Are you someone who thrives on dynamism? Are you completely enamored with the idea that novelty might become a source of nourishment for the soul? What are your thoughts on the possibility of a career as a color consultant? Latika Khosla explains to you how… color and trend forecaster from in Mumbai who works internationally Latika Khosla is well-known for her profound understanding of the world of color as well as her invaluable practical experience in the field. Latika Khosla is a multifaceted individual who has taken on a variety of roles. She is the design director of Freedom Tree Design, which is a color and trend studio based in Mumbai, India; she is the founder and organizer of Colors India, which is a cross-industry open-sharing platform where designers meet and discuss trends for the Indian marketplace; she is also the founder director of Freedom Tree, a home brand that celebrates modern India and is a vibrant design destination with stores in Mumbai and Goa; and she was a former board member of the Color Marketing Group USA, which is the premier international organization whose primary mission is to determine the direction of color and design trends. Additionally, she serves as the person in charge of India for the Pan-Pacific Fashion Color Conference, which is a forecasting organization for South East Asia. Freedom Tree has a strong connection to the Natural Color System (NCS), which is an international color standard, as well as its institution, which is located in Sweden. latika has worked with brands in technology and transportation, paint and cosmetics, office systems and home stores, creating colour design strategies, providing high quality analytical skills and understanding complex projects; regularly conducting trend/colour workshops and contributing trend reports to various publications for forward-looking analysis of the leading edge of consumer choice, all this and more under the banner ‘freedom tree’. Time spent educating and sharing design methods and color education with students, enthusiasts, professionals, and companies is the aspect of her work that she appreciates the most. a khosla of latika when having a discussion with Iand: and: what got you interested in pursuing a profession in color consultancy in the first place? lk: an education in design at my alma institution, nid, focuses on finding solutions to problems. We are continuously obliged to decipher messages because we live in a world that is becoming more complicated. And the majority of the time, there is a need to improve the way that we live our lives. while we are at work, when we are at home, when we are traveling, or when we are resting. Color is one of the most expressive and malleable instruments that can be used to express oneself. You do not need to know English in order to comprehend color; it has the ability to make you happy, thrill you, and alter your mood. I wanted to fully grasp the rationale behind this, and I wanted to work as a color consultant for businesses. During my time at nid, I worked on my final thesis, which focused on the knowledge of color for need states and home application. In other words, it is a topic that has captivated my attention from the very beginning. And, after working in this industry for more than three decades, what is the one thing you wish you had been able to study when you were a student, something that you believe should have been a part of your early years? Regarding the one thing that I could have learned as a student, it would have been a color scheme. With the availability of information and the ability to access a vast quantity of information and color courses, the world has undergone a drastic transformation. As of right now, I am employed by the NCS color system, which is an international color system with its headquarters in Sweden. In point of fact, I also serve as a trainer in this area for professionals and educators all around the globe! In any kind of design, it is a vital tool for colorists and designers to have at their disposal. When it comes to color specification, it removes the element of subjectivity since it is measurable. I also wanted to know if you could share any dos and don’ts with a student who is interested in pursuing a career in color consultation. Do not be under the impression that the term “color” refers to the employment of vibrant colors without discrimination. The only thing that really counts is the black and white in color! Is it strange to you? Instead, it is the lightness and harmony of the colors, or the way in which they complement one another in terms of subtlety, that makes for excellent color schemes and applications. Every single color is just stunning. There is no such thing as the good or the bad color. The abuse of people is what creates ugly things. The reason why we make use of them is because of this. It is the proportion in which we utilize them that determines whether or not they are appropriate. In the event that you are considering a career in color design, you should not consider it to be similar to a color picker, in which you just point and choose colors that you prefer. Eliminate the word “like” from the equation. You are creating for other people in your role as a color designer. The colors that are considered to be excellent are those that are effective and lucrative for companies. and: what are three hints that might help you become a successful color consultant with foresight? lk: (a) Allow yourself to be motivated. Be on the lookout for ideas and motivation from any and all sources. ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Particles and photos captured by the microscope, the color that is hidden behind a door in a back alley, the nail polish gloss that is on a coworker, and so on… Everyday marvels like this are often overlooked by people. b) Look beyond the use of color. Become completely submerged in the zeitgeist of the current era. Do individuals have the desire to quit their jobs and disconnect from the grid? Do they engage in environmentally conscious ways of living? Currently, is there a sense of futuristic atmosphere? At this very moment, the seeds of the future are being planted here and now. show a high degree of sensitivity to changes in social conditions, economic ups and downs, and climatic conditions. (c) Don’t start with the color first. Put aside that “color-picker” for a while. Give a verbal expression of the need required. And if color is a language that everyone can understand, then you have to be sure that you are communicating effectively! Here is a link to the photographs that can be found on indiaartndesign.com: