We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vrushali Hanamghar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vrushali below.
Hi Vrushali, 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 get my resilience from my father. He grew up in a poor family with absolutely no money. As a child, he stayed in the village and walked to school every day. His situations never stopped him from dreaming big the only one passionate enough to dreaming big and was determined to overcome them and build a better life for himself. During middle school, he moved to the city but lived in the slums with barely any food to eat. Despite these hardships, he studied very hard and topped all his exams.
He went on to complete his engineering degree and got married to my mother. My father became a civil engineer and started working as a government contractor for the city council. His hard work paid off as he became highly successful, starting his own company, buying lands, multiple cars, and earning a reputation as one of the most esteemed construction company owners and engineers in Pune.
Despite his success, he faced a significant downfall but remained extremely strong and never gave up. Even today, he wakes up every day to work out early in the morning and meditate before going to work. The way he adheres to his principles and lives his life is where I draw my resilience from. Whenever I face a difficult situation, I always ask myself what he would have done and try to follow his footsteps. He is in his 50s now and has never given up on life, always fighting his way through any darkness he encounters. He is my biggest inspiration and the source of my resilience and support.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am from Pune, India, and am come from a close-knit, loving family. I find solace in my own dream world, often taking walks in the park, indulging in painting, and immersing myself in music. My family and school friends have been my pillars of support, always there for me. Beyond my creative pursuits, I am a state-level tennis player and have a passion for swimming and staying active.
I pursued my bachelor’s degree at MIT Design, Pune, before venturing to Mumbai in 2019. There, I had the opportunity to work on a Netflix movie and various commercials and music videos. In 2022, I pursued my master’s in Production Design at SCAD in the United States and moved to Los Angeles after graduation.
As a freelance production designer in LA, I specialize in bringing creative visions to life across feature films, short films, music videos, and commercials. With proficiency in 3D modeling using Sketchup and graphic design skills in Photoshop/Illustrator, I thrive on collaborative efforts to deliver impactful projects that resonate with audiences.
The diversity of projects I undertake inspires me for continuous growth as an artist. Each project presents unique challenges that push me to innovate and refine my skills. My goal is to craft visually stunning and meaningful sets that leave a lasting impression.
Looking ahead, I am excited about expanding my portfolio with diverse and ambitious projects. I want to work on sci-fi features and also with films that showcase my culture and traditions.
Thank you for allowing me to share my journey. I am eager to connect with fellow creatives and explore new collaborations that inspire and challenge me.
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?
Growing up, I found academics came naturally to me, and I often did well in school with not a whole lot of efforts. However, I eventually took this for granted and didn’t fully grasp the importance of hard work. When I transitioned into the film industry, it became clear that just talent alone wouldn’t sustain success. True progress requires relentless effort and perseverance.
As I immersed myself in the industry, I realized that no matter how creatively gifted one might be, the ability to work diligently and face challenges head-on is what truly sets successful professionals apart. I invested in developing my technical skills, learning software tools such as Sketchup, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Mastering these programs allowed me to bring my design concepts to life with precision and creativity, and it became a crucial part of my work in production design.
Additionally, I was raised in an environment where physical fitness was highly valued. My family’s enthusiasm for sports and maintaining a healthy lifestyle had a profound impact on me. This upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for the benefits of staying active and fit. Incorporating regular exercise and meditation into my routine has proven invaluable. These practices not only enhance my physical well-being but also foster mental clarity and resilience. A calm and focused mind enables me to navigate challenging situations more effectively and persist through obstacles.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace the value of hard work and perseverance. Develop your technical skills to enhance your capabilities and stay competitive in your field. Moreover, prioritize your physical and mental health. Engaging in regular exercise and meditation can significantly improve your ability to handle stress and maintain motivation. Balancing these elements will help you build a strong foundation for long-term success and fulfillment in your career.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Ever since I relocated to Los Angeles this January, I’ve faced a significant amount of challenges, both emotional and physical. I arrived in the city with big dreams and my two suitcases, eager to seize the opportunities ahead. I was offered an exciting opportunity, but it turned out to be unpaid, and I found myself not receiving proper recognition for the work I offered. Thankfully, with the support of some friends, I managed to get out of that situation and shift towards independent work.
Currently, I’m engaged in production design and art direction for short films, indie features, and commercials. However, the ongoing strike has further complicated the journey. Los Angeles has taught me many tough lessons, forcing me to face and overcome new challenges every day. Despite the difficulties, I strive to maintain a positive outlook and keep pushing forward with determination. I remind myself that I didn’t come this far just to come this far; the only direction is forward.
I continue to apply for new opportunities, connect with people, and network in the film industry. Staying grounded is crucial, so I stay in touch with my friends and family. There were times when I felt dejected and considered returning to India, and won’t lie, still have some moments of doubt. Although, thinking about my parents and my dog keeps me going. I draw strength from the line, “My burning sun will someday rise” from one of my favorite songs, believing that hard times are temporary and that better days are right around the corner
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vhanam20.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: vrushalii10
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vrushalii10
Image Credits
Some of my renders and my photos
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
