Bhairavi Yogasivam, a recent graduate from Central Saint Martins, worked with the Arts Programme team, and Graphic Designer Marina Marbella at Arts SU. In her role as the Student Marketing Designer, Bhairavi created our 11th Annual Made in Arts London catalogue cover design and graphic elements. The catalogue was then printed and launched at our exhibition 'The Space Between' at TM Lighting Gallery. We caught up with Bhairavi and asked her to tell us, in her own words, about the inspiration and process behind her design.

"As an architecture student from Central Saint Martins, my journey through the years of study has allowed me to discover a love for using Adobe Illustrator to add detail and graphic style to my work. What initially started as a means to enhance my architectural projects gradually evolved into a newfound interest in illustration. With this catalogue cover, I had the opportunity to design something beyond my usual architectural and spatial-based comfort zone.

I approached this year’s design by delving into the themes I noticed in the pieces featured in the catalogue, seeking inspiration for my artwork. Among the various ideas, the concepts of ‘home’ and ‘snapshot moments of everyday life’ stood out to me. These themes seemed to encapsulate the essence of domesticity in London, and I knew they would form the basis of my design.

The process began with sketching out initial designs that would link the idea of home to the vibrant nature of the city. I thought that it was important for me to create a harmonious blend that conveyed a sense of belonging and comfort, while also capturing the dynamic energy of urban living. As I moved from sketches to digital illustration, I explored different compositions and palettes, refining it until I was satisfied with the final result. To add an extra layer of intrigue, I decided to include hidden ‘Easter eggs’ of other underlying themes within the cover. These small details would not only be meaningful to me but would also allow other viewers to potentially discover their own connections and interpretations.

It is my hope that it will resonate with the audience, evoking a shared sense of belonging and appreciation for the beauty found in the simplest aspects of life. Enjoy!

You can see Bhairavi's design and the full catalogue online here.