Culture Trip
Culture Trip:
A Journey of Self Expression
Growing up as as a first generation Indian American, it was easy to feel like you didn’t belong to either culture. In this series, I strive to make connections through shared experiences by experimenting with copywriting, photography, and design.
Samosas Mimosas
A fun play on words that became a popular catchphrase that resonated with many members of the community. The shirts have sold out multiple times, and have been featured with the Phenomenal Women Action Campaign.
Not So Perfect Roti
There is a stereotype amongst South Asian women that you are only judged by the roundness of your roti and how perfectly it’s cooked. People have been conditioned to think that without this skill, you might not find a suitable husband and could bring shame to your family.
Turmeric Tips
Turmeric is an integral ingredient in Indian food and when you’re eating with your hands (which is how we eat) it will inevitably stain your fingertips neon yellow. Growing up, this was a guaranteed way to get made fun of. Ironically, this same ingredient is now trending. I have a love hate relationship with it, but I’ll take a Turmeric Tip Mani over a French Tip Mani any day.
ādara - to love, care, and regard
Weddings are a big deal in South Asian families because it is not only a celebration of you, but it’s a celebration of culture, traditions, and religion. Most South Asians I know would travel back to their homeland for wedding shopping since there weren’t enough options in the U.S.
As a designer, I decided to bridge the gap and create modern designs by incorporating traditional elements like religious idols and mantras in a new way. In doing so I was able to bring my passion to Hindu, Telugu, Gujarati, Punjabi, Christian, inter-cultural, and multi-cultural families wanting more representation in something as simple as stationery.
Motherland
In 2019, Priyanka Reddy was gang raped and burned to death in India. This sparked outrage all over the world but unfortunately it’s just one example of the many incidents with India’s history of violence against women and seeing the current rape culture.
CREDITS
As sole designer, I created concepts, designed, illustrated, produced, and art directed /photographed all aspects of these designs.
