Hello there

I’m Sarmishta, designer and art director based in Berlin.

Originally from India, my work is inspired by the everyday– as a form, as a story, as a need, and sometimes, as an oddity – with wonder and play– and lots of colour!

I started my career as a fashion designer in India, oscillating between an interest in the graphic quality of theatre costume and designing for mass retail brands like Levi’s. Alongside, I worked as a volunteer teacher for pre-school and school kids at institutions for the underprivileged to nurture my curiosity in working with children. My lingering unquenchable interest in visual language ultimately led me to pursue a Masters in Graphic Design from the Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles where my work explored its role in constructing the world around us– specifically within the context of children’s education.

For the last 15 years, my work has led me to work as a User experience designer and Art Director, bridging communication design with the analytical, interactive nature of technology. I’ve worked with organisations big and small, across India, the United States and Germany. My work now takes a trans-disciplinary approach that puts the essence above all– to find whatever object, environment, or experience most effectively and appropriately addresses the audience. My work with concept books for children brings me full circle to my long-standing interest in children’s education.

 

Recognition

Art Center Design-Based Learning Scholarship, Pasadena, USA
Design Based Learning Training at the Summer Institute for Teachers, 2013.

PRINT Magazine's 20 under 30
‘20 UNDER 30’, PRINT Magazine’s New Visual Artists, 2011.

Vail Jazz Festival
Artist of the Year, 2011.

Open: Output Award
P_NG featured in Output 13, 2010.

Open: Output
Top 100 portfolios, 2010.

National Institute of Fashion Technology
Best Ramp Appeal Award for the theatre costume collection "The Troupe", 2004.


 

Speaking

Hatch Conference, Berlin • 2022

Interaction Design Day, IXDA Berlin • 2022

Push UX, Munich • 2022

Otis Design Week, Los Angeles • 2021

Compass Salon, Hidden Treasures Edition • 2019

Product Crunch, FutureFood Edition • 2019

Bumble Bizz Backstage, Marley Spoon • 2019

Creative Mornings, Berlin • 2018

Typo Berlin • 2018

North Carolina State University, Raleigh • 2010