Hello World 🌏 !¶
Welcome to my Fabricademy page! Here, you'll find a detailed documentation of my Fabricademy journey—everything from weekly assignments, my final project, and the sources of inspiration along the way.
But before diving into my creations, here’s a little about me.
Hi! I’m Shefali Desai, born and raised in Mumbai, India.
Creativity has been the driving force of my life from an early age, shaping my journey through education and beyond. I recognized my passion for the creative field at the age of 12, when I found myself constantly doodling in school textbooks. It wasn’t long before I knew that the creative world was where I belonged, and my parents were incredibly supportive throughout this journey. After completing A-Levels in Graphic and Fashion Design, I pursued a Bachelor's in Interactive Media followed by a Master’s in Design, specializing in Digital Media at Raffles Institute in Singapore. Alongside my creative pursuits, I’ve always had a deep love for traveling and exploring new places, fueling my curiosity and broadening my creative horizons. This path led me to where I stand today.
As a Multi-Disciplinary Designer, Entrepreneur¶
I’ve woven my passion for learning and creation into everything I do. Over the past 15+ years, I've navigated the vast creative industry, running my own cloud design studio, BASE 501, for the last decade. My professional expertise spans visual design, illustration, strategic thinking, and adaptable design solutions. I’ve had the honor of collaborating with renowned brands like STARBUCKS, Pepsi, Red Bull, and Sony.
Among my most cherished projects was my contribution to KFC India, where I was one of the 50 selected designers nationwide to illustrate for their iconic Chicken Bucket Campaign, bringing art to life in cities like Mumbai, Kanpur, and Bhilai.
This journey has earned recognition and accolades, with features in Creative Gaga, Kyoorius, and Telangana Today Newspaper for my work with Hyderabad Design Week. Disney India gave me my 15 minutes of fame when I appeared on Imagine That Season 2, teaching audiences how to add doodles to shoes. Accolades such as 100 Emerging Women Leaders by YourStory (2023) and Top 100 Women Illustrators in India (2018) have been humbling milestones along the way.
As an Educator¶
Teaching has been a rewarding part of my journey for over 11 years, during which I’ve shared my passion for design with students and professionals alike. I’ve been a visiting faculty at Raffles Design Institute, Atlas SkillTech University,SOAL (School of Accelerated Learning),IIDE, and have given guest lectures at Pearl Academy and Ecolé Intuit Lab. Currently, I am a Professor of Practice at Somaiya School Of Design. Alongside my academic roles, I’ve also been involved with NAS Academy as a Daily Activity Lead, helping students build their social media content effectively.
Beyond traditional education, I’ve conducted over 100 workshops across the art, craft, and design sectors, inspiring creativity and skill-building in colleges, events, and through individual sessions.
As an Artist & Crafter¶
From doodles in my school textbooks to the artist I am today, my curiosity knows no bounds. Creativity has always been a way to explore the world around me. As an artist and crafter, I'm driven by an insatiable curiosity—I love figuring out how things work and continuously experiment with new tools and techniques.
A deep fascination with mermaids began when I first watched The Little Mermaid as a child. That magical underwater world sparked my imagination and led me to collect everything related to mermaids as I grew older. My love for the ocean expanded to include jellyfish in particular, with their otherworldly elegance, and all things that glow and sparkle, reflecting the enchantment I find in the natural and mystical realms.
I draw inspiration from a wide array of sources, from the mystery of the ocean to folklore, mythology, and the rich tapestry of the ancient past. The beauty of the night sky, the moon, and the stars constantly call to me, and my admiration for Vincent van Gogh, particularly his masterpiece Starry Night, deepened my connection to art. I even traveled to New York’s MoMA to see the painting in person—an experience that left a lasting impression.
Known for my intricate mandalas, line art, and detailed doodles, I explore both digital and hand-painted illustrations, while diving into newer crafts like embroidery and crochet. My journey as The Doodleist has opened doors to exciting collaborations with brands, transforming my artwork into merchandise and making it accessible to a broader audience.
In 2013, I launched The Doodleist, an experimental space where I push the boundaries of my creativity beyond client briefs.
As a Leo by zodiac, my logo embodies the essence of the lion—strength and courage. It also reflects my deep fascination with mermaids, symbolizing mystery and creativity. The sun, representing fire and passion, shines through, while the moon and star capture my love for the night sky and all its wonders. To top it off, the pen tool icon from Adobe Illustrator is a nod to the power of creation, signifying the limitless possibilities of design.
With an endless sea of interests and inspirations, I continue to evolve as an artist, constantly seeking new ways to express the beauty and wonder I find in the world around me.
In the words of Steve Jobs
"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
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