‘Art is my way of expressing emotions’

He has always loved art, especially making posters. He finds it interesting how one can express so much through colours, images and typography. For him, posters are more than just designs. They are a way to share ideas and emotions. That is one of the main reasons he chose to pursue a Bachelor of Design in Graphics at Apeejay Institute of Design (AID). Meet Aaryan Dagar, aka Aary, who is in the first semester at the institute.

In an interview, the Mr Popular titleholder from the Freshers’ Party shares his first impressions of the institute and more.

How has your journey at AID been so far?

My journey at AID has been really nice so far. The teachers are kind, approachable and always willing to help. Since everything is still quite new to me, having supportive teachers makes a big difference. I am gradually getting comfortable with the environment, meeting new people and discovering different aspects of design.

What was your first impression of AID?

I didn’t really know what to expect, and initially, everything felt like a typical college experience. But after spending some time here, I started settling in and getting to know the people around me. Once I became more comfortable with my classmates and teachers, things started feeling different.

What interests you most about graphic design?

Posters interest me the most. I love how a single poster can express emotions, communicate a message or make people aware of something important. Sometimes, you don’t need too many words to get your point across. The right visuals can do that for you. I enjoy experimenting with ideas and thinking about how different elements can come together to create something that people connect with.

You are also keen to learn 2D animation. What sparked your interest in it?

I have been watching anime for a long time, and that is actually where my interest in art and design began. I was always fascinated by the characters, animation styles and the way stories came alive on screen. At some point, I started thinking about how amazing it would be to create something like that myself. That is why I want to learn 2D animation. I love graphic design, but I feel animation would allow me to take my ideas further and bring movement and life to them.

How have your teachers and classmates helped you settle in?

The teachers have been really friendly, and I remember them cracking jokes during classes, which made everyone feel more comfortable. Those little moments helped us relax and bond with each other. Our unofficial class group also played a big role in helping us connect outside the classroom.

What are your career aspirations?

I don’t really have a fixed career goal right now. I would rather explore different possibilities and create my own path instead of deciding everything in advance. I draw a lot of inspiration from Hirohiko Araki, the cyberpunk genre and indie gaze aesthetics. I love art that has a distinct personality and makes you feel something.