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

Hi Ragni, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
By trade, I am a graphic designer and have worked for years in the start up world, some of whom I have retained as clients still. My passion is creating art both digitally and on paper which I have prioritized in the last year. So it seemed natural to combine both my freelance designing projects and personal and commissioned art projects into one business, Ragni Agarwal Designs, my umbrella brand. At RAD, I sell artwork and art merchandise, I also takes commissions and freelance projects and do partnerships with brands looking for customized artwork.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Born out of necessity, art is my compass through the unpredictable landscape of my mind. Mental health, body (dis)illusions and self destructive thoughts and behaviours are the focus of my work. My focus on and vulnerability in sharing my mental health journey through my art is sacred to me and I think what makes my art resonate most with other humans. I consider myself an artivist who is addressing issues I believe in regularly and speaking to them through my art. These include mental health, societal standards of beauty and lifestyle standards, racism and bring people of color into the light. I do not believe in societal pressures or definitions of beauty, and through my work I am a part of the counterculture redressing this issue. I create bold, beautiful images that are reflective of the dark and the light inside each of us. ⁣ When the mind is in a state where it can only see darkness, the world feeling muted, the body feeling heavy, you have to confront color before you can perceive it. Vibrant colors reflect hopefulness.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ahh, there are many. But definitely my family, Hari, Chhaya, Reshem and Chandna Agarwal. I couldn’t be me without them. And definitely my ride or die friends. They know who they are.

Website: http://www.ragniagarwal.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RagniAgarwal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RagniAgarwalDesigns/

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