As a career coach, I recently had an insightful conversation with Alex, a student facing a unique crossroads in their academic journey. Alex is passionate about communication design but also has a deep interest in divinatory practices like Vedic astrology, tarot, and oracle reading. He expressed concerns about the relevance of a design degree in an era dominated by AI and wondered if they could pursue both their artistic and spiritual interests simultaneously.
Here are a few excerpts of our conversation concerning about AI and Design
Counseling is the art of listening and the science of understanding, creating a space where healing begins and growth is nurtured
Alex: "I'm really nervous about starting my Communication Design degree. With AI tools becoming so advanced, it feels like they can do everything we could ever learn. I'm worried that by the time I graduate, my degree will be useless."
Tannu: "I understand your concern. AI is indeed transforming many fields, including design. However, it's important to remember that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human creativity. While AI can assist with repetitive tasks and even generate ideas, it doesn't possess the emotional intelligence or innovative spark that humans bring to the table. Your passion for art and design is your greatest asset. The ability to think critically, emotionally, and creatively are skills that AI cannot replicate. Your unique perspectives and creative solutions will always be in demand."
Integrating Design and Divinatory Practices
The conversation took an interesting turn when Alex shared their fascination with Vedic astrology, tarot, and oracle reading. These interests might seem distinct from design at first glance, but we explored how they could beautifully complement each other.
Alex: "I've always been drawn to the mystical and spiritual aspects of life. Astrology and tarot provide such unique perspectives and insights. I find them deeply enriching, both personally and creatively. But now, I'm afraid that these interests might seem too 'out there' or incompatible with a career in design."
Tannu: "On the contrary, Alex, your interests can complement each other beautifully. Both design and divinatory practices involve interpreting symbols and conveying messages. In design, you create visual narratives; in divination, you interpret symbolic messages. There's a lot of potential for crossover. Your interest in divinatory practices like Vedic astrology and tarot is fascinating! There's a rich visual and symbolic language in these practices that can inspire unique design projects. You can create visually engaging content that explains astrological concepts, design personalized birth charts, or even design and develop your own tarot deck. This combination of skills and interests can carve out a unique niche for you in the design world."
The Journey Ahead
To successfully merge these two paths, Alex will need to focus on several key areas:
- Education and Skill Development:
- Design: Continue formal education in Communication Design to master technical skills and principles.
- Divinatory Practices: Deepen knowledge in Vedic astrology and tarot through courses, books, and practice.
- Finding a Niche:
- Alex could specialize in spiritual and mystical themes within the design world, creating content for spiritual businesses or developing a brand around their unique blend of skills.
- Building a Portfolio:
- Start with small projects that integrate both interests, such as astrology-inspired artwork or tarot card designs.
- Networking and Community Engagement:
- Connect with both the design and spiritual communities for feedback and collaboration opportunities.
Balancing Passion and Practicality
Alex: "It sounds like a lot of work, but also incredibly rewarding. Do you think it's realistic to pursue both paths?"
Tannu: "Absolutely! It will require careful planning and time management, but your passion will be your greatest motivator. By merging your interests, you create a unique identity and offer something different in both the design and spiritual communities. Remember, it's about the journey and continuous learning. Stay curious, and let your creativity flow in both areas."
Suggested Universities
For Alex, finding the right educational environment is crucial. Here are a few universities, both in India and abroad, that offer strong programs in design and also provide opportunities to explore holistic and spiritual studies:
Abroad:
- California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
- Parsons School of Design at The New School
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
- Naropa University
India:
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
- Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore
- MIT Institute of Design, Pune
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
- Amity School of Design, Noida
Alex can research these options and decide which institution aligns best with their interests. Alternatively, Alex could opt for an online certification program for divinatory methods while pursuing an offline degree in B.Des (Bachelor of Design). This combination allows for a flexible approach where Alex can develop expertise in both fields, provided they are committed and disciplined. Though challenging, balancing these two interests is possible with dedication and time management. Nothing beats discipline and a structured approach to learning and personal growth. This holistic plan allows Alex to pursue their passion for both design and divinatory arts, creating a unique and fulfilling career path that integrates creativity and spirituality.