We recently connected with Devika Kulkarni and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Devika, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?
Working in the visual design industry has taught me that empathy is at the heart of meaningful design. Understanding people, their emotions, behaviors, and unspoken narratives is essential to creating visuals that truly connect. Over the years I’ve spent in design school, I’ve developed a strong emotional connection to the topics I work on. I like to look beyond the surface, to dig deeper because that’s where the real story always lives. But it wasn’t always this way.
In school, I was the shy kid sitting quietly at the back of the class, trying to disappear. While that had its challenges, it also became one of my greatest teachers. Silence sharpened my observation skills. Listening rather than speaking helped me notice nuances that others might overlook. I learned to debate quietly with myself, weighing what was right and what was wrong, forming an internal dialogue that shaped how I understand people today.
As I grew, I began to see how those early habits of observation and reflection became tools in my design process. Now, I use that sensitivity to analyze contexts, brands, spaces, clients, and audiences by translating their core needs into design experiences that feel human. I’ve learned to see things from “the other side of the door,” to find perspectives others might miss.
Empathy, to me, isn’t an inherited trait, it’s a skill that can be cultivated. In my case, shyness was once my armor, but the empathy it nurtured has become my greatest weapon.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Graphic Design & Visual Experience at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I’m in the final phase of my program and working on my thesis project focused on reinventing the hospital experience for children. Alongside this, I’m interning at Children’s Hospital Colorado, where I have the opportunity to learn directly from the environment I’m studying. The hospital’s mission deeply aligns with my personal values and research to design spaces and systems that make healthcare environments more empathetic, honest, and comforting for children. Through this work, I’ve learned that design has the power not just to decorate spaces, but to transform experiences. My goal is to create visual systems that make young patients feel seen, understood, and empowered.
Of course, research can sometimes feel heavy and creatively draining, so to keep my imagination active, I’m developing a video podcast for designers on YouTube, which I am planning to launch within the next 2 months. Each episode explores a new creative habit and creates simple practices that reignite inspiration and help designers rediscover joy in their process, and help them understand the chaos of my process. Mentorship has always been close to my heart; I love guiding new designers through the ups and downs of design school, helping them trust their instincts and embrace the uncertainty that comes with growth.
Recently, I had the honour of giving a TEDx Talk titled “My Inner Child is My Creative Director,” where I shared how reconnecting with our childlike curiosity can lead to more authentic and fearless creativity.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue building a positive presence in the design community by blending empathy, storytelling, and imagination to create work that not only looks good but makes people feel cared for. I am open to taking on larger projects that allow me to push these ideas further and leave a meaningful mark on the industry.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been the ability to connect with people, not being afraid to be wrong, and learning how to turn wild ideas into something practical.
As a designer, knowing how to connect with people goes far beyond conversation. It’s about empathy, observation, and curiosity. It’s about understanding how someone feels when they walk into a space, interact with a brand, or hold a product. The best designs, I’ve learned, are the ones that make people feel understood. My advice for anyone starting out is to listen deeply to your audience, to your team, and even to yourself. The more you understand the human side of design, the more meaningful your work becomes.
The second thing is not being afraid to be wrong. When I was younger, I used to hold back my ideas, worried they might sound silly or impractical. Over time, I realised that being wrong is often the first step toward being right. Every “failed” idea teaches you something new, and sometimes the idea you almost threw away is the one that leads to your best work.
And finally, knowing how to turn your wildest ideas into something real, that’s the magic of design. I’ve always believed that imagination is only half the journey; execution gives it life. Learn to translate your creative sparks into something tangible, whether it’s through sketching, prototyping, or simply experimenting without fear.
If I could give one piece of advice to new designers, it would be this: stay curious, stay bold, and stay kind. Curiosity will keep your creativity alive, boldness will help you take risks, and kindness toward yourself and others will keep you grounded through it all.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes! I’m always open to collaborating with like-minded creatives who believe in the power of design to make a genuine difference. Right now, I’m especially looking for designers, storytellers, and creatives who’d like to collaborate on my upcoming video podcast for designers, people who can bring fresh ideas to production, ideation, and marketing, and help grow it into something that truly reaches multiple people through YouTube and inspires others in the creative community.
Beyond that, I’m eager to collaborate with brands and organisations that see design as more than just aesthetics, those who value empathy, storytelling, and human connection at the heart of their visual identity. I love working with teams who want to make their brand not only look better but feel more meaningful and accessible.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect and explore how we can create something impactful together. You can reach me through my website or social platforms. I’m always open to a good conversation and a great idea.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://devikakulkarni.com
- Instagram: @lowkeywokee
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devikakulkarni
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