Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, offers a unique mix of traditional craftsmanship and fresh, modern ideas—making it an exciting destination for design education. With its stunning architecture and vibrant arts scene, Jaipur’s natural beauty fuels creativity and innovation. Whether your passion lies in fashion, graphic design, interior design, or starting your own business, Jaipur provides the perfect environment for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs. Here’s why this lively city is a great place for you to kickstart your design career.
Legacy of Arts and Crafts
Jaipur has a long-standing reputation for its exquisite arts and crafts—ranging from meenakari jewelry and handloom textiles to block printing, metalwork, and pottery. Skilled artisans here have perfected these crafts over generations, and their work is admired both locally and internationally. For design students, Jaipur offers a rare opportunity to not only study but also interact with these master craftsmen, blending traditional techniques with contemporary design trends. The city’s rich heritage of craftsmanship, combined with its UNESCO World Heritage status, makes it an inspiring place for creative minds.
Brands like Raw Mango and Vastra are perfect examples of this fusion—honoring tradition while appealing to modern tastes. And iconic names like Anokhi and Good Earth have drawn on Jaipur’s cultural richness to create internationally recognized contemporary designs.
Beyond craftsmanship, Jaipur’s stunning architecture is a constant source of inspiration. The grandeur of the Amber Fort, the intricate patterns of the Hawa Mahal, and modern landmarks like Jawahar Kala Kendra, designed by Charles Correa—all provide endless opportunities to spark your creativity. These historic and modern spaces showcase the rich design legacy that surrounds you in Jaipur.
Cosmopolitan Vibe with a Touch of Tradition
Jaipur isn’t just a city of forts and palaces though—it’s also a growing cosmopolitan hub attracting people from across India and beyond. The city is well-connected through air, rail, and road networks, making it easy to travel to and from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Jaipur’s creative energy is highlighted by popular cultural events like the internationally famed Jaipur Literature Festival and the Rajasthan International Folk Festival, which bring together artists, writers, and designers from around the world. These events are ideal for networking, showcasing your talent, and soaking up inspiration from a diverse range of creative fields.
The city’s youthful vibe is amplified by its growing café culture, lively festivals like Diwali and Holi, and an ever-evolving urban landscape that makes it an enjoyable place to live and learn.
Industry Exposure, Internships, and Networking Opportunities
Jaipur is home to many trade fairs and exhibitions like JAS (Jewellers Association Show), JJS (Jaipur Jewellery Show), FORHEX (Federation of Rajasthan Handicraft Exporters), and Vastra. These events give students the chance to meet industry leaders, network with professionals, and secure internships or job placements. You’ll also have opportunities to showcase your own work, giving you a head start in building a professional network.
Internships at renowned brands like Anokhi and Good Earth allow you to gain hands-on experience while learning the art of balancing tradition with modern design. Institutions like ARCH College of Design & Business offer internal internships and workshops, ensuring students get valuable real-world exposure.
Startup Culture and Support
The startup scene in Jaipur is booming, with plenty of opportunities for budding designers and entrepreneurs. The city is home to several Co-working spaces, incubators, and government-supported initiatives that are readily available, providing mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities, connecting you to Jaipur’s vibrant craft and design industry, to help you bring your creative ideas to life.
Organizations like Startup Oasis and RIICO are instrumental in helping students and young professionals turn their creative projects into successful businesses. With Jaipur’s deep-rooted design culture and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, the city is the ideal launchpad for your design career.
Leading Design Institutions
It is hardly surprising that Jaipur is now home to some of India’s best design schools, even if most of them are recent entrants in the region. ARCH College of Design & Business, a pioneer in the field, is celebrating 25 years of its existence in Jaipur! Located centrally and just minutes away from the old city, as well as the airport, it stands out with its focus on hands-on learning and its strong connections with local artisans, industry and start up organizations; Offering a valuable exposure to students through its membership of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), and the Indian Institute of Interior Design (IIID) and global institutions like the World Design Organization (WDO), the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutions (IFFTI), and CUMULUS, the leading global association of 395 member institutions of Art and Design education and Research, across 71 countries, of which, ARCH founder, Archana Surana, is presently the Vice president!
Notable Designers and Entrepreneurs
Jaipur’s creative community is thriving, with acclaimed designers like Ayush Kasliwal, Shantanu Garg, and Ritu Kumar integrating Rajasthani craftsmanship into their work. From interior design to product development, these designers have put Jaipur on the global design map. Other notable names such as Rajiv Arora and Rajesh Ajmera, founders of Amrapali Jewels, brought Jaipur’s jewelry industry to global prominence. Designers like Anju Modi, Anita Dongre, and Pratima Pandey continue to collaborate with Jaipur artisans to produce sustainable, fashion-forward collections that highlight the city’s craft traditions.
Foreign designers have also been drawn to Jaipur’s creative energy and the city’s design legacy continues to attract foreign talent. Faith Singh of the UK founded Anokhi, a brand renowned for reviving hand-block printed textiles, while Brigitte Singh from France has become famous for her intricate Mughal-era block printing techniques. Italian jewelry designer Federico Bassani, British textile historian Jenny Housego, and American designer John Robshaw all work closely with Jaipur’s artisans, producing high-end textiles and jewelry that reach global markets.
Affordable, Safe, and Welcoming
For students, Jaipur’s relatively low cost of living and safe environment make it an attractive option compared to bigger metros like Mumbai, Delhi or Bangalore. The city’s welcoming atmosphere ensures that students from all over India can comfortably call Jaipur their home. The affordable lifestyle allows you to focus on your education and creativity without breaking the bank. Iconic markets like Bapu Bazaar and Johri Bazaar are treasure troves for design students, offering a firsthand look at traditional crafts that enrich their learning experience.
In conclusion, Jaipur is more than just a beautiful city—it’s a dynamic hub where tradition and modern design come together. With its rich craft heritage, growing startup culture, and affordability, Jaipur is the perfect place to start your design career. So why wait? Let Jaipur be the launch pad for your design dreams!
