‘Designers should know how to use AI tools’

Aanchal Mishra is pursuing the GDP Foundation programme at Apeejay Institute of Design (AID). As a creative person, she enjoys exploring new ideas through drawing, illustration, and visual storytelling. The aspiring fashion designer further mentions how since childhood she has always been interested in art, colours, and observing the small details around her. “I enjoy creating things that are visually attractive but also meaningful. I chose design as my field of study because it allows me to combine creativity with practical thinking,” she emphasised. Read her interview as shares her  

What made you choose Apeejay Institute of Design? How are the teachers shaping your skills?

I chose Apeejay Institute of Design because of its strong reputation and focus on both creativity and practical learning. The institute offers industry speakers, field visits, and outdoor studies, which help us gain real experience.The teachers guide us in sketching, concept development, presentation, and design thinking. They encourage us to think differently and creatively. Their support helps me become more confident and improve my skills.

What are the key skills in the age of AI one must nurture to succeed in the field of design? How do you focus on skill development?  

The age of AI, creativity, originality, problem-solving, and critical thinking are very important skills for designers. AI can generate ideas quickly, but human designers are still needed to bring emotions, personal style, storytelling, and deeper understanding into the work. Good communication, research, adaptability, and technical skills are also necessary. Designers should know how to use AI tools in a smart way without depending on them completely.To improve my skills, I regularly practice sketching, observe trends, learn new software, and work on different creative projects. I also try to explore AI tools to understand how they can support my ideas and make my workflow faster.

Can you share a memorable classroom project or assignment that challenged your creativity or taught you something new?

One memorable workshop project was creating a 3D owl model using newspaper. At first, it seemed simple, but it became challenging because I had to carefully shape and build the owl using only newspaper. Through this 2D and 3D workshop project, I learned the importance of observation, creativity, experimentation, and patience. It also taught me that even simple materials like newspapers can be turned into something unique and memorable.

Do you think research plays a crucial role when approaching a design project? 

Yes, research plays a very important role in every design project. Before starting a design, it is necessary to understand the target audience, current trends, colours, materials, and the purpose of the design. Research helps in generating better ideas and avoids copying existing work. It also helps designers make better decisions and create designs that are both attractive and meaningful. 

What are your future aspirations ? Which specialisation of design would you like to pursue?

In the future, I want to become a successful designer and build a strong creative career. I want to continue improving my skills and work on projects that allow me to express my ideas in unique ways.I am especially interested in illustration, fashion design, and creative visual concepts. I would also like to explore digital design and AI-based creative work because technology is becoming an important part of the design industry.My goal is to create original and meaningful work that can inspire people and help me grow as a designer.