Hello, bonjour, namaste.

I’m Rachna Chari — a designer, art director and educator.

Befittingly named रचना, or creation in Hindi, I feel most like myself when I’m creating — and stretching visual and conceptual boundaries.

My career began in journalism and landed in branding, with stints in book publishing, academia, startup life and advertising in between. Today, my portfolio spans print and interactive, as well as editorial, promotion and human-centered design. My clients have included Welch's, Ocean Spray, Columbia University, Disney Publishing, Trunk Club, American Association for Neurological Surgeons, Barclays and more. I have an MFA in Communications Design from Pratt Institute, where my thesis explored how design can be used for meaningful storytelling.

I’m currently the brand design lead at Panera Bread and have my hands in a variety of on-premise and digital initiatives. I’m also sloooowly working on self-publishing a cookbook.

Outside of design and creative direction, I dabble in cooking, painting, collaging, teaching, art community stuff and unlicensed psychotherapy (and/or Tarot readings) for friends.

I’m a newbie in Seattle, WA and reside with my husband Bharat and cat Ampersand. I’m always open to creative collaborations and/or interesting conversations, so feel free to reach out.

Services
Art direction
Brand collateral
Brand identity
Creative strategy
Design education
Digital design
Editorial design
Illustration
Print design
Packaging design
Research
Signage design
Tools for learning
User experience
Writing

Let's get to know each other.

Send your hellos, questions and comments to hello@rachnathedesigner.com.