Meet Archana Verma

We were lucky to catch up with Archana Verma recently and have shared our conversation below.

Archana, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Growing up as a young girl in a bustling Indian household, I often felt overwhelmed and lost amidst the constant activity. Every day was a battle to prove my self-worth, and it wasn’t until I graduated that I began to truly find my identity. During this transformative period, I discovered a hidden talent for visual arts, a passion that would shape my future.
From the age of seven, I found solace and joy in art, helping my siblings and friends with their assignments. Even in my science classes, I excelled in drawing intricate botanical illustrations, often lending a hand to my peers. My fascination with design elements in newspapers and magazines—typography, color use, and styles—ignited a passion for learning more. I realized that I was a visual learner, thriving on the vibrancy of colors and the beauty of designs. Inspired by the works of Indian textile designer Ritu Kumar, English textile designer William Morris, Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely, and English painter Bridget Riley, I made the bold decision to pursue a career in design.
Despite graduating with a B.Sc. in Science, my heart was set on design. Convincing my father to allow me to switch fields and apply to one of India’s premier design schools, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Kolkata, was a monumental challenge. At the time, careers in engineering or medicine were the societal norms. But my unwavering passion and courage eventually won my father over despite his lingering doubts. I embarked on a journey at NIFT, breaking societal norms and family expectations. The transformation was profound. My teachers, recognizing my potential, pushed me to excel, instilling a confidence I never knew I had. My hard work and dedication paid off as I immersed myself in various projects and gained invaluable industry knowledge. This journey wasn’t just about academic achievements but about discovering my true potential, learning to believe in myself, and finding my voice in a world that often tried to silence it.
Entering an industry where women often hesitated to tread, I faced numerous challenges. One such challenge was the lack of representation and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. But I persevered, building relationships and earning respect from my colleagues. Once a daunting hurdle, my internship became a source of growth as I learned from textile industry workers who were once strangers and later became my mentors. My dedication culminated in becoming the highest achiever in my class, being honored as the best designer of 2000, and receiving the best design portfolio of the year. These achievements were not handed to me; they resulted from my determination to prove myself and my willingness to step out of my comfort zone.
Guided by the mantra “YES, I CAN,” I pursued a Master’s in Design from the University of Leeds, U.K. This mantra became my beacon of hope during times of self-doubt and uncertainty. It reminded me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, giving me the strength to keep going even when the path seemed difficult. I became the first in my family to study abroad, paving the way for my siblings. This experience further bolstered my confidence and self-esteem, crucial elements that helped me transition to a graphic design career when I moved to the U.S.
After taking a break to focus on my son’s upbringing, re-entering the design field proved challenging. My resume was often overlooked, but I refused to give up. Starting anew, I enrolled in a one-year graphic design certification course at San Diego Continuing Education. While studying there, I won a scholarship to study graphic design at San Diego City College (SDCC), which was a turning point. Throughout my education at SDCC, I consistently made the Dean’s list and won several national and international awards. One of my designs was selected by the World Brand Design Society, earning international recognition for our college. This success was not just my own; it was a testament to the support and guidance from my teachers, mentors, and peers who believed in me. My participation enabled other students to compete, and now San Diego City College is the only public college competing with renowned international private institutions and winning awards.
This success paved the way for me to the Adobe Creative Residency program in 2021. I was selected to test Adobe InDesign Beta software before its worldwide launch and create a project they commissioned. The main purpose was to showcase creativity and highlight Adobe InDesign’s advanced features. You can view the project here: In-Visible-Chaos-Adobe-Creative-Residency-Fund-2021.

My journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and continuous learning. We can build successful careers and develop a strong sense of self-worth by constantly improving our skills and staying dedicated to our passions. My experiences are a powerful reminder that anything is achievable with passion, community support, and relentless hard work. “When there is a will, there is a way.” Believe in yourself, and you can overcome any obstacle.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Archana Verma, a purpose-driven brand and visual designer with a human-first mindset. I aim to bring structure and simplicity to complex brand systems, helping companies grow and evolve their brands effortlessly. Whether crafting comprehensive brand identities or creating captivating design assets, I ensure that every element aligns perfectly with the company’s vision and resonates with its audience.

In the ever-evolving digital design landscape, I serve as a bridge—or “connective tissue”—between companies and their audiences. My goal is to ensure a cohesive and consistent visual identity across all communications, fostering a strong and lasting connection with the audience.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s leading growth companies, including Altium, Trovata, and Qualcomm. I’ve also partnered with small businesses, successfully building their visual brands and helping them stand out in competitive markets.
Giving back to the community is a passion of mine. I volunteer my design services to help promote locals. One such project is Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, San Diego, CA. For this project, I filmed, directed, and edited a short video that not only earned an award but also significantly increased the fishermen’s engagement with their audience. You can find the video here: https://youtu.be/FJWpDyqo5cE?si=TosXoyoiGnghltBy

My work is driven by a simple yet powerful mantra: “Design with purpose, connect with people.” By focusing on meaningful design and strong visual communication, I strive to make a positive impact in the world of brand design.

This year, in May 2024, I started my own design studio, Arch Design, dedicated to helping small businesses build unforgettable brands. The studio leverages years of multidisciplinary experience to offer a unique perspective on design challenges and opportunities. Specializing in branding, design, web, and video, we create engaging, intelligent, and creative designs that resonate with audiences and bring meaning.

At Arch Design Studio, we understand the importance of a cohesive brand identity, and we excel in crafting thoughtful and seamlessly integrated elements that bring each brand’s vision to life. From digital to print, we are committed to helping businesses thrive through innovative and impactful design solutions.

One of our recent projects, Wellness On Wheels in Denver, CO, exemplifies Arch Design Studio’s dedication to excellence. Wellness On Wheels, a new business providing holistic wellness services directly to the community’s doorstep, entrusted Arch Design Studio with creating a website that resonates with its audience and showcases its mission. The result is a visually compelling and user-friendly website highlighting its services’ essence.
You can explore the Wellness On Wheels website here: https://www.wellnessonwheelsco.com/

Focusing on creativity, intelligence, and purpose, we create extraordinary designs that leave a lasting impact. You can connect with us here: https://archanavermadesign.com/

HOW OTHERS DESCRIBE Archana Verma:

Visual Storyteller • Purpose-Driven • Community-Connector • Always Evolving, Always Learning • Tenacious • Team player • Creative Tech Savvy • Problem Solver • Accountable • Curious • Resourceful • Synthesizer of Complex Data

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities and skills stand out as the most impactful in shaping my career and personal growth:

Resilience and Determination: Unwavering determination helped me overcome societal norms and family expectations. This resilience enabled me to stay focused on my goals despite numerous challenges.

Creativity and Adaptability: Creativity and adaptability allowed me to excel in various design disciplines, bringing fresh, innovative ideas to my projects.

Building Relationships and Networking: Meaningful relationships with mentors and industry professionals provided invaluable support and opened doors to opportunities for me.

For those beginning their journey, I suggest developing resilience, fostering creativity, and building strong networks. Stay true to your passions, embrace learning opportunities, and step outside your comfort zone. With determination, adaptability, and the right support system, you can achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact in your chosen field.

I’ve had to restart my career twice in my life. Because of resilience and unwavering determination, I was able to do that. And you can do it, too! Perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Be curious to learn new skills and pivot when necessary to stay relevant in a constantly evolving industry. Above all, be humble.

How would you describe your ideal client?

At Arch Design Studio, we thrive on partnering with clients who share a profound passion for their businesses. Our ideal clients value collaboration, trust the design process, and eagerly engage with our team to achieve exceptional results. We specialize in serving artisans, small businesses, start-ups, non-profit organizations, and women-owned enterprises.

In a rapidly evolving industry, we recognize that small businesses often need help staying current with trends and connecting with their audiences. Our mission is to elevate their brands and drive growth. Whether it’s branding, website design, video production, animation, or other creative projects, we are committed to providing our expertise and prioritizing our clients’ needs.

We excel in collaborative problem-solving, even when faced with complex challenges. We believe in the power of partnership, where mutual respect and professionalism foster a positive working environment. By teaming up with clients who value growth and professionalism, we create impactful designs that elevate brands and achieve business goals. Together, we bring visions to life and make a lasting impact.

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