Rucha Ghadge

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Rucha Ghadge ("RG") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

RG : I am currently a third-year Graphic Design student at MIT Institute of Design, Pune, Maharashtra. I have been into art from a young age and originally wanted to pursue Fine Arts. A friend told me about Design education and after some intense research and some thorough convincing, I applied to and got into my current institute.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

RG : I have always had a passion for art and design gives me the opportunity to create works that can impact a multitude of people. I believe design has the power to create and dissolve communities and its quite incredible the innovations that people have come up with. To be a part of that, is what really drives me.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

RG : Chose to. India does not really have much of an exposure when it comes to design. Plus, the mindset of the people is to prefer science and related fields rather than arts so it took a bit of convincing for my parents to let me go into design but after that they have been nothing but supportive.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

RG : Right now, as a student I’m constantly learning about different opportunities in the field. I would like to explore design interventions in social issues in the future as that is something that I am yet to touch properly.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

RG : Keep exploring and building up their skillset. Always look for new opportunities and be dedicated.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

RG : Skills will come, the ability to innovate and come up with fascinating concepts is what makes it.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

RG : On the impact it creates. That is of course dependent on multitude of things – the thought, implementation, magnitude, current mindset and a lot of other things. So many times, we have seen things that have become cultural icons without it meaning to, just because it resonated amongst so many people. Now creating that level intentionally is insane work.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

RG : Design Interventions have the power to build, save, destroy, reimagine do whatever you want with people. We’ve seen effects both good and bad that smart design can do. So it’s important to invest in a tool that can help shape our communities better.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

RG : Would love to design for Sagmeister and Walsh, NY if I ever get the opportunity to.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

RG : 3d work and motion graphics. Till recently, I didn’t have the necessary requirements to successfully learn 3d work but I hope to start learning soon enough!

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

RG : Do what you believe in. If you work on something that you truly feel passionate about then it is bound to be one of the best.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

RG : Jessica Walsh and Paula Scher are two of my biggest icons.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

RG : Sagmeister & Walsh – Frooti and frooti fizz campaigns. The eclectic campaign somehow breathes a fresh air into Frooti while maintaining a relation to all of its variety of fanbase. The Maneki Neko Collection – Misha Petrick and Numerous studios. This is just an example of amazing collaborations and pure talent.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

RG : My postcard series – The Sisterhood Archives, has resonated with a lot of people and even if it does lack a little polish in terms of execution, people have still received it amazingly well. It honestly surprised me – the amount of attention it got.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

RG : I think it matters if you are dedicated or not. I’ve seen some really underperforming students push themselves to be great and some really talented ones waste away. If the inner drive isn’t there then it doesn’t matter how good you are.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

RG : I would have probably gone into either fine arts or commercial arts. If not, then writing or journalism.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

RG : I define it as a medium to give back to the world. Something that can empower people and enable solutions.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

RG : My family has been the quite supportive in my pursuit of design. My parents and my sister have always encouraged me to explore more avenues. My mentor Sunita Ma’am, really helped bring about a discipline in me. She also helped me train for design entrances. My college professors have also provided me with a lot of guidance.