Jahnavi is a graphic designer and workshop facilitator from South East London. She graduated from BA Graphic Communication Design at Central Saint Martins in 2020.
Please can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Catford, South East London. I’m passionate about the impact of creativity as a means of self-expression, empowerment and liberation. I have a keen interest in archives, particularly those that document the lives of historically subjugated peoples. I’m passionate about documenting history and safeguarding cultural heritage for posterity.
Why did you choose to study BA Graphic Communication Design at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
I was drawn to the experimental approach that the course had. I knew that on this course I’d be encouraged to push boundaries whilst challenging and questioning the role of graphic design in different contexts. I’ve also always loved creating work by hand, and the university’s letterpress, screen printing, ceramics and various other workshops seemed like perfect places for me to experiment and try out new ways of analogue making.
What have you been working on since graduating?Since graduating, I’ve been balancing freelance and full-time work. In my freelance practice, I adapt the culturally rich medium of quilting to document Black history and challenge distorted historical narratives. I also produce and facilitate creative workshops with a similar ethos, encouraging participants to celebrate, reframe and document our collective and personal histories. These workshops further fuel my passion for creative expression as a tool for empowerment and liberation.
My full-time job is currently at the National Portrait Gallery, where I’ve been working as a graphic designer. My role involves designing temporary exhibitions – the wallpaper graphics, artwork captions, wall colours and occasionally some 3D elements. I also design the marketing materials for these exhibitions – posters, billboards, magazine adverts and banners. As well as working on the temporary exhibitions, I also design the interpretation and way-finding for the Gallery’s main, permanent collection.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?
My Final Major Project, which explored different methods of creating visibility for Black British History. Using cultural theorist Stuart Hall’s Representation Theory, I experimented with and evaluated a variety of different mediums including sculpture, grassroots publishing, murals and banknotes to reflect on how historical events and people are memorialised, and how counter-narratives are produced and disseminated. This exploration resulted in my Black British History Quilt, which was awarded the 2020 MullenLowe NOVA Unstereotyped Award as well as a CSM Dean’s Collection Award. It has also since been on display at the Saatchi Gallery (2020) and the Fitzwilliam Museum (2025).
I absolutely loved this project as it was critical in cementing my values and creative aspirations as a graphic designer. It felt natural, as though all of my research, ideas and experimentation throughout my time at CSM had equipped me with the necessary knowledge and vigour to pursue my final project. My research for this project introduced me to the vibrant world of textiles and quilting – a world in which I believe graphic design has a firm place, as do I.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
If you have a natural curiosity about the world and are always questioning things, then this is the perfect course and environment to honour that curiosity. Be prepared to explore alternative ways of thinking and making, even if it doesn’t seem to make sense at the time – it’s part of the journey. Don’t hold yourself hostage to existing trends and definitions of graphic design – challenge them.
I would also strongly advise students to do some sort of extracurricular activity or hobby alongside the course, whether inside or outside of UAL. Volunteer somewhere, join a book or sports club, learn how to play an instrument or a new language – whatever it is, just expose yourself to as many different ways of thinking and learning as you can. You’d be surprised how these kinds of activities inform and strengthen your design practice.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
My final year – having the freedom and resources to respond to my own design briefs. That’s when I really had to ask myself: what do I actually have to say?
What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?
The importance of paying attention to what draws your interest the most and what themes you repeatedly find yourself coming back to. There’s something there that shouldn’t be ignored – your passions.
View Jahnavi's website to see her workConnect with Jahnavi on LinkedIn Follow Jahnavi on InstagramPhoto. by Feruza Afewerki