Meet Nitya Bellani | Graphic designer & Illustrator

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

Hi Nitya, what inspires you?
Since my childhood, I have been interested in nothing but art. It felt like a superpower that allowed me to create something that did not exist or alter something that already existed. Nothing felt out of bounds or impossible, and this is the philosophy I’ve carried forward in life. This thought inspires me every day. I was an inquisitive and imaginative individual from a young age. Little did I know how design could shape the world, much like art. Today, I find myself delving deeper into history, semiotics, psychology, sociology, and science to broaden my knowledge and sensibilities as a designer. All these academic subjects inspire my practice as a designer, as a lover of all things art, and as a thinker. Apart from my external and eternal hunger for knowledge, my internal inspiration arises from the feeling that I am a child at heart, with a mind of a toddler, full of curiosity who loves design and art for how it captures all that there is to life along with all that it can give life to.

As one of my favorite artists, Henri Matisse, once quoted, ‘There are always flowers for those who want to see them.’

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a child, I was always into sketching and doodling – a child who loved her world of cartoons and surrealism. However, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in fashion design for four years and realized that I really didn’t enjoy it, let alone assess whether I was good or bad at it. Four years is a long time, and the internal struggle to figure out what I was truly interested in felt like a rollercoaster. During this period, which eventually led me to realize my passion for Graphic Design, I unintentionally developed a character that I like to call ‘Bub.’

It started as a way of channeling my perspective on the world and the kind of dialogue I wanted to engage in it. Bub is a kooky, goofy character, full of quirks and a humorous way of expressing itself. To me, this character represented a desire to see the bright side of things, seeking optimism at a time when reality felt quite the opposite. Did I give the character a voice, or did the character give me a voice? I still contemplate over that question. It opened a door to a part of my personality that wasn’t on the surface, or perhaps was deeply rooted in my subconscious.

Over time, I realized how integral this character had become. It began as a simple doodle on a piece of paper nine years ago, but today, it has an entire world of its own. While we are born into this world, and our existence precedes our essence or purpose, Bub, for me, became another avenue of existence where essence preceded the existence.
I am incredibly proud of how far I’ve come with the character, Bub.

Bub has been part of collaborations and has won numerous competitions. To the world, it’s a piece in my portfolio that garners intrigue, but to me, it means so much more. It has been fundamental to my journey in seeking optimism, joy, and experiencing a plethora of emotions. Bub allows me to give meaning to who I am. It serves as my anchor, enabling me to celebrate the simple joys of being human, which, in today’s fast-paced world, often seem challenged. It’s a piece of my mind that brings peace to my mind, never failing to find the fun in fundamental or dysfunction.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This one’s a tough question. The city is so rich in terms of its food, culture, history, and more that it has to offer. Spoiled for choice! I am happiest when I feel close to nature, and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience many green spaces in and around Atlanta. From frequent visits to Piedmont Park, to peaceful weekend getaways at Lake Burton, hiking at Amicalola waterfall, enjoying the beautiful beaches in Savannah, relishing scrumptious seafood in St. Simons and Jekyll Island, exploring numerous parks, and savoring the memorable experiences at various coffee shops in Inman Park. The BeltLine, adorned with grand murals and graffiti, offers a wealth of history and serves as an art paradise.

Apart from my desire to be close to nature, I am always exploring new restaurants and cafes. However, I do have some favorites that I go to regularly. For brunch or breakfast, my go-to spots are Egg Harbor Cafe and The Daily. When I crave amazing Italian food, Grana is my top choice, and I must give a special shoutout to their delectable garlic bread – it’s a must-try! I also enjoy the flavor-packed ramen that Jinya serves, as well as the delightful Middle Eastern cuisine and the charming ambiance at Del-bar. While these are my trusted go-to spots, I’m always open to experimenting and trying new cuisines, restaurants, and cafes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to the faculty of Graphic Design at SCAD Atlanta. They have truly shaped me as an individual, my design process, and my approach to design. Their constant support, mentorship, and the opportunities they provided, along with the trust they demonstrated, have helped me build a high level of confidence in myself. I encountered many challenging situations, but I always received the best advice and all the help I needed, and more. Before attending SCAD, I was an individual who enjoyed design and art. I had a limited understanding of what design encompasses and what it is capable of. However, now I believe my perspective on the world of design has expanded, and my understanding of it has deepened. While there is still a long way to go, I no longer fear it; instead, I am excited and motivated to explore all its facets. The fear of the unknown has dissipated, replaced by boundless curiosity and optimism about what lies ahead.

I would also like to give a special shoutout to my best friend, Mallika Singh, who came with me to pursue her master’s degree here in Atlanta, also from New Delhi, India. She is my backbone and my family – my definition of home away from home. Without her, none of this would have been possible. She has been my best friend for over 20 years, and our connection goes beyond just a personal relationship; it’s also a professional one. We have grown with each other as creatively complementary individuals. Together, we form a dream team. Our discussions, both inside and outside the classroom, about all things art and design have fueled my passion and have always been a great source of inspiration.

Website: https://nityabellani01.wixsite.com/nityabellani

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsajpeg/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitya-bellani-9862401b4/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Be_a_Bub

Other: Be a Bub? why? because why not! haha https://www.instagram.com/be.a.bub/?hl=en