Priti Depala

Which industry do you work in and what do you love and/or loathe about it? 

I work in the creative design industry. I love the creative industry because it allows me to be expressive, and it gives me the opportunity to bring to life the vision of my clients. I also love that the creative community is very collaborative and open to having a conversation, sharing ideas, helping out and so on.  If I am completely honest, there is nothing I loathe about this industry!

How did you get into your job/industry?

After completing my degree in IT, I discovered I have an interest in creativity - I love creating visual and impactful material to get messages across and help people promote their businesses, ideas etc. I wanted to learn more so I started teaching myself by reading relevant books, watching YouTube videos and following useful social media pages. I then went on to do short courses to further expand my knowledge and understanding.

Have you always wanted to work in your industry?

I did not know about the design and the creative industry in much detail, but as I understood it more, and discovered my ability to easily visualise designs in my mind even before getting them on paper/the computer, I realised the creative industry really appealed to me.

Does it feel like a good 'fit' for you as a neurodivergent woman? 

The creative industry lets me be open with my thinking, which is ideal for neurodivergent people for whom there is no end to their imagination. It is a space where I’m free to come up with something quirky yet relevant to any brief I receive. I feel being a designer has changed my life - I am happier as I love what I do, and design helps me to be expressive and is a way of communicating for me. 

Any anecdotes that you feel might be insightful?

Setting small goals which are achievable - taking me one step closer to my main goal.

Keep going no matter what! There will be bumps on the way but you will be able to navigate around them and be one step closer to what you really want to do. 

Neurodiversity isn’t well known within the Asian community, I think my own experience of being diagnosed would have been easier if there were other women like myself that I could speak to. It would have made a significant difference. I am passionate about using my voice and experiences to help other women from my community as I don’t want them to struggle.