Jaya Jaitly’s latest book is a departure from what came before — from textile, craft and all things handmade. Instead, it’s a deep dive into design thinking. Inspirations for Graphic Design from India, co-authored with professor Dimple Bahl of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and published by Arthshila Trust, advocates an overhaul of design education in India by recognising indigenous sources. “I researched all the [available] forms of teaching the principles of graphic design that I could find. They were soulless and limiting, only geared towards a commercial approach for the printing industry,” explains Jaitly. “I felt we had a field wide open to add our bit.”
The years of researching — online during the pandemic and then at libraries and through discussions with scholars — have led to a book that compels us to reevaluate our sources. Edited excerpts from a conversation with the writer, crafts revivalist and activist.
