Today we’d like to introduce you to Rutu Shah.
Hi Rutu, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Growing up in vibrant Gujarat, India, I was immersed in a rich culture that ignited a profound curiosity about the world. This curiosity eventually propelled me from my Indian roots to Malaysia and later to the awe-inspiring skyscrapers of Dubai, where my professional journey in Interior Design began.
Even as a child, I marveled at how spaces were transformed into homes, malls, and more! Each space seemed to narrate a unique story through its design, and moving around often only amplified this fascination. I’d constantly wonder how the design choices shaped feelings within a space and how it held a uniqueness to it. This early curiosity about how design shapes our experiences of a space stayed with me.
My experience in Dubai ignited a passion for crafting beautiful and functional spaces. However, the design world is vast and ever-evolving. The pandemic presented a unique opportunity for self-discovery after I was laid off, and I found myself fascinated by the world of graphic design. This newfound passion led me to SCAD, where I’m currently pursuing a Masters in Graphic Design and Visual Experience. Being surrounded by inspiring individuals and diverse perspectives at SCAD has made my journey both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The endless possibilities of design keep me passionate and excited for what the future holds.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Hardship is inevitable when you’re going against the grain and pursuing a life of creative autonomy and making that your livelihood. Before the pandemic, I encountered setbacks in securing a stable position as an interior designer despite my passion for the field. Amid the pandemic’s chaos, a startup extended an enticing offer that nudged me into the world of graphic design.
Enrolling at SCAD was truly transformative, opening doors to endless possibilities and new learning experiences. However, getting used to a new place and people, excelling academically, and being homesick was undoubtedly overwhelming. Balancing the demands of academia, work, and personal life has been a constant juggling act being a mother. Nonetheless, each obstacle has only fueled my determination to succeed and evolve both personally and professionally.
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?
Having been exposed to different cultures at an early stage, from India, Malaysia, Dubai, and now to the USA, these adventurous journeys totally shaped who I am today. It helps me bring a global perspective to everything I design – whether it’s for a space or a website.
A recent highlight for me was the opportunity to work on a data visualization project under the mentorship of Professor Holly Quarzo. The data visualization covers a six-week timeframe, presenting insights into calls made with my baby and the fluctuating emotional states I experienced before, during, and after these calls. It integrates my thoughts, concerns regarding being physically distant from her, and my aspirations for her. It shows how this separation provides an opportunity for me to prioritize my well-being, allowing me to focus on aspects of self-care and personal development that I wouldn’t typically have time for. This experience was a path to self-discovery after becoming a mom, and in terms of design it helped me broaden my strategic thinking skills.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Despite years of uncertainty and hardships faced for stability, I’m grateful to my parents for their sacrifices, which taught me how to stubbornly fight for my dreams. Being able to learn about new things every day and share my creativity with others is what brings joy to me.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rutushah17/
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Portfolio: https://www.rutushah.com/
