Artist Interview: Roochita Chachra of Designs by Roochita

I am so excited to share this interview with you. I’ve been following Roochia on Instagram for a while now and was so thrilled when she agreed to be interview number two in this series. She recently won Spoonflower’s Pattern Clash Design Challenge! Congrats!

Be sure to read her answer to question 4, it’s really good!

Follow Roochita on Instagram: @DesignsByRoochita

Tell us about your art practice (if you have one) and the type of designs you create. 

With a Commercial Arts degree under my belt, my passion lies in all things vector and Adobe Illustrator. However, my creative interests extend beyond digital design to include drawing and painting. Throughout the day, I find myself indulging in sketching, even if I haven’t specifically set aside time for it. Sketching has become an integral part of my creative process, as it aids me in brainstorming and bringing my ideas to life.

In terms of design style, I gravitate towards modern, bold, and contemporary aesthetics. While I used to have a strong preference for black and white, my current mindset is brimming with vibrant colors. I take pleasure in blending elements from the natural world with clean, modern shapes, and occasionally exploring abstract concepts.

Where do you find inspiration for your work? Are there specific sources, techniques, or experiences that influence your creative process?

I find great joy in carrying a notebook with me wherever I go, as well as capturing photos that inspire and spark ideas. Whether I’m waiting at the airport, on a plane, or simply going about my day, I make it a habit to quickly sketch whenever time allows. Additionally, I have developed the peculiar habit of photographing textures that catch my eye in various settings. Some might think it’s unusual, but I even take photos while engrossed in TV shows or while watching advertisements. Since adopting this practice, I have never experienced a shortage of ideas, be it for design topics or color palettes. It surprises me how inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places, even during mundane activities like grocery shopping.

In addition to my love for on-the-go inspiration, I thoroughly enjoy browsing platforms like Pinterest and Instagram.

Can you share a memorable project or collaboration you’ve worked on? How did it impact your artistic growth or challenge you creatively?

Whether it’s SDR 3×3 prompts, Spoonflower’s weekly challenges, Minted challenges, or the seasonal prompts on Instagram, all of these have played a significant role in my design journey. Actively taking part in these challenges has been instrumental in shaping my artistic style, allowing me to understand my design skills and strengths more deeply. Through consistent participation, I have made notable progress in my design abilities.

What advice would you give to emerging artists or surface pattern designers looking to establish themselves in the industry?

Many people think the market is crowded, and they worry that there’s no space for their work. But that’s not true. There’s enough room for everyone, and if you have a strong resolve, you can achieve anything. So, I want to say, don’t be scared. Break the rules, let your creativity soar, enjoy the process, and above all, be yourself! If you embrace these principles, positive things will come your way.

How do you engage with the artist or surface pattern design community? Are there any resources, events, or platforms you find particularly helpful for networking and staying connected with peers?

I enjoy staying connected with my peers through small groups on Instagram. We support and help each other in our design journeys. Additionally, I have the privilege of connecting with some of my peers individually through WhatsApp. It’s wonderful to have friends who understand both design and family.

Last year, I was fortunate to win a scholarship for Shannon’s Pitch Your Portfolio (PYP) course. It’s truly one of the best courses out there, and Shannon is an amazing person and teacher. I am part of a small group of PYP peers who exchange knowledge and experiences with one another.

I also find podcasts and books to be valuable sources of inspiration and learning in my design pursuits. They provide additional insights and perspectives that contribute to my growth and development. The Fair Pricing Group on Facebook is a really helpful and informative community. It’s a great place to learn and gather valuable information about pricing in the design industry.

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OTHER ARTIST INTERVIEWS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

• Hannah Schneider of Little Oak Design Co.
• Kim Koehler of Kimko Design