We had the good fortune of connecting with Rhea Shukla and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rhea, what are you inspired by?
I’m driven by the goal of creating a meaningful legacy and inspiring those around me to reach their full potential.
My earliest inspiration came from my mother’s paintings. Her art taught me to wonder, imagine, and see beyond the obvious. It made me believe that creativity isn’t just about beauty, it’s about emotion, curiosity, and storytelling.
I’m also deeply inspired by bold artists and disruptors like David Carson and the Guerrilla Girls – creatives who don’t just design, but provoke thought and spark conversations. Their work reminds me that design is a tool for impact, not just expression.
But at the core of it all, what fuels me is the fact that I have no option but to keep moving forward. Failure isn’t part of my plan – I’m here to build, to grow, and to reach a place where I can bring others along with me. That sense of purpose keeps me inspired every single day.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To me, art is like poetry, it communicates what words often cannot. As a child, I watched my mother paint serene waterfalls, and I’d stare at her work, trying to uncover the emotions behind each brushstroke. That sparked a question that shaped my life: What if people could communicate entirely through visuals? That curiosity became the heart of my journey.
Today, I’m a visual experience designer. What sets me apart is how I translate complex data and ideas into visuals that are not only engaging, but emotionally intelligent and meaningful. My work is about clarity, connection, and impact, not just aesthetics.
My journey began in 2017 when I started my Bachelor’s in Visual Communication in India. I said yes to every opportunity – freelance gigs, internships, collaborations. I didn’t wait for doors to open; I knocked on every one. A pivotal moment came when I met David Carson at a design conference. As he signed my poster, he simply said, “Do well in life.” Those words stuck with me. And my mother’s unwavering support gave me the strength to keep going.
One of my biggest challenges was moving from India to the U.S. I didn’t want borders to define me, I wanted to dream bigger. That leap brought me to SCAD, where I earned my Master’s and pushed myself creatively and personally. Today, I work at a marketing and advertising agency where I use design to create meaningful change.
Of course, the doubts are real – Will I make it? Can I live the life I dream of? But I’ve learned that hard work, patience, and kindness are more powerful than fear. And when you have no option to fail, working hard isn’t a choice, it’s your only way forward.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Surround yourself with people who see your vision. The right people lift you up. And being hard on yourself doesn’t mean burning out, it means giving your all, leaving no stone unturned.
Design is more than my career, it’s my way of storytelling, of connection, of making a difference. My story is still unfolding, but I hope it inspires others to chase theirs without limits.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d kick things off by exploring downtown St. Pete, grabbing coffee from Bandit Coffee Co. and strolling through the murals in the EDGE District. It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s creative energy.
On Saturday morning, we’d visit the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market for fresh produce, local crafts, and some of the best street food around. It’s a great way to soak in the local vibe and support small businesses.
I’d definitely take her to Fort De Soto Park, one of my favorite spots for kayaking, biking, or just relaxing by the water. If we’re feeling adventurous, we’d go snorkeling with manatees. It’s a rare and unforgettable experience.
For a unique day trip, we’d drive about an hour and a half north to the Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring. Swimming in an underground spring surrounded by ancient rock formations feels like stepping into another world.
At night, we’d visit a local speakeasy like The Saint, a hidden gem with incredible cocktails and an unforgettable atmosphere. If we’re in the mood, we might explore more tucked-away spots around Central Ave.
And of course, I’d make sure she gets to try some of the best Indian street food in town from my favorite food truck, Swad Mama. It’s run by close friends of mine, and their food always hits home.
St. Pete has it all – sun, art, nature, amazing food, and a warm, welcoming energy. The people here are creative and kind, and there’s always something new to discover. That’s what makes this city so special.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom. She has been a constant source of support, especially during times when no one else was there for me. Her life has been incredibly challenging, and I truly believe that her resilience and the hardships she’s faced have shaped my upbringing in ways I can’t even fully express. Despite everything, she always made sure I felt loved and supported, and her strength has been a major driving force behind my own journey. I owe so much of who I am today to her unwavering dedication.
https://shoutoutatlanta.com/meet-rhea-shukla-visual-experience-designer/
We had the good fortune of connecting with Rhea Shukla and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rhea, what are you inspired by?
I’m driven by the goal of creating a meaningful legacy and inspiring those around me to reach their full potential.
My earliest inspiration came from my mother’s paintings. Her art taught me to wonder, imagine, and see beyond the obvious. It made me believe that creativity isn’t just about beauty, it’s about emotion, curiosity, and storytelling.
I’m also deeply inspired by bold artists and disruptors like David Carson and the Guerrilla Girls – creatives who don’t just design, but provoke thought and spark conversations. Their work reminds me that design is a tool for impact, not just expression.
But at the core of it all, what fuels me is the fact that I have no option but to keep moving forward. Failure isn’t part of my plan – I’m here to build, to grow, and to reach a place where I can bring others along with me. That sense of purpose keeps me inspired every single day.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To me, art is like poetry, it communicates what words often cannot. As a child, I watched my mother paint serene waterfalls, and I’d stare at her work, trying to uncover the emotions behind each brushstroke. That sparked a question that shaped my life: What if people could communicate entirely through visuals? That curiosity became the heart of my journey.
Today, I’m a visual experience designer. What sets me apart is how I translate complex data and ideas into visuals that are not only engaging, but emotionally intelligent and meaningful. My work is about clarity, connection, and impact, not just aesthetics.
My journey began in 2017 when I started my Bachelor’s in Visual Communication in India. I said yes to every opportunity – freelance gigs, internships, collaborations. I didn’t wait for doors to open; I knocked on every one. A pivotal moment came when I met David Carson at a design conference. As he signed my poster, he simply said, “Do well in life.” Those words stuck with me. And my mother’s unwavering support gave me the strength to keep going.
One of my biggest challenges was moving from India to the U.S. I didn’t want borders to define me, I wanted to dream bigger. That leap brought me to SCAD, where I earned my Master’s and pushed myself creatively and personally. Today, I work at a marketing and advertising agency where I use design to create meaningful change.
Of course, the doubts are real – Will I make it? Can I live the life I dream of? But I’ve learned that hard work, patience, and kindness are more powerful than fear. And when you have no option to fail, working hard isn’t a choice, it’s your only way forward.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Surround yourself with people who see your vision. The right people lift you up. And being hard on yourself doesn’t mean burning out, it means giving your all, leaving no stone unturned.
Design is more than my career, it’s my way of storytelling, of connection, of making a difference. My story is still unfolding, but I hope it inspires others to chase theirs without limits.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d kick things off by exploring downtown St. Pete, grabbing coffee from Bandit Coffee Co. and strolling through the murals in the EDGE District. It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s creative energy.
On Saturday morning, we’d visit the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market for fresh produce, local crafts, and some of the best street food around. It’s a great way to soak in the local vibe and support small businesses.
I’d definitely take her to Fort De Soto Park, one of my favorite spots for kayaking, biking, or just relaxing by the water. If we’re feeling adventurous, we’d go snorkeling with manatees. It’s a rare and unforgettable experience.
For a unique day trip, we’d drive about an hour and a half north to the Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring. Swimming in an underground spring surrounded by ancient rock formations feels like stepping into another world.
At night, we’d visit a local speakeasy like The Saint, a hidden gem with incredible cocktails and an unforgettable atmosphere. If we’re in the mood, we might explore more tucked-away spots around Central Ave.
And of course, I’d make sure she gets to try some of the best Indian street food in town from my favorite food truck, Swad Mama. It’s run by close friends of mine, and their food always hits home.
St. Pete has it all – sun, art, nature, amazing food, and a warm, welcoming energy. The people here are creative and kind, and there’s always something new to discover. That’s what makes this city so special.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom. She has been a constant source of support, especially during times when no one else was there for me. Her life has been incredibly challenging, and I truly believe that her resilience and the hardships she’s faced have shaped my upbringing in ways I can’t even fully express. Despite everything, she always made sure I felt loved and supported, and her strength has been a major driving force behind my own journey. I owe so much of who I am today to her unwavering dedication.
https://shoutoutatlanta.com/meet-rhea-shukla-visual-experience-designer/