Today we’d like to introduce you to Vishwa Shukla.
Vishwa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a kid, I was always in my own little world—quiet, observant, and completely absorbed in drawing and colors. Art was more than just a hobby; it was where I felt most like myself. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I always knew it had to be something creative—something where I could express myself through visuals. I loved adding color to my drawings, not just to make them pretty, but because it felt like I was bringing them to life.
Choosing to study fine arts felt like the most natural thing to me. My four years of undergrad were really about self-discovery. I learned not just about art and design, but about myself—what I cared about, how I saw the world, and how I wanted to share that with others. I became more curious, constantly asking “why”—why certain designs worked, why something made me feel a certain way. That curiosity kept pushing me forward, and it still does.
Eventually, I made the big decision to move from India to the U.S. to pursue my Master’s degree at the Maryland Institute College of Art. That time was truly magical for me. It completely opened my eyes—professionally and personally. I had incredible professors who helped me find clarity in my ideas and taught me how to communicate through design more intentionally. That experience gave me a whole new sense of confidence in my work.
After grad school, I joined Wall-to-Wall Studios in Pittsburgh. It was my first real step into the professional world, and I got to work with real clients on real challenges. I learned so much from the amazing team there—how to balance creativity with strategy, how to collaborate, and how to grow into the kind of designer I had always hoped to become.
Since then, I’ve worked on projects across different industries—healthcare, education, film festivals, and more. Each project has taught me something new. I’m still learning, still evolving—improving my technical skills, growing my network, and diving deeper into what good design really means.
More than anything, I feel grateful to be doing what I love. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I hope to keep pushing myself, keep growing, and keep telling meaningful stories through design.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road—but one that’s been full of growth. One of the biggest challenges was leaving my family and everything familiar behind to pursue a career path that was away home. Moving to a new country all by myself was tough, but I welcomed the challenge. I’ve always been an independent person, and I’m incredibly grateful to my parents for raising me that way. Their support gave me the strength to chase something bigger.
Living as an immigrant in a foreign country comes with its own set of difficulties. Starting out, it was hard to build a network and prove myself, especially when you’re just beginning your career and trying to find your place. Learning American culture and professional etiquette was a whole new experience for me. It took time to adapt, to understand how things work, and to feel confident navigating it all.
But I truly believe that no matter where you are, if your desire to grow and create is strong, things eventually start falling into place. Every experience—good or difficult—has shaped who I am today. I’ve always tried to embrace life with open arms, without regret. I also believe that who you are as a person deeply influences the kind of designer you become. My personal journey has given me a more layered understanding of life, and that often comes through in my design process and the way I think about creative work. I’m always seeking a deeper meaning—both in life and in what I create.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a multidisciplinary designer working across both print and digital media. My expertise lies in branding, packaging, editorial design, and on the digital side—web design, social media campaigns, and interactive experiences. I enjoy working across mediums because each one offers a different way to communicate, and that keeps the creative process exciting.
My design philosophy is all about delivering a clear message with a visual twist. I’m drawn to bold, thoughtful ideas that are rooted in deep research. I spend time truly understanding the subject I’m working on, and from there, I build creative solutions that feel meaningful and accessible to a wide audience.
My design philosophy is all about delivering a clear message with a visual twist. I’m drawn to bold, thoughtful ideas that are rooted in deep research. I spend time truly understanding the subject I’m working on, and from there, I build creative solutions that feel meaningful and accessible to a wide audience.
One of my favorite graduate projects was for The Next Wave Festival at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), created under the guidance of professors Shiva Nallaperumal and Juhi Vishnani. I designed an accordion-fold brochure in grayscale, combining optical illusion and clean typography to present the event schedule and details. This project was recognized with an AIGA FLUX Award and also honored by GDUSA’s 60th Anniversary Awards in 2023.
Another favorite, also done under the mentorship of Shiva and Juhi, is The Senator Theater Calendar—a revival film calendar designed in an Art Deco style with a gold gradient and black palette. Featuring custom illustrations structured within a strict grid, the calendar was printed and distributed to real audiences through a collaboration with the theater. Seeing people hold something I designed was unforgettable. That project was also honored with an AIGA FLUX Award, which made it even more special.
Professionally, I’m proud of my work on the Bedford Falls Foundation brand at Wall-to-Wall Studios. BFF is a private philanthropic organization focused on nursing education and other causes. Inspired by It’s a Wonderful Life, the identity features a minimalistic logo, elegant typography, and a calming blue palette with yellow accents. I helped shape the brand’s integrated identity and website design, now live.
To me, design is an ever-evolving journey. The more you grow, the deeper your understanding becomes—especially now, with the influence of AI, shifting trends, and the fast pace of social media. To stay relevant, you have to keep learning while also staying true to your principles and creative foundation.
What sets me apart is how personally connected I am to my work. I pour my heart into every project—my blood, sweat, and tears. My designs aren’t just solutions; they’re reflections of who I am. And when you’re that connected to your work, the art you create becomes something pure. Because it comes from within.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, I dream of starting my own design studio—one that isn’t just about making things look beautiful, but about creating work that truly means something. I want to design with purpose, to create things that connect with people on a deeper level and actually make a difference. Design has so much power, and I want to use it to give back, to support causes that matter, and to serve humanity in whatever way I can.
Personally, I hope to keep growing—becoming stronger, more grounded, and more spiritual. I’m always searching for deeper meaning, both in life and in my work. I believe that how we live our lives shows up in what we create, so I want to live with intention, empathy, and curiosity. And I want to keep learning and growing alongside others who are passionate about making the world a better place through creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vishwakshukla.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishwakshukla/
