My Idea of Success Is Not About the End Result but the Process in Between

I want to be a design activist where I can make some impact with my works.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Myself, Sahil Dev aka Designer Banda, a Branding & UI/UX Designer based in New Delhi, India. I am working in the design field for the last 3 years and have worked with 100+ startups and business on a variety of projects. By education, I have done mechanical engineering (IDD) from IIT-BHU, Varanasi.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be a Digital creator/illustrator?

During the final year, I saw some of the good minimalistic works of Akshar Pathak & The Minimalist. It inspired me to explore minimal designs. It took me one & a half years to finally decide that I want to pursue a career in design. There were a few ups and downs. Still, I went with my decision.

3. What is the role and scope of work for a graphic designer?

Graphic Design is a multidimensional field where we have a range of job profiles and a variety of works. In design, either we solve problems or communicate a message in a more impactful and effective way. It's not about only creating high-quality visuals but to communicate the right message or serving the right purpose. The scope of work depends on how technology will shape in the coming future.

4. Where do you get inspired to create art?

I take inspiration from my surroundings only. Apart from my professional work, I talk about issues and event that matters via minimal posters, and for that, I take inspiration from real-life only. I observe things closely and try to find something more in it.

5. Who is your favourite artist and why?

I like the works of Noma Bar, an illustrator, and designer based in London. He creates powerful negative space posters using very minimal elements. In the coming future, I am going to integrate his design style with my ideas.

6. What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?

My idea of success is not about the end result but the process in between. I want to be a design activist where I can make some impact with my works. These are a few words by my favorite artist, Noma Bar that motivates me a lot:

"As designers we have power. If I can use my pen to say things, to affect or change realities, I will."

7. Which are some of the tools and software that a graphic designer must be aware of?

I repeat tools/software aren't that important but the ideas that you bring to the table while working on any project. Still, a lot of people ask me for the same.

Adobe Illustrator: Good for vector work, Branding & Illustration

Adobe Photoshop: Image editing, mockups, and presentations.

Figma: User interface design & prototyping

8. What kind of book do you prefer to read?

I am not much of a book reader. Apart from a few designing books, I enjoyed The Subtle Art of not giving a F*ck & Zero to One. Currently, I am reading Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari.

Sahil Dev - Graphic Designer

Interview by - Rupali Rawat