Today we’d like to introduce you to Revati Damle.
Hi Revati, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have always been into art since my childhood. I learned Kathak (An Indian classical dance form) and excelled in it for about 12 years. When it came to choosing my career, it was a no-brainer. I wanted to do something in design. I did my BFA from Mumbai, India, in Applied/commercial Arts. After graduating, I started working as a graphic designer before moving to Atlanta to do my MFA in graphic design and visual experience from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road for me. I always suffered from imposter syndrome which made me feel that I wasn’t good enough and made me lose confidence in my work. Over the years, I was blessed with amazing professors and colleagues who have helped me gain confidence and be the designer I am today. I have learned to harness my skills as a graphic designer, and I often hone into them whenever I am designing anything. I am a very detail-oriented person, which I initially thought was not the best quality, but it has definitely helped me in my career to produce quality work every time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am Graphic designer who loves to take inspiration from my Indian cultural roots. Having learned Kathak for so many years and seen Indian art while growing up, I always questioned and wondered how I, as a graphic designer, can include more of my cultural roots in my day-to-day design work. Design has always been my passion and a mode of expression. I started out having experience in print design and slowly moved to be a multidisciplinary designer. I am an award-winning graphic designer who loves being detail-oriented and enjoys working on infographics, print publications, storyboarding, and digital and social media graphics. I enjoy challenging myself and exploring new styles in design.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Learn to believe in yourself. I wish this was something someone told when I was starting out. As graphic designers it is easy to compare ourselves to others and not feel the best about our work. As time proceeds and our work experience increases, our design grows, and we become who we are. We start honing ourselves and our design styles. It’s all about being patient and enjoying what you do. Inspiration is all around, and sometimes it’s okay to just go with the flow.
