Meet graphic designer and illustrator from Delhi, Namrata Lenka.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a 27-year-old Graphic Designer and an Illustrator with a history of working in the branding as well as the textile industry.  Currently, I am working as an Art and Graphics lead at WEWORK, India. During my days in high school, I had the opportunity to finish my diploma in Fine Arts at LALIT KALA AKADEMI. Post that I got into Textile design at National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi. This collective knowledge about arts and design helped me a lot during my years in branding and marketing as to how to play that fine balance between localization and contemporary depiction of any culture. My interests can be summarized in just four words: Food, people, streets and lifestyle.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

It’s been around 5-6 months ever since I moved to Bangalore. But prior to that, I have spent most of work as well as college life in New Delhi. My years in Delhi, in short, is inspiring, challenging and beautiful. There is something about Delhi that I can’t seem to feel anywhere else.

There is something about Delhi that I can’t seem to feel anywhere else.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

Delhi has this long and rich cultural history which by the way still exists today as the stains from the past. Its a beautiful amalgamation of different cultures, architecture, cuisines, arts, and lifestyle. What else more can any creative person ask for? The worst thing about living in Delhi is that it could be at times hard around the edges, being the capital city of India and a huge pool of different cultures. Despite the huge differences in cultures it still manages its harmony quite well.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Soul filling, Giving, Inspiring

How did you start your career in art?

Art is an ingrown thing in my Oriya Culture. I was born and brought up in Orissa, which is a state in India known for its richness in arts, culture and folk traditions.  Ever since I was a kid I have always been surrounded by art like learning classical dance(Odissi), Hindustani Classical music, fine arts classes. So my inclination towards art has been a thing since my growing years until I learned the power of design and how to influence that with art.

Art is an ingrown thing in my Oriya Culture. I was born and brought up in Orissa, which is a state in India known for its richness in arts, culture and folk traditions.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Yes, very.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Wes Anderson. The way he brings his creative thoughts to life, in space, the set direction and storytelling is quite remarkable. Storytelling through design and art has always fascinated me.

How would you describe the women around you?

Daring, bold, experimentative, socially conscious and ahead of time.

Daring, bold, experimentative, socially conscious and ahead of time.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

I got to learn about Nasreen Mohamedi during my early years in design college. Her works were very inspired by suprematism and constructivism, which shaped and expanded a lot of my creative thinking process over the years.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Fortunately, I have always had the opportunity to work with really great leaders who didn’t judge or discriminate my work because of my gender. Of my five years of work experience, three years were spent at THE COMMUNICATION COUNCIL in Delhi, which has about 90% of female employees. My mentor, over there was Mr. Arjun Sawhney, who is an amazing curator of art and design. He has a way of uplifting and expanding your creative thoughts.

Set examples despite hurdles. Fight and argue for your dreams a bit more. Keep evolving and don’t be stagnant. Let your work be your identity.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Set examples despite hurdles. Fight and argue for your dreams a bit more. Keep evolving and don’t be stagnant. Let your work be your identity.

Photos courtesy of Namrata Lenka.