In Conversation with Arsh Raziuddin: Who Shapes What We See

A book cover, a magazine and a cover photo. Each one shapes how a story first enters the world.
The Third Mind invites you into the world of Arsh Raziuddin, creative director, designer and artist whose work has helped shape the visual language of some of the most widely read publications today.
Through her work across editorial design, including at Acacia Magazine, a political and cultural publication for the Muslim left, Arsh explores how design helps stories circulate, endure and define us. In this conversation, we’ll explore how designers shape not only how stories are seen, but which ones are given space to remain visible.
This question sits at the heart of The Third Mind’s mission. Beyond simply presenting culture, we strive to create spaces where third culture stories, references and perspectives can be carried authentically forward.

Acacia Magazine Issue 04
The Conversation
We’ll get into Arsh’s process—how she approaches a blank page, the references and tools she returns to and what gets her into the zone.
We’ll also talk about visual language as a form of cultural memory: how covers, layouts and magazines shape the way stories move through the world and how designers help decide what remains visible.
Through Arsh’s journey, we’ll explore the realities of entering fields where few who look like you have been before and learning how to maintain your voice while still operating inside existing systems.
Meet the Mind
Arsh is a creative director, designer and artist based in Brooklyn.
She was part of the team behind The Atlantic’s 2019 redesign and led the 2021 redesign of Bon Appétit, working across print, digital and audience strategy. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, A24, Bloomberg and Nike, among others.
She has been recognized by the National Magazine Awards, the Society of Publication Designers, and the Art Directors Club. Arsh has also taught publication design at Maryland Institute College of Art and currently serves as VP of Global Creative at Christie's.

Arsh designed the book cover of Salman Rushdie's Knife
Programme
5:00 – 5:30 PM
Arrive, grab a beverage and get comfortable
5:30 – 6:15 PM
Conversation with Arsh
6:15 – 6:45 PM
Audience Q&A
6:45 – 7:30 PM
Social Salon
Practical Details
Date: Sunday, May 10th, 2026
Time: 5-7:30pm
Ticket Purchase Required: Limited capacity — reserve your ticket early! No tickets will be sold at the door for this event.