Today we’d like to introduce you to Roochita Chachra
Hi Roochita, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello everyone! I’m proud to be a Surface Pattern Designer and Digital Artist, living in Austin, TX since 2008. My creativity thrives on the freedom to express who I truly am, without pressure, allowing me to genuinely love what I do today. Originally from India, I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Applied Art from J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai. My passion for art was always present, even in school, where I topped all my drawing projects and became well-known for my artistic talent. It made my decision to pursue formal education in art an easy one 🙂
After a long career as a graphic designer, I found myself gravitating toward surface pattern design and illustration. This shift allowed me to explore more personal themes and experiment creatively. My distinctive style blends modernity, boldness, and contemporary flair, integrating natural elements with vivid hues and captivating textures, mainly in vector-based designs.
My creative process is intuitive yet structured. I often start with a sketch, allowing my thoughts to flow freely, and then I refine my ideas digitally. As I expand my horizons into canvas painting, my creative journey continues to evolve. My work is currently displayed at Austin Public Libraries through the Creative Arts Society and The Hive via the Bee Cave Arts Foundation. I’m always exploring new ways to merge digital and hand-painted elements, curious to see where this creative journey might lead.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The path of being creative is far from linear. I started my career working with top advertising agencies like Ogilvy and Mather in Mumbai. From there, I gained experience working part-time with magazines and newspapers as a graphic designer, joined the marketing team for a well-known diamond jewelry brand, led a team at an event management company, and eventually worked in the marketing department for a mortgage company in Austin. Along the way, I also added a User Experience Design Immersive from General Assembly, Austin, to my journey.
Despite all these experiences, I eventually realized that the traditional 8-to-5 office life wasn’t for me. I needed more creative freedom and flexibility. Working within the constraints of office environments limited my potential to explore my full artistic expression. It’s a journey we all go through to discover what truly drives us in life.
One of my biggest personal struggles has been dealing with chronic migraines. They can be incredibly debilitating, and because of that, I’ve had to learn to work at my own pace. I might be at my best for a few days or a week, and then I might need to rest and recharge. My creative spark often comes at odd hours, and I love that I have the freedom to create whenever inspiration strikes, no matter where I am—especially since I love traveling! I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my online design community, as well as my local artist friends. They’ve been a constant source of encouragement along this unpredictable journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Surface Pattern Design is still a relatively new concept, and many might not be familiar with the term. Simply put, I create illustrations and repeat patterns using tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, and sometimes by hand-painting. These designs are then licensed to companies and applied to various products like kitchenware, home decor, greeting cards, apparel, wallpapers, and more.
What makes surface pattern design so exciting is the versatility and creativity it offers. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my designs come to life on products, whether it’s a seasonal trend or something more timeless. I’ve had the pleasure of licensing my work to small brands across different categories, including totes and pet accessories. One of my proudest accomplishments is having a greeting card showcasing my artwork available at Trader Joe’s. My designs are also available on print-on-demand platforms like Spoonflower, Redbubble, and Society6, where customers range from interior designers and staging studios to small business owners and Etsy sellers who use my fabric designs to create their own products.
Being a Minted artist is something I hold dear, as it allows my work to reach a broad audience. It’s always a thrill to see my artwork purchased from various places. What sets me apart is my bold, vibrant, and colorful style, which brings energy and life to every design. I love incorporating lettering and typography, adding a dynamic layer to my work. Whether digital or hand-painted, my designs stand out for their modernity and expressive use of color, allowing me to cater to a wide range of clients and products, all while pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
On my Instagram, I come across as a very colorful artist, but what might surprise people is that I love creating in black and white just as much as I do in vibrant colors! My years as a freelance logo designer shaped my appreciation for minimalism, and that side of me often shows through in my work. I can confidently say that I’m both a minimalist and a maximalist. Why limit myself to one when I can embrace both? It’s a balance that gives me creative freedom.
Every step of my journey has been organic, and I consider it a true gift to have built this creative space for myself. Being able to express my ideas in such diverse ways, whether through bold, vibrant designs or simple, clean lines, brings me equal joy.
Pricing:
- Art Licensing – Starting from $500
- Paintings and Commissions – Starting from $500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.designsbyroochita.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designsbyroochita
- Other: www.minted.com/creative/designsbyroochita
- Other: www.spoonflower.com/profiles/roochita
- Other: www.redbubble.com/people/Roochita
- Other: society6.com/designsbyroochita
- Other: raspberrycreekfabrics.com/collections/studio-designsbyroochita
