Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruchika Arora.
Hi Ruchika, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I was an artistic child from the very beginning. Colors, crafts, and decorating small corners of the house were my happy place. It all started during my summer vacation after I completed 10th grade. I visited my grandparents and got myself enrolled in a 2-month fashion illustration crash course to occupy myself during summer. My instructor at the center was a Fashion Designer and while teaching us the techniques she used to introduce us to little know-how about the fashion industry and clothing line. That was just the beginning of the journey I chose to pursue. During the time with my instructor, I realized that from our physical surroundings and infrastructure to the things we wear and buy, everything around us is embedded with design.
Though there were a few “why choose a creative career” questions as many had no idea what I could do with it in terms of employment opportunities. On the other hand, my dad encouraged me and said, “do what makes you happy”. So, heading in that direction, I decided to get qualifications in the field. I joined a 3-year Dress Designing and Garment Manufacturing course after 12th grade.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Just like any other journey, I have also faced a set of challenges. The biggest challenge I faced was when we relocated to America, and I wanted to work for myself instead of a 9-5 job to give time to our daughter. Without the support of my immediate family here in this country, it took me some time to figure out the possible ways of earning while being connected to my core field and yet able to take care of my family. But then soon enough I realized that One of the most valuable aspects of my career in design is the ability to create my own path.
I kept on working towards my goal, some days were tough some were good…I just kept patience and now when I look back and talk about my experiences it seems like a wonderful journey I have been on.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, I am teaching fashion design subjects (Fashion Illustration, Textiles, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop) at Le Fashion Lab (Fashion College), I give private lessons to young students, who aspire to become fashion designers and help them build their fashion portfolio for entering fashion schools. Along with I am also working as a design contractor at Target where I work to support the team of Target’s in-house brands. After 9 years of teaching and sharing my experiences in the garment industry with the students, I am now trying to widen my horizon and get into designing clothes again. I am planning on creating sustainable fashion designs, I want to develop design concepts that consider/care about potential environmental impacts.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I believe there is a huge scope for sustainable fashion designs in future.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruchi.a.arora
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/illustratoratwork
Image Credits
Le Fashion Lab
