Muhaddisa Ali

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN (RISD)

Muhaddisa Ali is a Pakistani-American graphic designer born in Atlanta, GA and raised in Islamabad, Pakistan. They are currently based in Providence, RI, pursuing their BFA in Graphic Design at the Rhode Island School of Design. They are interested in the translation of human emotions and experiences through design. Motivated to balance work and life and find the beauty of simply living again, they are currently working on their degree project focused on the liberatory act of rest as resistance. They recently completed their extended internship at FARRYNHEIGHT and are currently a design director at the Brown Political Review. They love to laugh, and cry, they love their grandma and they are currently obsessed with all things silver.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

Cloud watching, long conversations over tea, slow mornings, walks, sitting by water bodies and deep breathing.

WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?

Connecting to people, which might sound cliché, is my favorite part about designing; I love designing experiences led by empathy, curiosity and care with the intention of building community and sharing and uplifting identity and culture. So branding identities, web design, publications and animation/video are areas that I find myself deeply immersed in and enjoying.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?

How important how you think about your work is. Just really the importance of thinking. A lot of people create things, but creating with intention and thinking through your decisions produces beautiful work that is thoughtful and resonates with people.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/LISTENING TO/WATCHING?

I’m currently reading Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey and re-reading All About Love by Bell Hooks.