Meet the Makers: Meenal Patel from Meenal Patel Studio
How would you describe your practice and your products?
I’m an artist, illustrator, and children’s book author. I create art prints, books, cards, ceramics, and fabric items with my illustrations. I also partner with like-minded businesses to make products or tell stories with my illustrations.
What was your journey to setting up your studio?
I went to school for graphic design and then worked at a design agency for 10 years. During that time I self-published my first children’s book, which led to discovering what a giant impact art can have on children in terms of seeing themselves in stories and other media. This sparked a desire in me to focus more on my illustration practice so I ventured out on my own to explore that in many forms.
What is your main thought or inspiration when you’re designing or planning a piece or a book?
I try to dive deep into my own emotions and experiences through journaling and sketching to unearth visuals or stories that someone else might connect to.
Who or what are your top design inspirations?
Nature, always. My love of graphic design. My Indian-American heritage.
Why is it important to you that your works are representative or inclusive?
Feeling seen can profoundly impact our self-confidence and self-worth. On the flipside, understanding peoples’ experiences that differ from our own helps us grow our empathy and offers us a wider world view.
Is sustainability and ethics important to your practice?
I consider sustainability in all parts of my business – from how I produce my physical products to the subject matter of my art that hopefully can serve as a reminder of our amazing world and spark a desire to care for it. I also consider ethics when I'm producing my own products and in who I choose to partner with.
Who would you say is a role model for you and why?
My mom. She has taught me through example that it is possible to be strong and gentle, quiet and commanding, at the same time. She showed me that strength manifests in different forms for different people.
What are you most looking forward to for your studio in 2020?
I'm going to carve out more time to get messy with different mediums. And I'm generally very excited to keep making art and connecting with people!
Find out more about Meenal at her website https://www.meenalpatelstudio.com and on Instagram @meenal_land
See All in Issue 8
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