messy ideations on the paper!
Your thought process and efforts are commendable!
Q6. What were some of the challenges you had to deal with when working on this project?
Talking of challenges, initially, it was my own shortcomings. Like learning something entirely new from scratch without a background in it. I had high expectations of myself. I wanted to understand everything instantly and I was also comparing myself with my peers. Like, they got it, why didn’t I get it? I was putting a lot of pressure on myself which slowed me down.
But then, I decided to slow down and give myself time to learn things. I stopped focusing on what I missed and what didn’t work out. I started focusing more on the learning aspect than the final outcome
Another challenge was managing this course with everything I had already going on. I was working with an NGO but then I decided to take a break to focus on the course. I also take art classes for kids and do freelance work. So, managing all of this was certainly a challenge.
Then, learning graphic design software like Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator was a challenge. I am someone who needs time to learn new technologies. But, with the support from mentors, I am pacing myself quite well, I think.
Now, as for my learnings, I think I learned so much here. Earlier, when I looked at a magazine I’d flip through it. Now, I look at the grids and fonts, like, I'm spending 10 minutes on one page analyzing it!
What I learned here has worked out wonderfully for me. Why is why I agreed to do this call as well because I genuinely feel the course is great. The first module was overwhelming. But, after that, the way everything was explained and the processes were eased out for us, it really helped.
You have had some mighty challenges and mightier learnings, it seems,
Q7. How is your experience with the classes and mentors so far?
At first, I had many doubts. I was not sure if the classes would be engaging. Like, will it be interactive or it will be like those YouTube videos where one person just keeps talking and you keep listening, without any interaction? I was worried it would not work for me. But when the classes actually started, I was really surprised.
The classes were really interactive! There were a lot of small activities that would break the monotony. We were given small tasks that we would upload and get instant feedback on. The real-time feedback made the whole experience very engaging.
Also, for bigger tasks, there were proper timelines. We were given ample time to complete assignments. The deadlines were communicated clearly and in advance. As I said, I work well in structure and timelines, so, this approach helped me learn a lot. I applied a lot of this to my freelance work as well. Like, how to do things methodically, documenting what I am doing right and wrong, and understanding why I did what I did - it has overall been very useful.
I also realized the benefits of a part-time, online course. I am able to do a lot of things I otherwise wouldn’t have time for if I was doing a full-time course. I save a lot of time and money on travel which has enabled me to afford this course myself. So, despite preferring in-person classes, this has been a great experience.
Also, the mentors are very accessible and encouraging. The classes are very well-planned, like, there is a nice flow to them. You are introduced to a topic and then you are shown examples. Then, you are given tasks to explore the topics further which you do with your peers in class. There is a set pattern but the mentors still take time to answer questions. They also always take some extra time at the end to discuss things and tell us how we can tag them on our Miro boards for feedback.
The mentors give a great starting point and tasks help us retain information even after the class is done. Of course, you need to learn things yourself too but with the learning supplies they provide, it becomes much easier. You don’t have to worry about where do I go from here, the pathway is pretty much made clear. I think the way they plan everything is great!
We are delighted to know you liked the course structure!
Q8. How do you manage your time with this course and the work you do as a freelancer?
I have to be honest here, some days are really hard. On these days I feel like I can’t do this anymore. It feels really heavy because you know, you have to manage your day so much and keep up the energy till 11 in the night.
Some days, the classes are ending and before you know it, it is morning again, a fresh task list is at hand and there are classes again. But, I have been adjusting. Sometimes, I have to miss one of my classes to do my tasks. Other times, I stay up late and complete my work. I don’t really like staying up at night but sometimes, you just have to make sacrifices to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself.
This is not something my parents wanted me to do. The decision to enroll in this course has been completely mine. So, I take this very, very seriously. It is like, if I said I will do something, then I just have to do it. I have made up my mind about this so, I am going to give my hundred percent to it. Yes, it is tough but my conviction keeps me going.
Your grit is truly amazing!
Q9. What are the top 3 aspects of learning you like at AND?
The first has to be the interactiveness. Between classes, we would take breaks and there were tasks and group activities that kept us engaged. We also had very productive one-on-one feedback sessions with mentors.
Each module was taught with a step-by-step approach. We were explained each step of how to go from A to B, which was great. It helped a lot.
Also, the way the course is designed is pretty good too. How each module leads to the next has a flow to it. It does get hectic and is difficult to manage at times. We were told the course was extensive before we started and it really is. You will certainly need strong time management skills to pursue this course if you also have something else going on!
We are glad you are finding the course useful and worthy of all your efforts!
Q10. So, let’s talk about the future. What are your current career aspirations like?
In my previous field, I have substantial work experience. But, here, I have no prior work experience except for the freelance work I have done. I have never worked with a design company or studio but that’s my goal for now. My long-term goal is to start something of my own. I would like to get some experience before that though.
I already have a small business where I create custom portraits, T-shirt designs, and illustrations. It is like an extension of my freelance work. I would like to set this business up on a larger scale and pursue it full-time. Also, I want to work at a place where I can combine science and art.
So, I guess the plan is to use the current year for learning and planning, the next two years for working and gaining experience, and after that, pursuing my dreams and personal goals.
You seem to have a great plan for the future!
Q11. Finally, what advice would you give to someone wanting to study at AND?
I'll think of this answer as if I am advising myself. The first piece of advice would be to not be afraid to start at the beginning. Be easy on yourself and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Trust yourself and give it your everything. Don’t do it half-heartedly.
Also, make the most of what you are getting. Like, we get software classes in the beginning to help us become proficient in the use of various tools. I think they were really helpful and amazing. The mentors were patient. I never had to think twice before asking a question. So, make the most of it. The learning material we got was also very helpful.
If you're enrolling in the course, just take everything you are being given and then do more with it. See the tutorials they recommend and keep upgrading yourself. Also, learn how to manage your time well. Time management is a skill that you will need the most and that will also come in handy!
That’s some great advice. Thank you for your time today, Rubina. We are delighted you are having a great time learning at AND! We hope the course will keep adding value to your journey of becoming a graphic designer. Wishing you the best for all your future endeavors!
Inspired after reading Rubina’s journey? Here is your chance to make your graphic design dreams come true with our range of Graphic Design courses at AND Academy! Our courses are flexible and stackable, suitable for learners of all skill levels. You can start with an 18-week Certificate course and progress to a Diploma or PG Diploma 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.
