Meet Rhea Agarwal | Multidisciplinary Designer

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

Hi Rhea, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Art has been in my life for as long as I can remember. My mom was always painting, so you could say the creative bug bit me early—it’s definitely in the genes. Growing up, I was that kid who’d dive headfirst into every art competition I could find and even won them all. My crowning achievement was taking home the National Bal Shree Award in creative arts, which was a huge deal for me at the time. It felt like I was destined for a life filled with colors, and creativity.

But then, in a move that surprised even me, I got swept up in the whole “secure your future” mentality and chose computer science for my bachelor’s degree. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the challenge of coding, but it felt like I was living someone else’s dream. My heart would occasionally drift back to those carefree days of doing what I enjoyed the most. That’s when I decided to leave my high-paying job and dive into the world of design.

Pursuing a career in design has been like stepping into a world where I can finally bring all those wild ideas in my head to life. It’s a space where I get to mix creativity with strategy, art with tech, and make things that aren’t just visually appealing but also meaningful. It’s challenging and exciting in all the right ways, and it gives me the chance to tell stories and add a human touch to everything I create. Taking that leap back into design was like finally coming home. I get to work on branding, UI/UX, motion, and creative ideas every day, and it’s far more fulfilling than I ever imagined. Honestly, jumping back into design was the best decision I’ve made—no regrets!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about blending creativity with a strong narrative. I strive to create pieces that not only look good but also tell a story and evoke emotion. What sets me apart is my unique combination of technical skills from my background in computer science and my artistic sensibility. This fusion allows me to approach design challenges with a fresh perspective, using both logic and creativity.

I’m most proud of my ability to connect with people through my work. Whether it’s a branding project or a piece of digital art, I aim to leave an impact and inspire others. My journey hasn’t been easy—switching from a stable career in computer science to pursuing my passion for design was daunting. There were moments of self-doubt and uncertainty, but I overcame those challenges by surrounding myself with supportive mentors and peers who believed in me.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are invaluable: resilience is key, and it’s essential to embrace both failures and successes as part of the learning process. I also learned the importance of staying true to myself and my vision, even when faced with external pressures. My brand reflects my journey—a blend of art and technology—and I’m excited to continue creating meaningful work that resonates with people. I believe that design has the power to inspire change, and I’m committed to using my skills to make a positive impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta, I’d definitely show them the city’s vibrant art scene and lively atmosphere. Atlanta is full of creativity, especially in places like Cabbagetown, where street art brings the area to life.

One of my favorite activities is having a picnic at Piedmont Park. The evening weather there is perfect, and it feels both lively and relaxing at the same time. For shopping, I love the vibes at Atlantic Station and Ponce City Market. Plus, the Beltline behind Ponce City Market is one of the best spots to catch a sunset while riding a Lime scooter or bike—it’s breathtaking!

When it comes to dining, Midtown has some fantastic options. I’d definitely recommend Masti and Tabla for some amazing Indian food. And I can’t resist the charm of Atlanta’s fancy cafés like Intermezzo and the Cheesecake Factory, which are not just delicious but also incredibly pretty.

For outdoor adventures, Atlanta has plenty of hiking spots, with Stone Mountain being a favorite. The hike can be tiring, but the views at the top are absolutely worth it. We can’t forget about the iconic attractions, either. A trip to the Georgia Aquarium is a must! It’s one of the largest in the world, and seeing the sea creatures up close is always a magical experience. Afterward, we could swing by the World of Coca-Cola to learn about the history of this famous drink and taste different flavors from around the world. All these places make Atlanta special, and I’d love to share that experience with my friend!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! I believe that no one’s journey is a solo effort, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have so many amazing people contribute to mine. First and foremost, my mom deserves the biggest shoutout. She was my earliest source of inspiration—watching her paint is what sparked my love for art. She’s the reason I picked up my first paintbrush, and she’s been cheering me on ever since. My brother and father have also been there to support and encourage me every step of the way. Their belief in me has made all the difference in my journey.

Then there was my school art teacher Mr. Shantanu Chakraborty, who not only taught me the techniques of painting but also showed me how to see the world through an artist’s eyes. He made art feel like second nature to me and helped me realize that creativity could be a lifelong pursuit.

When I made the bold switch from computer science to design, it was a bit like diving into the deep end. But joining Storyboats, a creative startup, was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. The team there made me feel right at home, and they were instrumental in helping me grow as a designer. From my first day, they encouraged me to experiment, push boundaries, and truly find my voice in design.

And I can’t forget my roommates—whether they realized it or not, they played a part too. From late-night brainstorming sessions to simply being there to bounce ideas off of, their support has been invaluable.

So, to everyone who’s been part of my journey—from family to teachers to the incredible folks at Storyboats—thank you. Your support, mentorship, and encouragement have shaped me into the designer I am today.

Website: https://www.rheaagarwal.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itz_rhea.a?igsh=Y2t0cmZiYjhkcGJh

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhea-agarwal/

Image Credits
Rhea Agarwal