Devyani Pare: Tapping into Creativity Every Day
Designer
by Elizabeth Lavis
|23 Apr 2025
What official Graphic Designer and unofficial Cat Meme Dealer Devyani Pare loves most about her job is being able to tap into her creativity every single day. “I do it by sketching, designing, or conceptually thinking,” she says. This desire to stretch her creative muscles is rooted in childhood, when Pare’s grandfather encouraged her to draw and take inspiration from the everyday world.
“With encouragement from my grandfather, I experimented with various art mediums including acrylics, oil paints, gouache, and digital art,” she says. “After stumbling upon a YouTube video titled ‘A Day in my life as a Graphic Designer’, I became hooked on the idea of combining my art with this new field I just found out about. It led me down a rabbit hole, and I decided to major in graphic design during my undergraduate and graduate studies.”
After completing her undergraduate degree in graphic design, Pare pursued a Master of Fine Arts at the Maryland Institute College of Art, interning at an art non-profit and branding agency to gain valuable real-world experience. Doing so helped her hone her design approach.
“My approach varies depending on the client, but there are a few steps that I consistently follow,” Pare says. “I enjoy taking handwritten notes and jotting down ideas as I learn about each project. This process feels comfortable and familiar since I grew up writing everything down. Afterwards, I search for inspiration that aligns with my notes, and from there, I create initial sketches, which I refine based on the feedback I receive.”
"Hex Tea", Devyani Pare
Pare’s hands-on, notes-oriented approach means she can’t live without her iPad and Apple pencil. “I use them to take notes, draw sketches, and make rough drafts for all of my projects,” she says. Pare also keeps herself apprised of the latest design trends by following designers and agencies on Instagram and LinkedIn. “Additionally, I follow successful brands, such as Duolingo, on social media,” she says. “This helps me analyze the types of design work that contribute to effective marketing strategies. I also find design websites like Dieline, AIGA Eye on Design, and It’s Nice That to be valuable resources for inspiration and information.”
Multiple projects and deadlines are no problem for Pare, who uses them to break up her time and switch to something new when she begins feeling fatigued with a task or project. When burnout does strike and she needs a break, Pare heads to the kitchen. “Cooking is a great way to take my mind off things,” she says. “It acts as a stress reliever and inspires me to try out new recipes. After a break, I’m able to return to my projects with more focus.”
Pare also isn’t afraid to tap into her guilty pleasures as a well-needed break or reward for a job well done. “I always look for a chance to eat Indian street food,” she says. “It’s definitely one of my top guilty pleasures, along with watching documentaries about anything and everything. I also enjoy listening to true crime podcasts while I cross-stitch.”
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