Designing Dreams: A Session at Auxilium Skills Academy

I was delighted to have the opportunity to conduct a session on Graphic Design for the students of Auxilium Skills Academy (ASM)—an inspiring NGO-run institution led by the Salesian sisters. The students had just completed a module on Adobe Photoshop and were beginning to explore Adobe Illustrator as part of their 3-month design course.

My goal was to offer more than just techniques—I wanted to share a journey. I began by introducing myself: what I do, where I work, what I’ve studied, and how my creative path in design has evolved. I then showcased some of my own work, walking the students through the concepts, tools, and techniques behind each project.

To expand their creative horizons, I shared the stories of two iconic graphic designers whose work and wisdom continue to inspire me:

• Paula Scher, the force behind the CitiBank logo and a pioneer of contemporary identity design.

• Sujata Keshavan, India’s first woman to run a design firm, known for the branding of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

  
  

Speaking of Paula Scher, her insights are gold for any designer, especially those just starting out. One of her most powerful pieces of advice is:

“Keep it simple. Make it smart.”

And perhaps even more profound is her reflection on success and failure:

“I think you can’t be successful without having failures. And I don’t think that success leads you anywhere. Because when you’re successful, you tend to repeat those things you already know how to do, and they become terrible crutches. Nothing like a good, sloppy failure to wake you up and make you reinvent.”

These words resonated deeply as we discussed what it means to grow as a designer—not just technically, but personally and professionally.

I also touched upon the differences between freelancing and working as an in-house designer, encouraging the students to explore both paths with openness and curiosity. To wrap up, I shared some practical tips on staying relevant: keeping your skills sharp, following trends without being consumed by them, and embracing the never-ending process of learning and creating.

The most heartwarming part of the session was when the students showcased their Photoshop-based packaging designs. Their goal? Designing and selling their own chocolate wrappers! I was truly inspired by their passion, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit—a testament to the great work being done at ASM.

A special thank you to Sr. Rosaline (CEO) and Kenneth Ca, the course coordinator and teacher at ASM, for the invitation and warm welcome. It was a joy to be part of a space that fosters creativity, confidence, and community.

To learn more about Auxilium Skills Academy, visit:👉 www.auxiliumskillsacademy.com

Until next time—keep designing, keep failing, and keep reinventing.