“I am inspired by leaders who are constantly taking risks and pushing boundaries to create a better world around us.”
Name
Geetika Agrawal
Profession
Founder, Creative Director
Website
Who are you? What do you do?
I’m a founder, designer, traveler and a stubborn optimist. Besides creating VAWAA, I also started a traveling dinner event FoodxThought. Prior to this, I worked as a Creative Director at R/GA in New York city.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in India. In 2002, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a Masters in Industrial Design from Art Center College of Design. Since then I’ve lived in San Francisco and currently live in New York.
Your style in 3 words?
Made with love.
Your weakness? Your strength?
If I’m not learning something, I lose interest. That’s my weakness. Being resilient is my strength.
What makes you different?
I’m not sure if I’m that different.
When did you decide to become an designer?
I grew up in India surrounded by exceptional engineers, doctors and lawyers, so I have no idea how and when I decided to become a designer. I think it came naturally to me as I always had more fun learning things visually.
What do you find most fascinating about the creative process?
I always find it fascinating how various experiences in my life keep showing up in my process & work. I seem to absorb it all.
A few words about your favourite creation?
My favorite creation right now is my latest venture VAWAA. A couple of years ago, after a personal frustration of not finding opportunities for artistic experiences during my travels, I started a travel company called VAWAA | Vacation With An Artist. It’s a way to spend your vacation in master artist studios around the world, learning a new skill – from calligraphy in Japan to bespoke shoemaking in Czech Republic to street art in Buenos Aires, and everything in between. These mini 4-7 day ‘private apprenticeships’ serve as a unique way to learn about a culture and allow travelers to become a part of the artist’s daily creative process.
Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…
Besides a lot of peers who inspire me on a regular basis, I am inspired by leaders who are constantly taking risks and pushing boundaries to create a better world around us.
A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?
At this point, I am staying focused on growing VAWAA as that’s what I’m excited about most!
Do you have a vision?
Yes, I have a vision of a world where there are no borders and we are constantly striving to reach our highest creative potential.
2017: Where are we going?
The stubborn optimist in me says that we are turning a difficult corner – but on the other side lies a better future.
Your city’s favourite spots?
Any place with good live music and lots of plants.
Tell us about your future plans…
Build VAWAA into a great company, get married, have kids, build a communal home for me and my friends…..the usual. Live a good, balanced life.
Find out more about Geetika and Vacation with an Artist
