We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Soumya Gupta Visual And Brand Designer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Soumya Gupta below.
Soumya Gupta, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
For me, optimism isn’t about assuming everything will go smoothly—it’s about believing that even when things go wrong, there’s something valuable to take from it. I don’t see challenges as roadblocks but as part of the process, shaping me in ways I might not immediately understand. I’ve learned that the dots only connect looking backward. In the moment, things might feel uncertain and even frustrating, but I trust that, in time, they’ll make sense. That perspective helps me stay open—to people, to opportunities, to ideas I hadn’t considered before.
At the heart of it, my optimism comes from trust—trust that things have always found a way of working out, even in moments when I doubted they would. And I choose to trust that they will in the future too.
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?
I’m a visual designer working at the intersection of brand and community, creating thoughtful, intuitive, and visually compelling experiences. I love the challenge of distilling complex ideas into something that feels simple yet engaging. What excites me most about design is its ability to shape how people experience the world. A well-designed brand or product has a way of making people feel something. And so I strive to create experiences that feel natural, engaging, and sometimes even a little surprising. My venture, Yaar, shares this vision by helping newcomers navigate life abroad, making unfamiliar places feel a little more like home.
I also mentor younger designers, and recently, I’ve taken on a more formal role with AIGA NY to support emerging creatives. Having been guided by incredible mentors myself, this is my way of giving back to the community. Helping young designers gain confidence in their creative voice is deeply rewarding to me, while also opening doors to new perspectives, conversations, and personal growth. Right now, I’m focused on deepening my expertise, mentoring other designers, and finding new ways to bridge community and creativity through my work.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
There’s no shortage of advice out there, but if I had to pinpoint three skills that I have learned that have had the biggest impact on my journey, they would be:
1. Be someone others want to work with—but not at the cost of your voice.
A good collaborator brings clarity, curiosity, and ease into the process, but that doesn’t mean blending into the background. Advocating for your ideas while still being adaptable is a crucial skill to hone. The best opportunities have come when people know what I stand for and trust that I’ll bring thoughtful, intentional work to the table.
2. Build real connections, not just a network.
Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career have come from relationships built over time—not from cold DMs or networking that feels forced. I’ve found that being genuinely interested in others, staying in touch, and offering value without expecting returns has led to unexpected doors opening.
3. Make it exist—you can perfect it later.
I read this one somewhere and deeply resonated with it, and this a skill I try to constantly remind myself about. I admire creatives who show up consistently, put in the work, and bring their ideas to life. Creativity isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about making. I don’t know what they say about moving fast, but put something down on paper, even if it’s rough and far from perfect. Just make the thing. Make it exist. Put it out into the world. There’s a certain joy in creating that’s worth holding on to.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I’m learning to manage overwhelm in different ways. Here’s what helps me:
1. Step back. When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to get caught in a spiral of stress. But I remind myself that not everything needs to be figured out right now. Taking a step back—whether it’s pausing for a few deep breaths, making a small list, or even just shutting my screens for some time—helps me see things more clearly. Most of the time, the pressure is self-imposed, and giving myself permission to slow down actually helps me move forward.
2. Move. If my brain feels stuck, my body usually is too. A long walk usually does the trick. I’m lucky to live right across the Hudson River, and walking there with views of the New York skyline is one of my favorite ways to reset. It helps me zoom out, feel grateful, and remember the bigger picture. But when I need deep focus, my own space works best. Physical movement reminds me that overwhelm isn’t permanent—sometimes, all I need is a shift in perspective.
3. Start messy, start small. When I don’t know where to begin, I have to remind myself that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Instead of overthinking, I put something—anything—down. A rough draft, a few bullet points, even a scattered voice note! It’s much easier to refine something that already exists than to wrestle with a blank page. Action creates momentum, and momentum makes things feel less daunting.
More than anything, I remind myself that I’ve been here before—and every time, I’ve found my way through.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soumyagupta.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soum.yeah/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isoumyagupta/
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