Aarti Chitnis is an artist, design educator, and visual communication professional with over 18 years of combined industry and academic experience. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Fine Arts from India and a Diploma in Graphic Design from Sydney, Australia. Having worked as a Graphic Designer in Australia for over 14 years, her professional practice spans branding, visual identity, print, digital media, and visual communication, bringing an industry-oriented perspective to design education.
Her teaching philosophy is rooted in studio-based learning, visual exploration, and creative inquiry. She is passionate about nurturing observation, experimentation, and critical thinking, enabling students to build strong foundations in visual communication and design practice. Her areas of interest include Foundation Studies, Design Thinking, and interdisciplinary approaches that connect traditional artistic principles with contemporary design methodologies.
Aarti’s creative practice extends beyond the classroom through her participation in art exhibitions, live painting events, and the curation of creative showcases and workshops. She believes in experiential learning and encourages students to engage with materials, culture, and craft as catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and meaningful design outcomes.
At MIT Institute of Design, she is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment that inspires curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning while preparing students to become thoughtful, socially responsible, and future-ready design professionals.