Suma Balaram is a designer who joined us in Denmark for the Post-Disposable workshop that we hosted in collaboration with KaosPilot. Suma shares how the experience was deeply impactful for her, resulting in her establishing a new company. Read on as she tells us about how the company emerged and how she has put her desire to effect positive change into action.
Can you give us an introduction to yourself and your work?
Hi! I’m Suma. I am a Visual Designer with experience in branding, design research and strategy. I enjoy exploring different mediums of craft and illustration to create compelling stories that make a lasting impact. Currently I am based in New Delhi (India), where I work as a Visual Designer & Design Researcher at Purpose, where we build and support movements to advance the fight for an open, just and habitable world.
What motivates you to do the work that you do?
I strongly believe that design is a powerful tool to bring about change and solve complex social and environmental problems. My passion for the ocean and wildlife has a strong influence on my work. Marine conservation, waste management, renewable energy and inclusive education are a few areas I have worked on.
How did you find out about the UnSchool, and what motivated you to come?
My Master’s thesis at Parsons School of Design in NYC — “Poly-sea: Phasing Out Plastic Pollution” — focused on creating a shift in both corporate decisions on plastic packaging and on consumer behavior.
Suma’s thesis
A friend of mine came across a workshop led by the UnSchool and Kaospilot on designing for a post disposable world, so we thought it would be a great place for us to learn about sustainable design and changemaking!
What was your experience at the UnSchool like?
It was amazing! It gave me a chance to learn more about what people in different parts of the world are working on when it comes to single-use plastic waste and sustainability in the apparel industry.
What I loved the most was how informative yet informal the collaborative discussions were. This enabled us to share our ideas and build on them.
Emma leading systems mapping at the Post-Disposable workshop in Denmark
What was the main take away you had from coming to the UnSchool?
The Disruptive Design Methodology, systems thinking toolkits and making great friends!
Tell us more about your initiative, and how is it all going?
The workshop gave me the confidence and sparked a desire in me to create my own studio. I founded an independent design studio in 2018 called “Say S” to communicate the value of responsible design and innovation.
S stands for Service Design, Social Impact and Sustainability. These three underlying factors are what the studio offers, through art direction, design thinking and experience design. It has been going well so far!
As I also work full time, I am selective about the projects I take on in order to ensure that I am able to give it my all.
How did the UnSchool help you start/evolve it?
The workshop gave me the confidence and sparked a desire in me to create my own studio. Having a more holistic understanding of systems thinking, sustainable design and the circular economy, I am able to tackle diverse problem areas effectively.
How have you amplified this change you do in the world?
I have made a conscious start by understanding which of my strengths can contribute best towards sustainable solutions in design and research.
Illustration by Suma Balaram
Illustration by Suma Balaram
Through design and illustration, I craft new stories for brands, products and experiences. Through ethnographic research, I use design thinking to implement change and increase engagement.
How can people engage with, support, or follow your work?
My Portfolio: www.sumabalaram.com
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumabalaram/
Say S Studio: @say_s.studio
Wildlife Photography: thewilding_
