Today we’d like to introduce you to Falak Khoja.
Hi Falak, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Houston, Texas. An only child who grew up watching Disney Channel and playing dress-up. From a young age, I was drawn to art and always found new creative outlets. It was my favorite subject in school, something that came naturally to me and made me feel confident.
Despite my love for art, pursuing a creative career wasn’t something I initially considered, especially growing up in a South Asian household where the arts weren’t seen as a “typical” path. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I started exploring the idea of graphic design. It felt like a great starting point and a blend of everything I loved.
Without a portfolio ready, I began my college journey at the University of Houston as a graphic design major. I took variety of courses including sculpture, drawing, painting, and design. With a well-rounded portfolio, I applied for design schools in New York City, chasing a long-time dream of living in the big city. I was accepted into the School of Visual Arts and transferred there to complete the final three years of my degree.
Moving from Texas to NYC was a leap of faith that transformed my life, both professionally and personally. I learned to enjoy my own company, build a community from scratch, embrace confidence, and most importantly—practice self-love. Being in an environment that fueled my passion helped me grow in ways I never expected.
At SVA, I took courses in typography, branding, editorial design, photography, motion graphics, and Fashion x Design. That fashion course in particular opened my eyes to the world of creative direction and fashion—two things that now deeply inspire my work. I also interned at Broadcast Music Inc., gaining valuable industry experience along the way.
After graduation, I joined The Knot as a Freelance Designer, where I continue to bring visions to life through visual design.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road, but it was one that taught me some of the most important lessons life could offer.
Growing up in a South Asian household, a career in the arts wasn’t something many people even knew was possible or let alone encouraged. Choosing this path was different, and it came with a lot of outside opinions. My parents, though, were always supportive of everything I pursued, including this field. Still, many people around me didn’t take my decision seriously. But even with all that noise, I followed my own path. And that’s where things began to change.
After high school, I was clinically diagnosed with OCD and anxiety. Mental health was something I struggled with deeply and something that carried a lot of stigma in my community. It shook my confidence and challenged my inner peace. Therapy helped me start building self-love and take real steps toward creating the life I wanted. While I still face challenges with my mental health, I’ve learned how to manage it with a combination of treatment, self-awareness, and a positive mindset. In my work, it’s gotten me to value self belief and stay true to my creative visions.
A major turning point came during my first year at the University of Houston. My dad passed away that November, just before finals week. I was wrapping up the semester and had been working on a portfolio I planned to submit to design schools in NYC. He had been battling cancer since I was one, and later developed a rare disease called Takayasu Arteritis , which caused serious complications.
Despite all of that, my dad was the most joyful, vibrant person I’ve ever known. He was truly the life of the party. Both my parents raised me with that same spirit of optimism, even when things weren’t easy. His passing was a devastating shock. It was hard to even imagine applying to colleges at that time, but somehow, I did.
That final semester was incredibly tough. But in the middle of it, I found out I was accepted to both Pratt and the School of Visual Arts. It was a burst of hope, exactly what I needed. I was ready for change, for growth, for something new. I moved to New York City, and that marked the beginning of a beautiful new chapter. My dad continues to inspire the work I create and the life I live. And it wasn’t just my self-confidence, it was also my mom’s support that kept me grounded and never let me lose hope in anything I dreamed of achieving.
With everything, I found purpose from my work. My career is what makes me want to get up in the morning and motivates me to keep going. Being a designer has made me feel like I belong in something.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I’m based in NYC where I work as a freelance designer at The Knot, where I focus on digital design and creating graphics for online articles. I also collaborate with the video team to develop visual and motion assets for YouTube content. In addition to that, I assist on set for The Knot’s magazine cover and fashion shoots.
Most recently, I’ve stepped into the world of editorial design and had the exciting opportunity to design a full spread for the magazine. Beyond design, I’ve even had the chance to step in as a model extra for The Knots social campaign and as a hand model for a jewelry shoot.
I believe that a combination of your creative ideas and your personality truly sets the tone for who you are as a creative. My hardworking nature, curiosity, and willingness to push myself outside of my comfort zone are what I believe make me stand out.
What does success mean to you?
I don’t believe there’s one universal definition of success. I think it looks different for everyone. It’s shaped by individual goals, values, and visions.
For me, success is a combination of building the life I’ve always wanted, inspiring others through my work, and staying true to who I am. Success is also growth, it isn’t just accomplishing things but the process of getting there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://falakkhoja.com
- Instagram: @falak.kdesign
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/falak-khoja-082a671b5
Image Credits
The Knot
School of Visual Arts
Art Hearts Fashion (NYFW)
