Nikunj speaks to Blur The Border :

Blur : It's been over a decade since you began your practice, Studio Moebius. How has your artistic style evolved over the years, and what are some key takeaways from this experience?

Nikunj : It's surreal to realize it's been over a decade. I never imagined I'd still be here, but the journey has been eventful. I wouldn’t say I have a fixed artistic style, but I’ve developed distinct approaches. I began as a chaotic young designer, full of energy bursting out in every direction. Over time, I’ve grown calmer, which has brought clarity and confidence to my work. I now feel more assured in making creative choices I believe in, and my work increasingly reflects my roots—Indian art, crafts, and my South Asian experience.

This journey has taught me the value of patience, restraint, and self-belief. It's also deepened my respect for other creatives, especially those whose skills complement mine. I’ve come to truly appreciate the often-unseen contributions of artisans and craftsmen in our industry. While people often say time is money, I’ve learned that time is even more valuable. Understanding that has reshaped how I view the worth of creative work.

Blur : You started your career by designing cover art and music videos for India’s independent music scene—a space that has rapidly evolved in both sound and aesthetic. How do you see design and animation shaping the identity of this movement, and where do you see it headed next?

Nikunj : It's been a joy to watch this space grow into what it is today. What remains unchanged is the power of music and art to move people. What’s exciting now is that more people are discovering their connection to creativity. Concerts are more frequent than ever, and what was once considered alternative is now part of the mainstream. New gig formats emerge regularly, and visuals are now integral to music experiences.

Mainstream media is borrowing from music culture, while the music scene itself is evolving—especially with the rise of Indian hip-hop and DJ-led performances. Animation and design continue to support musicians and the industry, but newer formats are reshaping how design and music intersect. Platforms like Apple Music and Spotify now support motion artworks, and spaces like the Sphere in Las Vegas or shows like Eric Prydz’s Holo are redefining live experiences.

We're moving toward a world of immersive creativity, where the line between music and visual art keeps blurring. Together, they’ll keep evolving—shaping trends, aesthetics, and storytelling in new ways.

Blur : As an artist who wears many hats—animator, music producer, visual jockey, and DJ—how do music and visual design intersect in your creative process? In what ways do these multiple outlets enhance your artistic expression?

Nikunj :Throughout school, I explored various instruments—Harmonium, Guitar, Mridangam—and different musical traditions like Hindustani, Carnatic, and Western. At the same time, I engaged deeply with visual and tactile art forms, from sketching and painting to batik, pottery, and woodwork. These experiences shaped me profoundly, as they required full sensory involvement and a hands-on relationship with each medium.

My career began by offering design services to musicians and promoters, which constantly exposed me to new music and creative communities. Over time, I became just as interested in the behind-the-scenes process as the music itself. Eventually, I transitioned from simply supporting others to gaining the confidence and perspective to share my own music.

Doing both design and music simultaneously means they naturally intersect in my daily life. They’re deeply intertwined, often in ways that are hard to separate. When long design projects become routine, discovering or creating new music recharges me, keeping my creativity alive. On the flip side, when I’m stuck musically, visualising the mood or “palette” of a track helps me shape it more clearly.

Working behind the scenes at gigs and festivals has given me countless moments where music, visuals, performance, and audience energy align perfectly—creating momentary euphoria. These experiences inspire the world-building I bring into both my design and music work.

Blur : As someone with cross-disciplinary roles across graphic design, visual art, and art direction, what is the common thread that ties all these disciplines together in your work?

Nikunj : My For me, the ability to think from a big-picture concept down to the smallest details is what allows a creator to move freely across disciplines. This mindset—or way of thinking—is what connects all the different areas I work in. Regardless of the medium, my process usually begins in the same place: with intent. While I don't follow a fixed artistic style, certain themes consistently emerge across my work. These recurring themes act as threads, offering insight into my intentions as a creator. One of the strongest is the theme of discovery. Some of my favorite memories are tied to the joy of discovering something new—a song, an artist, a film, a dish—and the excitement that makes you want to share it with everyone. That feeling is precious. A core intention of mine is to be part of projects—regardless of discipline—that foster that same sense of discovery and spark curiosity or emotion in others.

I believe this kind of emotional resonance helps people stay open-minded—not just toward art, but in life as a whole. Of course, I carry other intentions as well, but this one stands out as a constant guide in my creative journey.

Blur : What are some of the creative perks of exploring multiple design disciplines? Is there a new medium or style you’re curious to explore next?

Nikunj : One of the benefits of working across different disciplines is the constant sense of newness—it keeps creativity refreshed. Trying new mediums is also a humbling experience; it’s a reminder of how much there is still to learn. That humility is essential for growth. Another advantage is the opportunity to meet people outside your usual circles, which helps broaden your perspective.

Recently, I’ve started collaborating with my friend Vipin, who runs ChackoShop, to create bespoke furniture. This work involves experimenting with various physical processes, especially metal etching—something completely new to me. It’s been deeply engaging, and we’re currently developing new pieces that we’re excited to share with the world soon.

Blur : Do you follow a definitive process while creating? Are there any habits or rituals that help you get into a creative mindset?

Nikunj : I don’t follow a single, fixed process—every medium, concept, and project has its own needs. That said, intent is always my starting point. A clear intention guides everything that follows and shapes the production process. Once I’ve locked in on that intent, it feels like diving into unknown waters—exploring until I uncover a “pearl” of an idea that I feel confident bringing to my clients or collaborators.

To get into a creative mindset, I begin by organizing my thoughts and feelings around the brief. I ask clients as many questions as possible, then translate that input into charts, tables, diagrams, and write-ups. This helps me clarify the core of the project. From there, I explore each prompt to identify the strongest foundation on which to build.

Blur : What role does your environment—physical or digital—play in shaping your work or fuelling your creativity?

Nikunj: I’ve worked in a variety of environments—including the especially intense ones like music festivals and live-action shoots—but I’ve found that I do my best work in calm, meditative spaces. While music often sparks my creativity, I usually work in complete silence for hours at a time to fully immerse myself in the process.

Blur : How can young Indian designers stay current in an ever-evolving digital landscape? Are there any resources or methods you’d personally recommend?

Nikunj : In my view, the best way to stay current is through open exchanges of ideas and discoveries with peers. Beyond that, I actively follow a range of platforms and individuals to stay updated on current affairs, pop culture, underground music, the F&B industry, personal finance, history, and more. I believe it’s essential to look beyond the creative industry to develop a well-rounded perspective and make meaningful connections that shape how you see the world.

Though I’m naturally introverted, I make an effort to stay socially engaged. When someone recommends something, I dig deeper to understand it. I seek out people I admire and try to open myself to their perspectives. For me, it all comes down to staying curious—looking for the links and backstories that make interesting things happen. I’ve always loved origin stories.

Blur : If you could collaborate with an artist from outside your discipline, who would it be and what would you want to create together?

Nikunj : I feel like I’m only just beginning to explore this process through my work with ChackoShop, and I’m genuinely curious to see where it might lead. That said, I’d love to collaborate with an architect to design tactile, physical spaces. I'm especially interested in exploring how materials, acoustics, lighting, and textiles can come together to create environments that positively impact our quality of life.