Desi In Design

In this episode, Sravya Attaluri sits down with Sneha Shah, a London-based curator, art advisor, and founder of Curaty - a socially conscious art advisory focused on connecting people to meaningful art. With over a decade of experience in the art world, Sneha shares her path from studying fine art and art history to curating exhibitions and building collections for first-time buyers, institutions, and high-net-worth clients.Together, they explore how to enter the fine art industry, what a career in curation and art advisory actually involves, and how to start collecting art without a huge budget. Sneha also explains how funding works behind exhibitions, how the art market is structured, and offers candid insights on elitism and representation in the field.

In this special Desi in Design x Desi Bakes episode, Sravya Attaluri sits down with Hetal Vasavada, a California-based baker, food writer, and cookbook author celebrated for her innovative take on Indian-inspired desserts in her newest cookbook, Desi Bakes. With a background in biochemistry and a pivot from healthcare to food, Hetal shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a full-time creative entrepreneur. Together, they explore how she infuses South Asian heritage into her bakes, the importance of community and collaboration in the food world, and the creative process behind developing her cookbook.Hetal also reflects on embracing mistakes, the role of baking in mental health, and the significance of preserving traditional craftsmanship through food and design. Learn how she is helping redefine representation in the culinary industry, all while staying true to her roots.Keywords:Hetal Vasavada, Milk and Cardamom, Desi Bakes, South Asian desserts, baking and mental health, Indian-inspired baking, cookbook author, MasterChef, food styling, food photography, creative entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, textiles and design, women in food, recipe development, collaboration, Gujarati heritage, representation, slow content, desi creativity, baking as self-care.

In this episode, Sravya Attaluri sits down with Doaly, a UK-based graphic designer and digital illustrator known for his bold, conceptual storytelling approach to illustration. With over a decade of experience, Doaly shares his journey from leaving his UI/UX career to working with global brands like Marvel and Disney. Together, they discuss his creative process, the importance of cultural identity in his work, and iconic projects like the Wonder Woman poster. Doaly also reflects on balancing self-doubt, navigating licensing complexities, and his desire to create a legacy through his own comic character.

In this episode, Sravya Attaluri sits down with Hash, a London-based motion designer and 3D artist celebrated for his bold, colourful art that radiates fun and playfulness. With over a decade of experience, Hash shares his journey from studying engineering to carving out a career in motion design and 3D art. Together, they explore how he navigated cultural expectations, honed his design skills, and became a sought-after freelancer working with global brands. Hash also reflects on the importance of representation, his passion for personal projects, and how he’s helping to elevate South Asian creatives.

In this episode, Sravya speaks with Nikki Kotecha, a London-based tattoo artist known for her intricate ornamental designs inspired by her South Asian heritage. Nikki shares how her journey into tattooing was sparked by her mother’s Mehendi artistry and developed through years of apprenticeship and dedication. Together, they explore her apprenticeship journey, the challenges of establishing herself in the tattoo industry, and how she embraces cultural appreciation in her work. Nikki also reflects on her creative process, her love for creating symmetrical patterns, and the importance of building meaningful client relationships to enhance the tattooing experience.

In this episode, Sravya sits down with Murugiah, a British Sri Lankan multidisciplinary artist, celebrated for his vibrant and surreal creations that merge Western pop culture influences with South Asian heritage. His work spans art, design, architecture, and film, with themes of identity and duality at its core. In this episode, Murugiah shares insights on transitioning from architecture to art, navigating the creative industry, and finding a unique voice. Together, they discuss the value of personal growth, the role of agents, and his advice for aspiring creatives. Chapters 00:00 Creative Beginnings and Influences 03:08 Navigating Cultural Identity 06:00 The Journey to Finding a Unique Voice 08:56 Career Development and Challenges 12:05 Transitioning from Architecture to Art 14:51 Building a Portfolio and Gaining Recognition 17:47 The Role of Agents in an Artist's Career 21:02 Embracing Heritage in Art 24:13 Current Projects and Future Aspirations 26:57 Advice for Aspiring Artists

In this episode, Sravya Attaluri sits down with London-based painter and multidisciplinary artist Laxmi Hussain. Known for her signature use of blue, Laxmi’s work artfully blends abstract and realistic elements to explore themes of motherhood, identity, and the human body. She reflects on how her cultural roots and family memories shape her creative focus and approach to body representation. Together, they discuss the challenges of sharing deeply personal pieces, balancing commissioned work with creative freedom, and Laxmi’s belief that creativity is an innate part of human expression.

Welcome to Desi In Design, a podcast that celebrates South Asian artists and designers who are redefining creativity. Hosted by award-winning artist and creative director Sravya Attaluri, this show explores the unique journeys of creatives navigating cultural expectations, building careers, and embracing self-expression. In this trailer, Sravya shares her inspiration for creating Desi In Design and gives a sneak peek into the candid conversations and insights you can expect from each episode. Whether you're an emerging artist, a seasoned creative, or just curious about the world of South Asian art and design, there’s something here for you. Tune in and join us on this journey to celebrate and amplify South Asian creativity.