India, April 26 -- You were studying Sociology and then veered towards graphic design. Shall we begin with that story?

Indeed, for many years I pursued Sociology. I did an M Phil in Sociology and then had a chance encounter with graphic design. I had an awareness of and love for the visual arts all through. I come from a family of scientists, and a historian. Academics seemed like the obvious route then. Design was perhaps the best digression in my life!

Did Sociology come in handy? How can someone prepare to be a book designer? Should a book designer know more than just design?

No regrets at all for having spent many years studying Sociology. My brush with academics informs my understanding at a deeper level, and enables a more nuance...