Today we’d like to introduce you to Sloka Bharat Shah
Hi Sloka Bharat, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born and raised in the cultural city of western India I was surrounded by art and design ever since I was a child. The city of Vadodara holds one of the most well-known Universities in India, known worldwide for its Fine Arts department. While I was growing up, I decided to undertake professional guidance from Jayesh Kansara in 2012 from the Mudra School of Fine Arts and refined my basic skills. This experience cemented my desire to become a permanent part of the field, leading me to pursue further education and professional opportunities in art and design.
To everyone’s surprise, my inclination for art and design was not passed down from my family. Growing up in an Indian family who loved to travel was one of the greatest opportunities for me to explore various arts and crafts of Gujarat, West India. However, when I was ten years old, my mother encouraged me to pursue my hobbies. She made me write a list of things that I wanted to do, I pursued everything on that list which included creativity. This is where I discovered that painting, art, and craft were not only my hobby but also my passion.
In alignment with my interests, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Accessory Design from Maharaja Ranjitsinh Gaekwad Institute of Design (MRID) at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU), Vadodara in 2018. My education taught me that design is not only about aesthetics but also about solving real world problems. I was exposed to various Indian crafts such as Dokra casting, Kutch leather craft, Rogan art, Kalamkari, block printing, Sankheda furniture, and marble inlay as part of the Accessory design curriculum.
I later interned at Shiv-Tantra Creations by Shivraj Gaekwad for four months, a lifestyle fashion jewelry and home décor brand. A good performance led to my first job at Shiv-Tantra Creations after completing my undergraduate degree in April 2018. Here, I was involved in creating new products, branding, social media marketing, packaging, and creative writing. This experience taught me to think outside the box and handle all aspects of design from feasibility assessments to production processes.
Wanting to expand my horizons and step out of my comfort zone after one and half year, I applied and was accepted into the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for a Master of Fine Arts in Accessory Design. This decision marked a significant turning point in my career. At SCAD, I immersed myself in the intricate world of handbag and footwear design. The rigorous curriculum and hands-on projects pushed me to explore new techniques and materials, enhancing my technical skills and creative thinking.
As an accessory and handbag designer, I was motivated to work and learn the skills and techniques by modernizing and retaining the value of the craft. I was able to create a graduate thesis collection that enhanced the important elements of the culture of Kutch such as embroidery, punchwork, and materials, which have set boundaries. So, keeping in mind these traditional values, I wanted to explore the boundaries within the craft and make a bridge between local artisans and designers with the end goal of promoting the craft as well as providing them a platform to sell their products and crafts for their daily living. I travelled to India to work with these craftspeople and enhance my skill and techniques to develop a collection.
After a successful thesis collection, I graduated for SCAD in 2022 and landed a job as a Technical Handbag Design Apprentice at Kate Spade, where I gained valuable industry experience and honed my craft in a professional setting. These experiences were instrumental in shaping my understanding of the accessory design industry and solidifying my career path.
I now serve as the Accessory Workshop Manager at SCAD which allows me to help other students develop their design and problem solving skills in the field of Accessories.
This journey has been a blend of continuous learning and practical application, shaping me into the designer I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has been anything but smooth. Every phase of my career required me to step out of my comfort zone. My parents were not familiar with my field and didn’t always know how to support me, but their unwavering encouragement was invaluable.
Moving to a different part of the world brought its challenges. I had never been away from home for such an extended period, and the culture shock was overwhelming. There were times when I felt incredibly homesick and would call my mom in tears. She would always reassure me, saying, “Just finish this quarter and come back home.” Eventually, after a couple of quarters, I adjusted and became more comfortable living independently.
As a fresher entering the field, I faced the usual challenges of adapting to professional environments and building a network. One significant challenge was establishing my credibility in a field where I was relatively new. Being fresh out of school, I often had to prove my capabilities and learn on the job. I was fortunate to work with talented teams and mentors who helped me grow, but it was a continuous learning and adaptation process.
Throughout my journey, I faced many personal and professional ups and downs. However, I was able to overcome these challenges thanks to the constant support of my family. They stood by me, especially when I had to make difficult decisions. I didn’t have many friends, but a few friends here and back in India were incredibly supportive. They were always ready to help me in any way they could, whether through emotional support or practical advice.
Last but not least, as an international student, navigating visa issues was another significant hurdle but fortunately, everything worked out in the end, thanks in large part to my fiancé. He has been my rock and a source of immense strength. I am eternally grateful for his presence in my life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My experience combined with my educational background, has given me a strong foundation in creating high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing accessories retaining the essence of my cultural tradition. The journey of the craftspeople is threatened in today’s market and it has raised certain questions in my mind about the future of these traditions. The craftsmen are giving up due to different reasons such as aging, low wages, and devaluation of hard work. About Indian culture, the importance of craft is dying and the fear of losing India’s cultural identity has bothered me.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the development and implementation of new workshop techniques and tools for the craftsmen, re-evaluating the market, investing in the Indian traditional craft market, and cultivating a hub for these products on various national and international levels.
What sets me apart is my comprehensive approach to design. I combine my technical expertise with a passion for teaching and mentoring young minds, which allows me to support them not just in their projects, but in their overall growth as designers. My unique blend of hands-on industry experience, educational insight, and deep connection to my roots enables me to offer a perspective that bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I truly value the chance to connect with others, but my main hope is to inspire people to make a difference in their communities. Supporting me means making a positive impact locally by being kind, compassionate, and actively involved in helping other professionals.
I encourage everyone to invest in and mentor the young, talented designers around them. By dedicating time and resources to nurturing the next generation of designers, we can all play a part in creating a better world.
Together, we can help guide passionate and capable young designers, shaping a brighter and more promising future for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slokashahdesigns/
