Shrey Kathuria's Mindspill: A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Typography
In the quiet solitude of his London home, Shrey Kathuria, a Delhi-born designer and art director, embarked on a unique creative endeavor. Amidst the stillness of his personal life, he crafted a series of typographic posters, collectively known as Mindspill. This project, born in late 2025, is a testament to his journey of self-discovery and the evolution of his inner dialogue.
Kathuria's work is a reflection of his personal experiences and the challenges he faced in a new city, a predominantly white industry, and a collectivist upbringing in a highly individualistic culture. The posters, each a milestone in his self-discovery, are a visual representation of his thoughts and emotions during difficult periods. The process begins with a simple phrase in Illustrator, which he then transforms using brushes, shapes, and letters drawn on a trackpad. This is followed by a charcoal phase, where he draws with his left hand, adding a unique touch to his creations.
One of the posters, Number 07: Decentre All That Doesn't Serve, captures a period of hollow friendships and the cultural gap between his collectivist background and London's individualism. It is rendered in 3D, shaped like a rock, symbolizing the weight of these experiences. Another poster, Number 13: You Put It On A Pedestal, was created after a complicated friendship ended, and it reflects the tangle of envy, self-doubt, and love. The typography is simple yet impactful, demonstrating the power of minimalism.
The poster that resonates with Kathuria the most is Number 18: Don't Burn The House That Made You. It is a tribute to the house in Delhi where he grew up, a place that initially made him feel embarrassed but has since become his nest. The poster features a poem and moons floating through the composition, symbolizing the mysticism of leaving childhood and finding oneself in a new place.
Kathuria's plan for Mindspill is to open it up to other designers, creating a shared space for typographic experimentation and emotional honesty. He aims to invite contributors to add their own posters, making the archive a collaborative effort. As he navigates a busier schedule, he plans to return to motion graphics, exploring After Effects and the font Cavalry. This return to personal challenges is a testament to his dedication to self-expression and the continuous journey of self-discovery.
Mindspill is not just a collection of posters; it is a reflection of Kathuria's personal growth and the power of art as a means of self-expression. It invites viewers to embark on a journey of their own, exploring the depths of their inner dialogue and the beauty of self-discovery through typography.
