This document is a brief report of the eight-week Summer Internship (June 05, 2023, to July 31, 2023) that I underwent at Zari Embroideries.

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This encompasses the entire product life cycle, spanning from the initial design and manufacturing processes at the design house to the final stages. During this period, I undertook several projects, all of which are meticulously documented in the 'Small-scale Projects' section (click here to jump directly to that section).

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Composed Brief:

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Over the course of two months, this experience provided me with an intimate understanding of the challenges involved in execution, troubleshooting, and real-world application. It exposed me to environments that go beyond the theoretical and academic realms. Working closely with Ms. Pushti Sharma as my mentor, I acquired valuable studio experience. This experience was achieved through collaborative design efforts while participating in various subprojects and initiatives undertaken by Zari Embroideries.

It was an excellent chance to interact with individuals who brought a wealth of diverse experiences to the table. To a significant extent, this experience has pushed me toward a more empathetic approach to design. It has encouraged me to let go of preconceived notions, foster collaboration, delve into thoughtful problem-solving within constraints, value simplicity and practicality, and adopt a multidimensional mindset when approaching any design task.

Throughout my internship, I had the privilege of collaborating with various departments at Zari Embroideries. This experience proved invaluable as it afforded me a comprehensive understanding of the entire design creation process, from its inception to the final product. From the very outset, upon receiving a client's brief, I embarked on a journey that involved working closely with our in-house artist to conceptualize the khakha design. Subsequently, the design was meticulously punched,
and the team of designers convened to deliberate on the selection of materials for the complete design swatch. This critical phase was then communicated to the kaarigars' manager, who, in turn, conveyed all pertinent details to the skilled artisans. As the design swatch began to take form, a concurrent process involved continuous scrutiny to ensure that the techniques employed by the artisans were precise and aligned with our vision. These methodologies were subsequently subjected to the scrutiny and approval of Ms. Pushti and the client. With the design swatch gradually reaching its culmination, it underwent a thorough examination by the Quality Control team, who meticulously checked for any discrepancies or the need for amendments. Following this, it proceeded to the pattern maker and tailors who meticulously brought the envisioned design to fruition.

The enduring lesson from my internship stressed the vital role of empathy in design. It goes beyond aesthetics; it's about crafting solutions that connect with real people. Design problems are rooted in human stories, and my perspective shifted to see design as more than creativity. When tackling a client's brief, understanding design aspects is crucial, but uncovering the underlying concept and narrative is equally important. Clients often have emotional connections to their designs, so it's essential to not only recognize but also respect and value these sentiments. 

As I reflect on that period of two months, I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable lessons learned and the exceptional mentors who guided me. The internship was not just an internship; it was an adventurous journey of personal development and self-exploration that will profoundly influence my future career.