Meet Devyani Mahadevan

We had the good fortune of connecting with Devyani Mahadevan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devyani, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
It has been a significant challenge because different phases have brought different struggles and it’s an ongoing process. I definitely want to keep pushing myself to do good work, but I have realized that I need to take care of myself in the process. I’m grateful for the incredibly kind people in my life who have reminded me of this. I have started making small and sustainable changes in my routine to create a better balance, and I am trying to get better at it everyday.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My interest in art and design began during my undergraduate years, where I learned about the world of various artists from diverse backgrounds. Growing up in Chennai, the big type illustrations on the walls really fascinated me. This sparked my interest in type and visual storytelling. I began my professional journey in graphic design on the job, where I learned from practice and feedback. One of the first design books I ever purchased was Ellen Lupton’s Thinking with Type, which opened up the world of type and its magic. After the pandemic, I came to MICA, where I was able to spend two years focusing on finding the kind of work I wanted to create. I learnt design to be inherently multidisciplinary, and I strive to create and learn different formats as they evolve to bring hidden narratives to life in effective ways fulfilling the brand’s intent.
 I have a long way to go, but I am excited for what’s next because every challenge has also moved me a tad bit forward, presenting an opportunity to learn and grow.
I’m particularly happy about my time at MICA, because I was able to dig deep into my interests and explore the kind of subjects I enjoyed. My thesis, “Street View,” is a celebration of the perpetual evolution of urban streets, encapsulating my love for visual storytelling and highlighting the overlooked details of everyday life.
I believe that even the smallest details hold a story worth telling if enough attention is paid. My goal is to create work that leaves a lasting impact, and I’m always learning, improving, and seeking new ways to do that better.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am currently based in Baltimore, and when my friends visited in May, we started with lunch at Ekiben, enjoyed some soft serve at Bmore Licks, and took a nice evening walk at the harbor. Although we couldn’t fit in everything during their short trip, the list for next time is long. There’s so much more to experience in Baltimore, from exploring neighborhoods like Fell’s Point to visiting the great museums and galleries in the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible parents and friends. Their relentless support is why I have been able to push myself and continue to do so. My parents, in particular, have been the strongest pillars of my life, always inspiring me to keep trying and stay positive. Their belief in me keeps me going, and I am extremely grateful. I also want to thank all my employers along the way and my professors at MICA. They have consistently supported me with feedback and suggestions on my journey. I have also met some incredibly kind people in Baltimore, and I’m grateful for that. Thank you all for everything.

Website: https://devyanimahadevan.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devyanimahadevan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devyanimahadevan/