Design Lota Angie & Sushi

In this episode, we talk about how we relate to ourselves as creatives, how our attitudes affect our mental well-being, and learn about the mindsets and habits that can help us find balance.



We discuss the need for finding our identity beyond the work that we do, though the two are often intertwined.  



We unpack the phenomenon of imposter syndrome and all its implications for us as creative practitioners. We go into the issue of comparison and share a few personal learnings and mindsets that have helped us be more confident as creative individuals. 



Nithya explains the irony of our quest for belonging and certification, while also desiring to be unique. We talk about how social media forums can be toxic and what a good community really looks like. 



We talk about how to build great mental health habits, as well as tips for first-responder care for both ourselves and our loved ones. 



We discuss the barriers to getting help and how designers can make a difference.



We conclude with some mindset tips on how we can be our own biggest asset.



Design Lota is hosted by designers Angeline Bhavya and Sushmita Charlu. 

In this episode, we talk about the external factors that affect our mental health as creatives, and learn about the mindsets and habits that can help us find balance.

We reflect upon the ways in which in the events this past year (2020) has challenged us and explore ways to feel more in control of our lives and work.

We lament the lack of work-life balance that most of us have as creative practitioners and Nithya tells us how we can be more intentional and present in our lives outside of work.

We discuss about the host of ambiguities that come with freelancing as designers, and how to manage both internal and external expectations.

We talk about the challenges in working in remote teams and how workplace politics can impact us as creatives.

We conclude with some mindset tips on how we can be our own biggest asset.

References:

Nithya, a mental health expert and theater artist is also the co-founder of Heart it Out https://www.instagram.com/heartitout/, an organization that aims to make mental health accessible.

Jerusha Isaac is an illustrator and art teacher.

Angie shares a quote from the book Productivity for Creative people by Mark McGuinness.

Nithya refers to the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Design Lota is hosted by designers Sushmita Charlu and Angeline Bhavya. Full transcripts can be found on our blog designlota.com. 

Intro music by Shankar Narayan

Aditi shares about her experience of working with textile producer groups remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic and marvels at the resilience of Indian craft. 

She shares her thoughts on the merits of unconventional fibers and manmade textiles, and also the issue of over-consumption.  

We talk about some applications of technology in textiles and Aditi tells us what excites her the most about textile design.

She gives us a 101 on collaborating with skilled craftspeople and the need for rapport. 

We conclude this episode with Aditi's list of inspiring textile artists and designers.

Full transcript in www.designlota.com

Design Lota is co-hosted by designers Sushmita Charlu and Angeline Bhavya

In this episode, we speak to Textile Designer Aditi Jain. Aditi tells us about her decision to pursue a career in textiles and the learnings picked up during her course.

She takes us through the process of  designing and making handloom textiles at Gandhigram where she currently works.

She talks about the subject of textiles as both art and science, and gives an example of the story beneath the surface of a fabric.

We discuss the barriers that prevent traditional textiles from mass adoption and the relevance of khadi in today’s context

We talk about plagiarism by fast fashion companies, as one of the dangers to traditional textiles and Aditi explains the distinction between inspiration and appropriation.

We wrap up part 1 of this episode reminiscing about craft exhibitions and their role in helping Indians discover textiles. Aditi stresses on the importance of reimagining craft retail online, and creating better support systems for artisans going forward.

Check out our blog designlota.com for more details and references.

Design Lota is co-hosted by designers Sushmita Charlu and Angeline Bhavya. Podcast music by Shankar Narayan.

In this episode, we speak to recent graduate, UX designer and Co-founder of Cmd+J, Anshuman Dhar who shares how mentorship can help newbies as well as seasoned designers.

Anshuman talks about how he moved from chemical engineering to UX design

Angie and Anshuman discuss how the definition of mentorship is changing and the power of community mentorship.

We note how design institutions have easy access to mentorship in the form of a rich network of different kinds of mentors to learn from.

Anshuman describes the gap that Cmd+j seeks to fill.

Young designers are looking for ‘someone like us’ who made it.

Mentorship is about giving back to the community.

As a mentee, assembling your own mentors by finding people who resonate with your unique journey can be powerful.

We look at best practices of reaching out to a mentor online.



Design Lota blog: designlota.com

Design Lota is hosted by designers Angeline Bhavya and Sushmita Charlu.

Podcast Music by Shankar Narayan

In Part 2 of this episode, Madhuri - Designer, and Host of the Hireworthy Podcast - gives us valuable insight about applying, positioning oneself and interviewing for a new career opportunity.

We discuss in depth, about how developing product thinking skills and understanding business can enable designers who wish to move into product management.

Madhuri also tells us why management may not be for everyone, and how to choose between IC and manager roles.

We debate about the relevance of the day-long interview format, and Madhuri lays out some of the parameters for ensuring an effective interview for both the parties.

She gives us insight into the best way to tackle those nerve-wracking contextual interview questions.

We talk about the emotional toll of the job hunt process, and how to practice self-care while improving our skills.

We conclude with strategies on how to stay relevant and employable even in the midst of a recession.



The transcript for this episode is available on designlota.com

Podcast music by Shankar Narayan

Podcast hosts: Sushmita Charlu and Angeline Bhavya