Sparking Creativity in the Classroom
My name is Pankti Shah, and my journey into graphic design began unexpectedly during my 11th grade in 2016. As a class representative, part of my duties included writing daily timetables on the blackboard. I found myself doodling and adding creative elements, inadvertently sparking my interest in design. Despite my initial uncertainty about my career path and a challenging academic journey through 12th grade, where I barely passed, my knack for drawing and creativity remained steadfast.
"Every artist was first an amateur." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
In February 2023, I began exploring different institutes, seeking a short-term course that would fit my aspirations. Financial constraints meant I started without a personal laptop, relying on lab facilities for the first four months. Despite these challenges, my role as a class representative and a go-to person for classmates continued, echoing my previous leadership experiences.
Discovering My True Calling After completing my BA in Economics, I found myself in the midst of the Covid-19 lockdown. Despite my initial pursuit of an MBA in HR through distance learning, I realized my true passion lay in design. After a brief break to celebrate family milestones, I started researching various design institutes and courses, determined to turn my passion into a profession.
Embarking on a Creative Quest
In February 2023, I began exploring different institutes, seeking a short-term course that would fit my aspirations. Financial constraints meant I started without a personal laptop, relying on lab facilities for the first four months. Despite these challenges, my role as a class representative and a go-to person for classmates continued, echoing my previous leadership experiences.
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." – Steve Jobs
Mastering the Art of Design
During a year-long diploma at TOPS Technologies, I immersed myself in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. From mastering Adobe Creative Suite—Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, XD, After Effects, and Premiere Pro—to learning CorelDRAW and Figma, the curriculum broadened my technical proficiency. Beyond software, I honed teamwork skills through participation in tech fests and overcame personal hurdles like mastering new concepts and presenting projects effectively to potential clients.
Freelancing Adventures!
Throughout the course, I envisioned having something of my own and feared that traditional job interviews might not align with my ambitions. Thus, I embarked on my freelancing journey—a path fraught with challenges beyond monetary rewards, including acquiring and retaining clients. Despite initial setbacks and financial losses on some projects, I persevered, gradually grasping the nuances of freelancing. While I'm still navigating these early years, I remain steadfast in my decision to pursue freelance graphic design. Amidst advice urging me towards stable jobs and comparisons with other designers, I understand my motivations and hurdles, confident in my journey towards becoming a successful freelancer.
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." – Albert Schweitzer
Charting the Path Forward
Today, equipped with a comprehensive skill set and a deeper understanding of design principles, my journey continues.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt
Navigating this path hasn't been easy, but every challenge has made me more resilient and committed to my craft. I'm excited about what the future holds and look forward to continuing this journey, creating unique and impactful designs for my clients.
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