DIDIHOOD ~ Issue 40

Hey Didis! Happy Pride month! We're halfway through this year and really looking forward to having some fun this summer with life somewhat going back to 'normal'! We're hoping to have some events for you, so make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay informed on what we're doing! 

Meet the Didi: 

This Month's Meet the Didi is with Vancouver-based artist, Jag Nagra. After studying graphic design at the Art Institute of Vancouver, Jag went on to pursue illustration. She has created assets for clients such as the Vancouver Canucks and Microsoft and her artwork has been featured in Vogue Magazine, Teen Vogue, The Dieline and Buzzfeed. She is currently serving as the Creative Director of the Punjabi Market Regeneration Collective. Jag is passionate about community development and ending the stigma against LGBTQ+ people within the South Asian community.

Did you always want to be an artist? Tell us about your journey.

The first time I had any introduction to the world of graphic design was through my brother. He took a graphic design course during part of his post-secondary education and I used to sit behind him and watch him create layouts. I had no idea that career path existed before — it never occurred to me. I went to the Art Institute of Vancouver and graduated in 2006 and a few months later, I found myself employed at a travel marketing company. A few years into that job, I realized it was somewhat soul-sucking and I wanted to break out and explore illustration. I had no formal training in it, but set out on a 365-day project where I forced myself to draw every day. That project got picked up by various blogs and I started getting hired by people to do illustration work.

How did you cultivate your identity/creativity as a South Asian woman growing up in Maple Ridge, B.C.? 

I didn’t really have any connection to my South Asian identity growing up. I was very "white-washed” and outside of my family, didn’t have any South Asian friends. In many ways, I never felt Indian.  It wasn’t until my work in Punjabi Market that for the first time, I finally have connected to my roots and feel a huge sense of pride.

You recently designed some stuff for the Vancouver Canucks in honour of Vaisakhi, what was that like? 

My collaboration with the Vancouver Canucks was incredible from start to finish.  It was such an honour to be asked to create an icon for their Vaisakhi celebration game. Not only that they hired me to do it, but that I got to represent our community — to me, that was the biggest thing. Seeing all the messages pouring in that night from friends, family and strangers was unreal. Being a huge Canucks fan when I was a little kid made this even more meaningful.

Vancouver Canucks Vaisakhi Hoodie
 

Why was it important to you to get involved with the revitalization of the Punjabi Market, especially through art? 

I grew up coming to Punjabi Market with my family. I have fond memories of going to the market, and it was a meaningful place for so many folks. For people like my parents, it was a place they could go to connect to their culture, and for me, It was an introduction to my culture. When I was given the opportunity to volunteer with the Punjabi Market Regeneration Collective, I took it on without a second thought. It’s so important to me that we preserve the history and legacy of North America’s very first Punjabi Market. I want to make sure it stays around for the next 50 years and that my kids grow up having memories of their own. Over the last few decades, there hasn’t been much economic investment in the market. We’re trying to change that and revitalize Punjabi Market through an arts and culture based lens. By bringing attention to the market, we can make sure we’re continuing the legacy that our elders lay before us.

What advice do you have for younger Didis starting off in their careers?

Hard work pays off. Ever since I graduated from Art School in 2006, I always spend my down time working on self-initiated projects, imagining what my “dream client” and “dream job” would look like. It helped me figure out my voice as an artist and explore the kinds of work I wanted to do. Take the time between jobs/projects to figure out what you want to do and have fun exploring.

What we're reading:

7 ways to support Indigenous people grieving in wake of news about 215 children

“I Know The Power A Young Girl Carries In Her Heart”: The Extraordinary Life Of Malala

How India’s COVID-19 Crisis Is Exposing the Country’s Inequities in Health Care Access

How an Asian LGBTQ group in Toronto is helping youth feel comfortable in their skin

Drag performer Mango Lassi offers representation for South Asian queer community in Peel

What we're watching:

Produced and created by two South Asian women, 'This Is My Proof' is a documentary centring the experience and journey of navigating community isolation after coming forward about assault and domestic abuse. They are currently crowdfunding and trying to raise as much awareness as possible about the film – especially as this pandemic has heavily impacted the number of domestic violence cases across the country and across the world.

— Roohi Sahajpal

Issue 40
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