One time my mum asked me to arrange some pillows because I’m “the creative one.” The power went straight to my head.

Now I create playful excuses for people to stop overthinking and start making.

Stylized white handwritten script text reading Anushka Patel against a solid black background.
Stylized white handwritten script text reading Anushka Patel against a solid black background.

Sometimes the playful excuse is a prompt that gives someone somewhere to begin. Sometimes it is a rule that removes the pressure of endless choice. Sometimes it is a game that leaves the whole table equally confused.

Whatever the form, my work explores what helps people feel comfortable enough to join in.

I use play to design the conditions around participation: how people are invited in, where they begin and how much pressure they feel to get it right.

Smiling young woman with long dark wavy hair wearing a black cardigan and gold necklaces against a grey background.
Smiling young woman with long dark wavy hair wearing a black cardigan and gold necklaces against a grey background.
A simple black and white child-like line drawing of a smiling figure inside a white circle.A simple black and white child-like line drawing of a smiling figure inside a white circle.

@anoushkapateldesign

I’m very easy to talk to, so please do!

Tell me about a project, an idea, an opportunity, or what you ate for dinner.

I’d love to hear about it all.