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Kanaka Raghavan

@__karastudio__

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2970
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Designer and educator
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Illustrations on @kanakadraws
#Kanakaraghavan #kara #bcn #dubai
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Thrilled to have my work selected and displayed so beautifully, alongside such talented creatives from the region. Huge thanks to #Tasmeem and @icdbrookfieldplace for curating and designing this amazing exhibition! Please do check it out if you are in town, it’s on until 30th of August! #tasmeem2024 #memorybox #icdbrookfield #graphicdesign #posterdesign #uaecreatives by @__karastudio__
35
2 years ago
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Happy to finally announce that @laurendesign_ from Batch 22-23 has been awarded a Merit by the International Society of Typographic Designers ISTD, a significant accolade in the field of typography and design education. The ISTD distinguishes itself by evaluating the comprehensive design process in its Student Assessment Scheme, rather than just the final product. And winning a merit is recognising Lauren’s dedication and meticulous approach to her project, reflecting her outstanding skill and hard work. We’re truly elated and extremely proud over her accomplishment; it’s a significant moment for her, and our university Middlesex University Dubai highlighting the high standards and global importance of the ISTD assessments. Lauren approached her brief project on “Open|Close” by creating detailed mind maps and researching the “Rebecca” novel, its era’s societal mood, and relevant art movements to inform her design decisions. She carefully selected typefaces from 1926-1939 to align with the novel’s publication and immersed herself in “Rebecca” through its audiobook, book, and a 2020 film adaptation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the text. She put in consistent effort to capture the novel’s essence and emotional narrative in her typographic explorations. It was a pleasure working and winning this merit with her. I would also like to thank @democraticlight being there for us every step of the way, offering his constant support and expert typographic eye throughout the project all the way from Hanoi! And of course a big thank you to @margotummel for cheering us on! @istdworldwide #experimentaltype #typography #istd #istdstudentawards2023 #editorial #gdmdx by @__karastudio__
0
3 years ago
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Introducing the cool kids of jazz! . . . . . #graphicdesign #bookdesign #typography #publicationdesign #printisntdead #designforbooks #adobe #behance @itsnicethat @designspiration #limitededition @peopleofprint @aigaeyeondesign @certainmagazine #morrredsgn #snapmag #eyeondesign #thedesignblacklist #generaleclectics #music #tdkpeepshow #printmagazine #typography #jazz #tldr #karastudio taken in Dubai by @__karastudio__
2
4 years ago
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We’re back! ✨ After a short summer break, today we sent the 13th edition of Type of Humans. This time we feature Kanaka Raghavan, reflecting on what stayed with her after Devanagari One and Devanagari Two—and what happened once the courses were over. It’s also the beginning of a new chapter for the newsletter, looking beyond the classroom and following where type design takes our alumni next. ✨ New this season: Tiny Tasks. Each month we’ll share a small observation exercise. Over time, they’ll become your own archive of visual inspiration—and perhaps the starting point for a future typeface. If you’d like to receive future editions, subscribe through the link in our bio. 💙 #Devanagari #PracticaProgram #TypeDesign #TypeEducation #onlineclasses by @__karastudio__
4
2 months ago
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Happy to share that I’ll be presenting my work in both the exhibition and symposium at the PhD Festival organised by Camberwell, Chelsea, and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts (UAL) on 22 October 2025. I’ll be discussing my ongoing practice-based PhD, which explores decolonising design through practice and education in the context of the UAE, focusing on the question: What does it mean to practice decoloniality through typeface design? The PhD Festival runs from 21 October to 11 November, showcasing creative work-in-progress by doctoral researchers across Camberwell, Chelsea, and Wimbledon through performances, a symposium, and an exhibition. @chelseaual @ual_postgrad_community #phd #decolonisingdesign by @__karastudio__
2
a year ago
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“Sawal Uthao” – Raise Questions This poster is a call to question dominant ideas of what counts as “good design.” Sawal Uthao, meaning “Raise Questions,” challenges the Eurocentric values that shape design education and practice. The bold Devanagari headline takes centre stage, pushing back against the usual hierarchy where Latin script dominates. The artwork asks: Who sets design standards? Why are Western movements celebrated while local knowledge is sidelined? By raising these questions, the piece opens up space for more inclusive ways of thinking—where all design voices are equally valued. The piece presents a series of disruptive questions that chip away at rigid systems imposed by the West. As these structures begin to fracture, new narratives take shape, ones that reimagine design through pluralistic and inclusive perspectives. Created for Tasmeem 2025. It didn’t make it to the final exhibition, but still felt worth sharing. Type used: Fit Devanagari by @kimyagandhi @motaitalic #decolonisedesign #decolonisemanifesto #graphicdesign #posterdesign by @__karastudio__
7
a year ago
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I created this piece for the provoking type class I took with @the_schessa at @typeelectives. For my chatbook piece, I chose an excerpt from @ayoto__unofficial 's thought-provoking essay, "Whiteness Cannot Thank You," shared by Schessa. These lines speak to the limits and opportunities of trying to heal or understand what resists scrutiny, particularly whiteness, which often refuses self-examination. In short, the quote urges us to accept absolute barriers and direct our energy toward places that show even a slight willingness to engage. In my design, I intentionally subverted “perfect typesetting” by employing “awkward” kerning. I chose to break up the quote on large, vivid billboards inspired by typical Indian commercial streets, reflecting the tension I feel as a South Asian designer questioning Western design norms. Within the literal gaps/fissures between panels, I incorporated quotes from Schessa, Garbutt, brightpolkadot naimabenayedbureau @soulellis echoing their work which examines, challenges and questions whiteness during moments of partial openness. For my type, I used Teko, designed by @manushiparikh for the @itfoundry , for its direct style that blends traditional Indian sign painting with modern clarity. Complementing this, Chikki by @kimyagandhi added an angular, rebellious, unconventional flair, reinforcing the sense of creative disruption. #provokingtype #typeelectives #decolonisingdesign #karastudio by @__karastudio__
6
2 years ago
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Super thrilled to share that my poster will be featured in the Fight for Kindness digital showcase as part of the @adceurope festival at @lci_barcelona Barcelona. @typecampus 18 November–15 December 2024 Hosted by LCI Barcelona as part of ADC*E Festival #FightForKindness #ADCEFestival #GraphicDesign #CreativityForGood #LCIBarcelona #karastudio by @__karastudio__
3
2 years ago
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Calling all students, educators, families and curious minds! Join us at the annual Creative Careers Days at @jameelartscentre from October 10-12, 2024 🎨 This year's festival continues its mission to help you explore your future in the arts, with a special focus on design. This year’s theme, Form = Function = Form = Function = Form, spotlights careers in architecture, fashion, graphics, interiors, and more—showcasing the creative possibilities within the design world. During the event, @art_jameel, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, UAE (@uaemcy), will debut a digital platform offering youth opportunities, career advice, guides, and more. Discover it firsthand at the event! ⁠ We at @middlesexdubai are excited to participate in this event, and I’m pleased to share that I will be talking about my own Creative Career Path this Friday, 11th October, at 11 am at Art Jameel. ندعو جميع الطلاب والمعلمين والعائلات وأصحاب الفضول! انضموا إلينا في " تجمّع المهن الإبداعية" في مركز جميل للفنون من 10 إلى 12 أكتوبر 2024 🎨 يواصل هذا المهرجان مهمته في مساعدتكم على استكشاف مستقبلِكم في الفنون، مع التركيز بشكل خاص على التصميم، حيث يسلط الضوء على الوظائف في مجالات العمارة، الأزياء، الرسوميات، التصميم الداخلي، وغيرها — مما يعرض الإمكانيات الإبداعية في عالم التصميم خلال الفعالية، سيطلق فن جميل بالشراكة مع وزارة الثقافة في الإمارات العربية المتحدة، منصة رقمية تقدم فرصًا للشباب، وإرشادات مهنية، وأدلة، وغير ذلك. اكتشفوها مباشرة في الحدث احجزوا أماكنكم وتفقدوا البرنامج الكامل عبر الرابط في البايو - The Ministry of Culture, UAE is the Creative Careers Days lead supporter and the event includes the participation of organisations from the cultural and creative sector: ⁠ @1971designspace, @421.online, @abdul_latif_jameel_official, @abudhabiart, @admafsocial, @aidenaithefuture, @art_jameel, @audubai, @ausharjah, @baytalmamzar, @dctabudhabi, @dididxb, @dirwazalab, @dubaiculture, @elfdubai, @fujifilmme, @guggenheim #abudhabi, @gulfphotoplus, @icdbrookfieldplace, @ivy.advisory, @louvreabudhabi, @manaratalsaadiyat, @m39.ae, @middlesexdubai, @nationalpavilionuae, @nationalpavilionuae, @nyuabudhabi, @nyuadartscenter, @sharjah_paa by @__karastudio__
0
2 years ago
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Type experiments done ages ago and I forgot to share. Clearly was listening to a lot of Beatles back then, need to definitely do it again! #typeexperiments #typography #graphicdesign by @__karastudio__
0
2 years ago
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I'm super excited to share that my poster titled "Chinta" (worry) is one of the 12 selected posters that will be displayed at the prestigious art exhibition, Tasmeem 2024: Memory Box, held at @icdbrookfieldplace DIFC, from June 27–29! This year's brief, "Memory Box," asked us to explore folkloric tales and experiences that weave through our lives, highlighting the interconnection of our individual narratives and showcasing the power of collective memory. I decided to use a famous "doha" (couplet) by Kabir Das, a poet from the 1400s. His couplets were a big part of our school lessons, and a few have stuck with me over the years. This particular one talks about how worry can often take over our lives. It got me thinking about how closely our worries are tied to the superstitions we turn to, especially in my household. Superstitions often give us a sense of control and reassurance. Through illustrations of some of these superstitions alongside the doha, I wanted to show the complex relationship between our worries and the rituals we use to cope with them. Look forward to seeing you there! #Tasmeem2024 #ArtExhibition #GraphicDesign #MemoryBox #Chinta #posterdesign #kabirdas by @__karastudio__
9
2 years ago
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Had the best workshop on letterpress printing by the one and only @tiporenesansa! Thank you, Marko, for your patience and for teaching us so much about the letterpress. Loved the engaging conversations too! It was an absolute pleasure! Please visit his workshop if you are ever in Ljubljana! by @__karastudio__
12
2 years ago
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