Breaking Boundaries - Reana's Mixed Media Journey at Gulabi Mango
Meet Reana, a designer at Gulabi Mango whose creative spirit refuses to be confined. For her, art isn't about choosing between digital or traditional, structure or chaos - it's about mixing it all together and seeing what emerges. In this conversation, she opens up about her love for mixed media, how music and movies fuel her creativity, and why being a maximalist is her superpower.
{Below is a candid conversation captured between X (Ritika) and R (Reana herself)}
X: So Reana, we know you're really into mixed media art - but for everyone reading this, can you take us through what mixed media actually is?
R: Mixed media is an art form where you use different mediums of art and craft to create a piece. It allows you to experiment and be more free when you are creating something. It also helps you learn about many different techniques out there and push your boundaries as an artist.
X: When did you first discover mixed media as a form of expression? Was there a specific moment that made you think, "This is what I want to do"?
R: Funny thing is, I started doing mixed media art before I even knew it was called that. Back in school, I used to create collages using magazine cutouts, stickers, paints - whatever I could get my hands on. Then I started experimenting digitally as well and thought, why not combine the two?
When I started posting on my art account, I realized that my art style couldn't be put into one category. That's when I discovered the term - mixed media. As for a specific moment - it was gradual. I realized I genuinely enjoy ideation and the process of making mixed media. That's when I knew this is what I want to do.
X: Take us back to your first proper mixed media piece. What was it? Did it turn out how you had imagined?
R: I think my first "proper mixed media" piece was one I created on Halsey. It was very random and based on a photoshoot she did. I remember trying to work with certain colors and elements to achieve how I visualized it in my mind. It was also the beginning of when I started being experimental and carefree with my art. I always go back to that feeling whenever I'm experiencing an art block.
"I feel like a new person when it comes to creating art - a carefree, unafraid version of myself."
X: What draws you to mixing different mediums rather than sticking to one? What excites you about this the most?
R: I feel restricted at times when I'm just working with one specific medium, be it digital or traditional. It doesn't grant me that creative freedom and expression which mixed media does.
Mixed media is not just about an art form for me - it's also about how I express myself and my emotions, how it fuels my drive to keep learning and experimenting more. I feel like a new person when it comes to creating art, a carefree, unafraid version of myself. Through mixed media, I also learned that I'm a maximalist. How I visualize things in my mind is how you will be seeing them in my art piece.
X: Where do you find inspiration for your work? Are there specific artists, places, or experiences that fuel your creativity?
R: I find inspiration mostly from music artists and movies, but I wouldn't say they're my only source. I also get inspired by my surroundings and online friends who are amazing at what they do.
Music is a huge part of my life, especially the artists I listen to. I love to analyze lyrics and album themes to understand why an artist created a specific album or song, what emotions they were going through. I dive deep into music and movies to understand the message behind them, and when a song or a movie impacts me to my core, I feel inspired to create art.
For example - 5 Seconds of Summer and Halsey are two of my favorite artists who are extremely experimental. Their skills are phenomenal, not just in terms of music but also in how they push their own boundaries to create something beautiful. They're unapologetically themselves and truly inspiring. They're not just confined to one category.
"When a song or a movie impacts me to my core, I feel inspired to create art."
X: What does your creative process look like? Do you plan everything out or let the piece evolve as you work on it?
R: My creative process is messy, unlike my professional creative process. I sometimes plan, or sometimes I don't. There isn't really a way that I can describe my process. I do let my work evolve as it is - I visualize it in my head as I'm working, and sometimes I might create something completely different from how I visualized it initially.
X: Do you think your mixed media practice has influenced the way you approach design work at Gulabi Mango?
R: Yes, definitely. Whenever a new project arrives or a task is given to me, I always try to do something different but also within the brand guidelines if needed. I've had conversations with Devanshi about how we can step out of our comfort zones as designers and try out new ways to elevate brands. Practicing mixed media has definitely opened up my perspective professionally too.
X: What's the most challenging aspect of working with mixed media?
R: I think working with different mediums can be overwhelming at times because there are a lot of options and techniques to work with. Also, at times things might not work out the way you're imagining them in your head. For example - trying a new medium or a form of craft for the first time might be challenging and can change the look of your art piece in the middle of your creative process.
"Practicing mixed media has opened up my perspective professionally too."
X: Is there a dream mixed media project you'd love to create someday?
R: I genuinely want to work on a big art direction project where I get the chance to design sets, graphics, packaging - basically the overall theme of the project related to music, movies, fashion, or beauty. Somewhere I'll be able to have a lot of creative freedom and a brand or client who is open to being experimental.
X: And finally, what does Gulabi Mango mean to you? Has it helped shape you as both a designer and an artist?
R: Gulabi Mango has definitely made me learn a lot about myself. Working here has taught me a lot of patience, understanding, and how to be a better professional designer. I never thought of working on such a wide variety of projects back to back from branding to merch design and even social media.
I've gained a lot of confidence when it comes to ideation and executing my designs for clients and brands compared to when I had joined. Devanshi has been extremely helpful and patient in guiding me, and I really appreciate the fact that she sees my potential and constantly reminds me of what I can do with my skills and passion for art.
Also, working with a team has been a wholesome experience. Everybody is extremely supportive and optimistic. I also admire the way we approach new challenges with a positive and eager-to-learn attitude.
