Design has the power to transform everyday objects into something special, thus balancing creativity with practicality !
Sampa Choudhury, our next pathbreaker, Industrial Designer at a design export house, focuses on mass manufacturing in order to develop high-quality, well-designed products that are accessible to a broader audience.
Sampa talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about one of her most memorable projects where she worked on designing a chandelier , and experimented with curved forms to blend functionality with elegance.
For students, if you want to be a good designer, make sure your designs are not just cool but also useful and functional. Good design solves problems in real life.
Sampa, can you explain your background to our young readers?
I grew up in the historic city of Varanasi, a place rich with traditional crafts, art, and music. Despite being surrounded by this cultural vibrancy, I was raised in a conservative Bengali family with no background in design or the arts. My father was a software developer, my mother a teacher, and my grandmother a nurse. As an only child, it was expected that I would pursue engineering, especially since my father excelled in mathematics—a subject I disliked. I have loved to do art since I was a kid and used to draw every day.
Tragically, I lost my father at an early age, which made my journey toward a design career even more challenging. My family, driven by the belief that engineering was the only secure career in India, became more controlling. Despite these obstacles, my passion for design never wavered. I remained committed to following my passion, even when it seemed impossible.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
I graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
My time at NIFT provided me with a robust foundation in various aspects of design and exposed me to a network of creative professionals, significantly shaping my career path.
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional career in Industrial Design?
As a teenager, I developed an immense interest in photography and often explored the ghats of Varanasi. This pursuit allowed me to meet many creative photographers, as Varanasi is a renowned site for photography. These interactions further fuelled my creative aspirations and deepened my appreciation for visual storytelling.
The turning point came when I continuously performed poorly in mathematics while I was in school. My struggles with the subject reached a point where I started hating myself. However, despite being bad at math, I still enjoyed creating and developing small prototypes or gadgets that performed specific tasks, like small physics projects. I realized that for me it was more about making things and seeing them work, rather than solving equations. This realization reinforced my belief that my true passion lay in the creative arts.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path
My journey into the design field began with self-preparation for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam. I dedicated myself to studying rigorously and honing my skills, which ultimately led to my success in clearing the exam and securing a place at NIFT.
I knew that gaining hands-on experience and building a solid foundation in design were crucial steps. I approached this by seeking different freelance work like graphic design which includes designing social media posts, posters and other marketing graphics on computer software like adobe photoshop, then making digital illustrations, drawings and artworks, photographing products for designers etc. I got these works through making contact with college alumni and seniors. I started freelance in the third semester. In design colleges, there is a mandatory industry project called the “Graduation Project” in the final year. Design students have to work with the industry and design products for them which will be launched and sold in the market within the graduation project time period. If you want to choose which designer to work for, go for the one who truly inspires your heart and soul.
My graduation project started in a lighting design studio. In a design college, a particular stream whether it is fashion design, or product (Industrial) design has to be decided before taking admission. Different people have different mediums which makes them passionate and confident. I liked functional and tactile objects, so I chose to pursue product design while graphic design was my minor subject in college. Making digital artwork and photography was more like a hobby to me.
Networking with professionals, attending industry events, and staying engaged with the design community have been crucial in expanding my opportunities.
India Design Week—the first event where I saw the design industry live in front of my eyes—and engaging with the design community have been essential in expanding my opportunities and staying informed about industry trends.
How did you get your first break?
I invested considerable effort in building a strong portfolio that showcased my skills and projects. This portfolio became a crucial tool in presenting my capabilities and landing myself a graduation project with my admired industry designer.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
At first, it was really challenging for me to work when my graduation projects started. The industry works very differently from how we are used to designing in college. The expectations, pace, and practical constraints of real-world projects were a significant shift from the academic environment.
Making a product that actually functions and is sellable is difficult, to be honest. The challenge was to ensure that my designs were not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, market-ready and resonate with the brand I am working for.
I started gaining momentum from one product which was a chandelier – completed it successfully and have not stopped until today. However, maintaining this momentum and consistency in my work was a continuous challenge because there are a lot of things starting from material, production, demand and timing is a huge factor.
Timing is a challenge in the whole process, and one needs to understand which part comes first and what goes in parallel within the whole design process.
I have faced challenges in the industry while collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying mindsets. In contrast, during time in college, we primarily work on group projects with familiar peers, such as classmates and batchmates, within an environment that is heavily focused on design, creativity, and open-mindedness. The shift to the industry often involves adapting to different perspectives and approaches and it is very crucial to learn communication as it adds to your growth also. Especially, in internships, it forms a foundation of your personality which you will need to carry on further.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
My initial entry into the industry involved working under a designer, a pivotal experience that significantly reshaped my perspective on design and provided me with valuable insights into the real world. Currently, I am employed at a design export house to gain experience in mass manufacturing, as I believe that a well-rounded design career benefits from exposure to various industries.
To succeed in the design industry, essential skills include proficient mock-up creation, staying updated with the latest CAD software, and a hands-on approach to these tools. Strong communication and presentation skills are crucial, as is developing robust research abilities. Research skills, in particular, improve with experience, so continuous practice is necessary to ensure accuracy and relevance. Additionally, analyzing design trends and understanding how consumerism is changing with the time, what are the factors which are influencing consumerism. Above all, problem-solving remains a critical skill in navigating the complexities of the design field.
How does your work benefit society?
My work benefits society by addressing real-world needs and enhancing quality of life through thoughtful design. By creating practical and innovative solutions, I contribute to improving functionality, aesthetics, and user experience across various products and services.
For example, in the design export house where I am currently employed, my focus on mass manufacturing helps ensure that high-quality, well-designed products are accessible to a broader audience. This not only supports consumer satisfaction but also fosters economic growth and creates job opportunities.
Furthermore, my emphasis on research and understanding design trends allows me to anticipate and address evolving needs and preferences, ensuring that my work remains relevant and beneficial to society. Ultimately, by solving problems and enhancing user experiences, my work contributes to making everyday life more efficient, enjoyable, and sustainable.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
One of the most memorable projects I worked on was designing a chandelier where I experimented with curved forms to blend functionality with elegance. This project was special to me because it allowed me to explore how innovative shapes can enhance both the look and practicality of a design.
I had a lot of fun playing around with different curves and materials, which led to a truly unique piece that not only looked beautiful but also lit up the space effectively. This project was a turning point for me, as it taught me how to balance creativity with real-world functionality.
It was incredibly rewarding to see how my design could transform an everyday object into something special. This experience gave me deeper insights into the design process and reinforced my passion for creating pieces that are both visually stunning and useful. It remains close to my heart as a prime example of how thoughtful design can make a meaningful impact.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Here’s my advice to students, keeping it simple:
1. Stay Curious: Always ask questions and dig into why things work the way they do. Curiosity helps you learn and discover new ideas.
2. Experiment and Play: Don’t be afraid to try out different materials and approaches. Playing around with your designs can lead to unexpected and cool results.
3. Get Feedback: Share your work with others and listen to their thoughts. Feedback helps you improve and grow as a designer.
4. Balance Creativity with Practicality: Make sure your designs are not just cool but also useful and functional. Good design solves problems and works well in real life.
Keep these in mind, and you’ll be on a solid path in your design journey!
Future Plans?
For the future, I’m excited to dive into new design areas and keep learning. I want to focus more on new materials and sustainability because I think it’s really important to create things that are both innovative and good for the environment.
I also hope to collaborate with different industries and designers to get a variety of experiences and bring fresh ideas to my projects. Eventually, I’d love to take on roles where I can help and mentor up-and-coming designers, sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
My main goal is to keep pushing the limits of design, learning new things, and working on projects that truly make a difference.
