Meet Navya Arora | Graphic Designer

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

Hi Navya, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I believe hard skills are something you can learn at any point in your career, and whenever you feel like picking up a new skill, but the three qualities that helped me push myself every time I felt tired or even felt like giving up are Introspection, Consistency, and Curiosity.

Throughout different stages, I have kept asking myself the question: What do I want to do? What’s the most exciting to me in the moment, and what’s the most truest to me? Even at MICA, after every project and each semester, I have reflected on what worked for me and what did not. I’m a curious person, and it’s a quality that reflects even in my design practice. I’m curious to know why something works and how. I have to come to find this in my practice that the more you’re passionate about something, you’ll end up being curious about it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m Navya, a designer from India.

I originally began my journey by pursuing creative writing. However, in my second year of undergraduate studies, I was compiling my poetry and stories into books, and I found my way to visual storytelling. When I realized I could combine those two skills and create compelling and evocative moments, I decided to pursue Graphic Design.

During my program, I was able to intern at advertising agencies as a copywriter. The involvement with the creative team showed me which side of the desk I wanted to be on. After graduation, I decided to freelance as a graphic designer and figure out what kind of designer I wanted to be. I had never thought I would be coming to the US for a master’s program, but after some nudging by my mentors, here I am finishing my MFA in Graphic Design from MICA! And I am so grateful for all the moments and people that have led me to here.

It has been a topsy-turvy journey, but I have loved every aspect of it. Being an international student comes with its own set of challenges, but I have been fortunate enough to have some amazing mentors and friends who have guided me through every stage.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA has so many interesting bookstores and vintage furniture stores!
Skylight Books is a cute, cozy place that hosts a lot of events, The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA is another one (the interior is gorgeous)
Arcana is another amazing indie art book store. Pop Up Home is a woman-owned antique furniture store! Or you could hike up to the Griffith Observatory for the best views of the city.!

Website: https://navyaarora.xyz/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navs.err/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navya-arora/