Welcome to Media Matters, an interview series on Fublis where we delve into the insights and experiences of media professionals from diverse fields. Through these conversations, we explore the journey, challenges, and contributions of journalists, editors, writers, and other creative minds shaping today’s media landscape.
In this edition, we speak with Jagriti Jhunjhunwala, a seasoned architecture journalist and Co-Director of Creations Magazine. Jagriti shares her inspiring academic background, her transition into leadership, and her commitment to elevating design narratives from lesser-known cities in India.
Join us as we uncover the motivations behind her work and the unique perspectives she brings to the world of media and architecture.
Can you tell us about your academic journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in the creative field? What specific experiences or influences shaped your strong opinions and independent approach to work?
Jagriti Jhunjhunwala: My under graduation (B.Arch) from Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture, Pune was one filled with hands on learning and unique creative exposure. The mentors I encountered there, especially Ar. Atul Rajwade, Ar. Mahesh Bangad and Dr. Kavita Murugkar, pushed me towards self-exploration and creative experimentation. As I further pursued my post graduation in Urban Design (M.Arch) from School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, I was guided to dedicatedly delve into research and writing. In particular the elective, Indian Urbanism, taught by Dr. Anand Wadwekar highly inspired me to listen, read and talk about stories of people and places from heartland India.
What inspired your transition from a researcher to a leadership role in a creative publication like Creations Magazine?
Jagriti Jhunjhunwala: While I was doing freelance architecture in my hometown Shillong, Meghalaya, I came across an opportunity to write for a book titled ‘People Called Shillong’ published by Penguin Random House and curated by Nisha Nair Gupta. This got me in touch with the creative writing community of my city and beyond. With every book reading I went to, I got inspired to explore creative writing further. Eventually I did few courses on Architecture Journalism and wrote for digital and print platforms. However, a chance encounter with Ar. Pramod Chaugule in Sangli, where I shifted post marriage, led me to my first big break in the field of architecture journalism. He was keen on launching a magazine that showcased true architecture of smaller Indian cities through a lens of sustainability and I grabbed the opportunity with both hands from the moment he discussed it with me.
What have been the most significant challenges you’ve faced as a Co-Director and Creative Editor, and how have you overcome them?
Jagriti Jhunjhunwala: As a budding venture, CREATIONS is still in its initial stages of exploration. At first, the biggest challenge was to convince professionals and advertisers to collaborate with our platform. It took us a good 6-8 months of persistent hard work to chalk up our first draft. However, owing to the grand legacy of Ar. Pramod Chaugule and his greatly successful Marathi publication, Abhalmaya, eventually people came on board with tremendous support. As a creative person, we are often quite clueless about the technical details that go into ensuring a good quality print publication. It was quite a challenge to educate ourselves about such technicalities and master them to produce a well designed output.
As the Creative Editor and Co-Director, what are your primary responsibilities and goals at Creations Magazine?
Jagriti Jhunjhunwala: As a creative editor, my primary goal is to constantly ensure that the curated content abides with our ethos of only showcasing projects that are done with a conscience. As the person responsible for the magazine and cover design, I further make sure that our goal of minimalism seeps into every single page layout, offering a clean reading experience against a cluttered up, wave of information. As a new start up anticipating growth, keeping myself and my team members motivated also becomes a primary focus in my everyday to-do list !
How does Creations Magazine differentiate itself as a design and art publication, especially from a Tier-3 Indian city?
Jagriti Jhunjhunwala: The intent behind starting CREATIONS was two fold. One, to be the first international standard, English medium, art and design magazine to be published from a Tier 3 Indian city and second to be a unique cross-departmental literature in the creative field. Both of these intent in itself differentiates our magazine from its counterparts. Creations does not limit itself to only architecture but brings forth narratives from other allied field such as visual arts, fashion, heritage, craft, landscape and much more. This allows readers to broaden their vision and definition of creativity while drawing parallels from varied fields into their creative practice.
Why did you choose to focus on narratives of design and creativity from smaller Indian towns in Creations Magazine?
Jagriti Jhunjhunwala: Most, if not all, popular art and design magazines of our country is published in metro cities. Unconsciously or so, a lot of good design narratives from the rural contexts go unnoticed. Issues from such area requiring attention goes unheard. Thereby, we took the bold step of launching this platform from a small town that would encourage the real, hidden creatives from Tier 3 / Tier 4 cities of India to feature their work and receive rightful recognition.
Can you share some success stories or standout features highlighting the creativity emerging from these regions?
Jagriti Jhunjhunwala: Our first issue showcased twelve outstanding architecture projects from the cities of Satara, Nashik, Miraj, Sangli, Kolhapur and alike. It also shed light on the magnificent works of artist Sanjiv Sankkpal and Narsimhawadi based photographer, Dnyaneshwar Vaidya. The next issue brought forth the craft and plight of the creative Miraj Sitarmakers while also showcasing the works of young interior designer, Palak Chopra. The third issue was a special edition dedicated to architect brothers Shankar and Navnath Kanade, the only current literature highlighting the life and work of these legend architects originally from Nagaj.
How do you stay inspired and motivated in your creative work, especially when leading a new publication?
Jagriti Jhunjhunwala: A new venture is always a test of patience. Especially, in this fast paced, 6 seconds concentration world, feeding literature to people is quite a task. Yet what keeps me going is my vision to ultimate reach a platform from where our magazine can positively influence if not more, at least a single person’s life. Knowing that if we do it right, our work can create a difference in the understanding of students, builders and professionals regarding the real definition of design and creativity, is a motivation in itself.
Are there any emerging trends or themes in design and art that you are particularly excited to explore in future magazine editions?
Jagriti Jhunjhunwala: In the upcoming issues, we are excited to explore the topics of Digital Art in Design, Creativity in Everyday Urbanism, Sustainable Institution Designs, Universal Design, Creativity among the differently-abled and much more.
What advice would you give to aspiring creative professionals who want to make an impact in the art and design industry?
Jagriti Jhunjhunwala: I would say, take time to choose your niche but don’t be hesitant to embrace changing roles in life. Creativity is extremely subjective so it is important to have clarity on what your definition of it is for you to showcase the same in your work. The more we explore, meet new people, read new narratives, the more enriched our definition of creativity will be. Also, we are more than just our work, don’t forget to play all the other roles in life as well !
