We recently connected with Soham Patil and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Soham, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I draw my resilience from a combination of personal experiences, the lessons I’ve learned from mentors, and the inspirations I’ve found in art and design. Growing up, I was captivated by architecture, photography, and the way creative processes often mirror life in terms of trial, error, and perseverance. Figures like Louis Kahn, Hilma af Klint, and László Moholy-Nagy taught me that great work is born from embracing uncertainty and pushing boundaries.
At MICA, I discovered that obstacles aren’t roadblocks but opportunities to innovate. My journey in street photography further shaped this perspective, teaching me to find beauty in imperfection and resilience in the unpredictability of life. It also reminds me of the quote from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: “To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” This quote deeply resonates with my approach to life and design—stepping into the unknown with courage and curiosity.
My resilience also stems from personal support which are family, friends, and mentors who encouraged me to persist through challenges and see setbacks as part of the journey. For me, resilience is about adaptability, learning from failures, and staying connected to your purpose, even when the path feels unclear. It’s this blend of creativity, introspection, and unwavering support that keeps me grounded and moving forward.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story! I’m Soham Patil, a Graphic Designer with a background in architecture, photography and a deep passion for visual storytelling. My journey began with an eye for the details that make up our everyday environments—street photography, urban textures, and the interplay of form and function in architecture. Over time, I realized that this perspective could evolve into a creative career focused on designing meaningful experiences for others.
My professional focus is rooted in crafting impactful design solutions that merge strategy and creativity. Whether it’s branding, publication, or UI/UX design, I aim to create work that resonates emotionally while delivering real value. My design ethos draws heavily from Bauhaus principles, where abstraction, function, and beauty coexist. I’m inspired by pioneers like Hilma af Klint and László Moholy-Nagy, whose innovative approaches remind me to push boundaries while staying grounded in purpose.
I’m currently working on expanding my expertise in branding and identity systems. Additionally, my thesis project, Destination Echo, explored the intersection of abstraction and spirituality in design—showcasing how storytelling can elevate functional systems.
What truly sets my approach apart is the ability to draw connections between seemingly unrelated disciplines—architecture, photography, and graphic design—and translate them into cohesive, scalable systems. I believe design should be more than aesthetics; it should inspire, solve problems, and create connections.
Right now, I’m focused on projects that challenge me to innovate and grow while contributing to positive change, whether that’s through working with impactful brands or collaborating on community-driven initiatives. Through my work, I hope to leave a lasting impression and foster meaningful dialogue about the power of design in shaping our world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three key qualities and skills have been pivotal in shaping my journey as a designer:
Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Curiosity has been my compass, leading me to explore architecture, photography, and design with an open mind. From studying Bauhaus principles to diving into the works of Hilma af Klint, László Moholy-Nagy, and Edward Kelley, I’ve always sought inspiration from diverse disciplines. My advice: stay curious. Read widely, visit museums, and absorb ideas from outside your field. Curiosity fosters creativity and keeps your work fresh and relevant.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving
The ability to adapt has been crucial, especially when navigating complex projects or learning new tools and techniques. My background in architecture taught me to approach challenges systematically, while photography showed me the beauty in unexpected moments. For those starting their journey: embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Problem-solving is a muscle you strengthen by stepping outside your comfort zone.
Empathy and Collaboration
Design is a collaborative process, and understanding the perspectives of clients, colleagues, and audiences is essential. Empathy allows you to create solutions that resonate deeply. My advice: listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and be open to feedback. Collaboration with mentors, peers, and cross-disciplinary teams will enrich your work and help you grow both personally and professionally.
For anyone early in their journey, remember that growth is a process. Cultivate curiosity, stay adaptable, and prioritize human connections. These skills will not only elevate your work but also make your journey more fulfilling.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been integrating spirituality, graphic design, art, and visual storytelling into a cohesive creative practice. This journey began with my thesis project, Destination Echo, where I explored how abstraction and spiritual concepts could shape design. Through this work, I’ve learned to channel intangible ideas—like mindfulness, connection, and transcendence—into tangible, impactful visual narratives.
Inspired by the works of Hilma af Klint, whose philosophy was beautifully encapsulated in her words, “The pictures were painted directly through me, without any preliminary drawings, and with great force. I had no idea what the paintings were supposed to depict; nevertheless, I worked swiftly and surely, without changing a single brushstroke.” This quote resonates deeply with my process, as I’ve embraced intuition and flow in my designs, allowing ideas to evolve organically.
My exploration has deepened my understanding of how design can transcend aesthetics to evoke emotion and foster connection. By drawing on abstraction, symbolism, and storytelling, I’ve crafted work that blends the artistic and the functional. This growth has shown me that the most impactful designs are those that weave together diverse influences spirituality, art, and purpose into a unified vision.
Moving forward, I’m excited to use design as a medium to inspire, connect, and create visual stories that resonate on both personal and universal levels.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sohampatil.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sohampatil_5/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sohampatil-newyork/
Image Credits
Soham Patil
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