Meet Aayat Gowher | Graphic Designer & Illustrator

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

Hi Aayat, what inspires you?
I hail from the captivating scenes of Kashmir, where beauty and conflict intertwine, where every nook carries its unique allure, I find inspiration in the ordinary and extraordinary alike. The vibrant tapestry of my hometown has woven its influence into my very essence. Whether I step outside and absorb the whispers of nature or engage in heart-to-heart talks with family and friends, inspiration, in its quirkiest and most heartfelt forms, finds me unexpectedly. Life’s adventure, including three years in a foreign land, revealed that beauty is omnipresent, awaiting varied perspectives. Every encounter, every experience, weaves its magic into my creative tapestry, celebrating the artistry of life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Embracing my authenticity is my ultimate superpower – a force that sets me apart. I’ve witnessed the transformative might that comes with being true to oneself; it’s where unparalleled strength and uniqueness converge. In recent years, my evolution has been a thrilling journey, a saga of mastering new design tools, conquering complex projects, and riding the waves of industry trends. Every obstacle I faced was not a setback but a stepping stone, refining my skills and sculpting me into a designer. My narrative is woven with lessons in adaptability, resilience, and an insatiable curiosity that fuels my craft. Beyond being a designer, I am a storyteller who envisions design not just as visuals but as a conduit for emotions and profound connections.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Venturing into a new city? Start where time left its mark — in Kashmir, it’s the historic Downtown. Picture ancient structures, century-old architecture, and traditional havens like kandure vann (bakery shops), where the aroma of freshly baked bread seduces the senses. Street vendors unveil a symphony of fried delights, and my personal favourite, the masala zhot (spiced naan), which I also call the Kashmiri tortilla, adds its flavourful dance to the cultural medley adds its flavourful dance to the cultural medley.

After soaking in the vibrant chaos, escape to Gulmarg and Pahalgam, where mountains cradle the valley in serenity. Amidst the quietude, I find solace; it’s a heart-soothing escape.
The Mughal gardens, adorned with majestic Chinar burst with colors, each nook a unique masterpiece.

Then, the iconic Dal Lake unravels its wonders — houseboats, shikaras, and a floating market. A ride unveils a new world. As a Kashmiri, frequenting these spots is my reality check, a ritual of appreciation for belonging to this enchanting wonderland.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m a cultural fusion, shaped by the kaleidoscope of experiences. Originally immersed in my roots, life unfolded before me. Engaging with souls from diverse corners, I absorbed the vibrant hues of their cultures, a vivid addition to my own. In this mosaic, my father stood as my creative compass, an artistic trailblazer who ignited my passion for design from my earliest days. So here I am, a canvas painted with the strokes of tradition, encounters, and the legacy handed down by my father—a living testament to my journey.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aayat-gowher-8332b7213/

Other: https://www.behance.net/AayatGowher17200