From biotechnology labs to shaping visual narratives for global platforms, Shivani Parasnis’s journey reminds us that growth isn’t always about a dramatic leap. Sometimes, it’s about listening to the pull that’s been there all along and having the courage to follow it.
Shivani, your journey from biotechnology to graphic design is fascinating. Before we get into the details, let’s set the scene. If you could describe your creative journey in a single word, what would it be and why?
Becoming.
Design, for me, has always been an inward journey guided by experience, emotion, curiosity and inspiration. And with every new thing I make, I uncover layers of myself + the world around me. Each piece helps me refine my voice and propel me forward with deeper intention.
Your career didn’t start in design, yet today, you're shaping visual narratives at some of the biggest platforms. Was there a specific moment or realisation that made you pivot from science to design?
Yes and No.
Yes, because there was a clear moment when I realized that pursuing a PhD and spending my life in a lab wasn't the right path for me (I have deep respect for those who choose that route, though!). The most natural progression in my career had to be in art and craft. However, it’s also a no, because until that moment, art in some form had always influenced the way I lived my life - even as a scientist. I made sure my PowerPoint presentations looked appealing, my thesis documents had proper typographic hierarchy and illustrations, and I always sent out beautifully crafted calligraphic invitations to guest lecturers. So, when I finally made the pivot to design, it was undoubtedly scary, but it also felt strangely familiar - almost as if art had been supporting me all along :)
Every designer dreams of working with global brands, but it doesn’t happen overnight. What was your very first freelance project, and how did that open doors for bigger opportunities?
My first official freelance project (complete with deadlines, contracts, etc.) came when I was still finishing my MFA at MICA. An art gallery in Minneapolis was curating a show that invited 30 lettering artists to illustrate 30 poems written by Kareem Rahma and Molly Margaret Johnson, and I was asked to create a visual interpretation of one of Kareem’s pieces.
I had complete creative freedom to letter Kareem's beautiful words. I chose to hand-letter the poem and screenprint it in neon pink ink on deep red archival paper. I wanted the process to be slow, tactile, and intentional. Seeing my work displayed in a gallery alongside numerous other talented folks like Abraham Lule and Evan Weselmann was surreal. It was the first time my work existed publicly in that way. It was WILD!
Looking back, that project didn’t suddenly open every door, but it marked a quiet turning point. It was the first time someone I had no personal connection to reached out because they saw my designs on the internet. That small moment really gave me the confidence to keep going.
Landing clients like WIRED and Adobe takes more than just talent; it’s also about positioning yourself. What were some key things that helped you get noticed by these big clients?
I'd like to think that there’s a certain playfulness in my work that's not necessarily juvenile but more so in how forms, type and colour come together on a canvas. Sometimes it's embedded within letterforms, and sometimes it's with colour and composition. Interestingly, when clients have reached out, they often shared moodboards made up largely of my own past projects. That’s when I began to recognise the common thread running through my practice. I suppose that has been my secret sauce! ;)
Growth in any creative field isn’t just about learning new skills; it’s also about unlearning. What’s something you had to unlearn as you transitioned deeper into design?
That’s such a thoughtful question! I had to unlearn getting things to work precisely how I imagined them in the first go. No one really prepares you for how much TLC it takes to turn that initial idea into a full-blown piece of work. Coming from a science background, I was used to structure. I was only ever used to following a set protocol, knowing exactly what comes next, and the only variable was the result of my experiment. Design was the opposite! There was no step-by-step guide on what font to use or what colours to pair, and that uncertainty really felt unsettling in the beginning.
Now the same uncertainty excites me and keeps my practice alive, haha!
Growth isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about trusting the uncertainty long enough for your voice to reveal itself.
Your work has such a distinct energy and strong cultural roots. Was this something you consciously developed, or did it evolve naturally over time?
Definitely the latter. My lived experiences have always shaped the way I make things. The real learning, though, was trusting those instincts and letting them define the voice of my work.
With your focus on branding and typography, how do you ensure that design feels immersive rather than just decorative?
The most important aspect of my designs is to evoke emotion in the viewer. That is what truly matters. While my work often contains decorative elements, if it successfully triggers an emotional response, it transcends mere decoration and becomes something more meaningful.
Among all the projects you’ve worked on, was there one that particularly challenged you but helped you grow immensely as a designer?
I feel every project I take on teaches me something I didn't know 24 hours ago, sometimes in small and joyful ways, haha. Literally yesterday, I learned how to create a typing animation in After Effects (blinking cursor included), and it was life-changing!!! There isn't one singular project that stands out as a turning point. Instead, it’s been a compounding series of personal + professional projects that widened my perspective over the last six years.
Every creative journey has defining moments. What’s a milestone in your career that really shaped you into the designer you are today?
One of my earliest and most defining milestones was the day I started working with Lokesh at Locopopo Studio. Learning from him and working with him truly established and shaped my design thinking in ways that still influence my work today.
The creative industry moves fast - new trends, tools, and AI are changing the game. How do you stay ahead while still maintaining authenticity in your work?
By finding new ways to hone in on my craft. I try to stay curious about new tools, including AI, but I filter everything through my own voice and values.
As creatives, we all hit moments where we feel stuck. Have you faced a period of stagnation in your career? How did you push through and keep growing?
In 2023, I experienced my slowest creative year for various reasons. I found myself feeling deeply frustrated and often discussed with my therapist why I felt creatively stuck. To be honest, I still don’t have a clear answer. However, she advised me to stop fighting against the pause I was experiencing. It’s important to recognize that we can’t always chase inspiration and expect it to come to us effortlessly. While hustle culture seems appealing, I’m not convinced it truly benefits creatives. Art requires patience, and sometimes we just have to trust the process of stillness.
How important is having a niche versus being versatile? Do you think specialisation played a role in your growth?
I think they both have their place. Personally, I don't feel like I have specialised in just one thing yet. It's a quality that develops over time. I get bored very easily, so I don't think I can ever have a distinct "style" in my work, haha. I like to have 5 rotating hobbies at any given point, an extra outfit on my vacation "just in case", and a range of different snacks in my pantry. The same applies to my design practice. I like variety!
If you had to list five key habits that every creative should develop to unlock growth, what would they be?
Nurture a creative practice outside your profession. Ceramics? Cooking? Writing? You pick!
Keep making work just for yourself.
Observe deeply.
Acknowledge your mentors, gurus, and professors.
Set aside time to do nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Many designers struggle with attracting high-quality clients. What are three practical things a designer can do today to start securing better opportunities?
I’m still learning this myself, but it's important to be open to learning and sharpening your skills, no matter how old or experienced you are. That’s the most important thing, in my opinion. Other than that, build discipline into your practice, and work with good people. :)
You’ve already worked with some of the biggest names. What excites you now? What’s the next level of growth you’re aiming for?
What excites me the most is the vastness of the ideas I haven't created yet. It’s the sense that there is still so much more left to explore and discover. I'm hopeful that this sentiment will push me to not just be a better designer, but a better curator too.