Expert Advice: Tanya Malhotra

by Misha Poklad (MFA 2024)

Embracing the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) interdisciplinary approach, alum Tanya Malhotra (BFA 2022) merges experimentation and artistic curiosity with COACH’s design philosophy.

As an interdisciplinary designer, Malhotra effortlessly twirls a hammer and wields a sewing machine. Sprinkled with enthusiasm and artistic curiosity, her practical mastery acquired during her time at the School earned her a position as an assistant women’s handbag and small leather goods designer at the luxury fashion house COACH. Here, she shares the inspiring story of how she carved her unique path in a creative industry.

What was your experience like studying at SAIC?

There were a multitude of reasons why I was drawn to SAIC, but the biggest allure, of course, was the interdisciplinary curriculum. Coming into art school with an interest in animation and a predominantly fine arts background, I was disheartened when I found out the classes I wanted to enroll in were full. At the time, I failed to see the silver lining, but this setback ultimately pushed me to explore different classes and mediums, leading me to a newfound passion for industrial design.

By actively engaging in classes across different departments, SAIC allowed me the opportunity to both nurture my existing interests and simultaneously delve into the world of design. This unique educational approach allowed me to grow personally and academically in ways that I know I could not have achieved elsewhere.

How did you apply all the interdisciplinary knowledge from SAIC to enter the creative industry?

I was fortunate to discover my love for design early on. During my time at SAIC, I followed the Designed Objects pathway while sprinkling in elective classes from other departments that not only enriched my design perspective but also contributed significantly to my creative process. Having taken classes in photography, fibers, ceramics, furniture, and fashion, I was able to learn new means and methods of designing for the production as well as post-production phases.

A happy accident: I ended up taking a fashion accessories class with Tommy Walton in my Junior year, where I discovered handbag design—an intersection that bordered on design and fine arts, allowing me to push design boundaries and create objects that were both functional and aesthetic. I enjoyed the curriculum so much, I ended up taking the class again and decided it was what I wanted to focus on.

My interdisciplinary education at SAIC has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey and is what allowed me to explore careers in packaging design at Chick-fil-A, furniture design at Lee Weitzman Studio, as well as fashion design at COACH, for which I will be forever grateful!

“My experience at SAIC has been transformative, setting the stage for a fulfilling academic and professional journey within the field of industrial design.”

Why is it important for alums to provide guidance for future SAIC students?

While each person's journey through SAIC is undoubtedly unique, it's very likely that someone else has navigated similar challenges and experiences during their time at the School. Networking in the art and design world is undeniably crucial, and seeking insights from established alumni and professionals who share a similar background can be extremely rewarding.

I consider myself fortunate to have cultivated strong relationships with my professors who were always ready to look over a resume, write a letter of recommendation, or answer questions. These connections have been invaluable in my academic and professional pursuits.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an SAIC alumni mixer in New York, an event that proved to be both enlightening and inspiring. I had the privilege of meeting fellow alumni who had also forged careers in the fashion industry. Engaging with them allowed me to gain deeper insights into their professional journeys, providing me with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. These interactions reaffirmed the significance of building and maintaining a strong network within the art and design community. It's through these connections that we can not only learn from the experiences of others but also find support and guidance as we navigate our own unique paths in the creative world.

What is the best approach to transitioning from an academic environment into the world of industry?

Transitioning to corporate life can be an adjustment, but my multiple internships during my time at school played a pivotal role in helping me prepare for this transition. These internships not only provided me with practical experience but also influenced my interests and shaped the direction of my coursework in the upcoming semesters. CAPX is a great resource and has always been there with solutions to all my questions.

The journey from my fine arts background to the discovery of industrial design serves as a testament to SAIC's interdisciplinary philosophy. This approach has not only broadened my skill set but has also instilled in me a sense of curiosity and adaptability.

My experience at SAIC has been transformative, setting the stage for a fulfilling academic and professional journey within the field of industrial design. I look forward to continuing to explore and innovate in this exciting realm. ■