Being part of a profession that is instrumental in the creation of visual artefacts and representations – and being recipients of these same artefacts has often prompted a dilemma – of being both ‘in and around’ our dense, visual world. This dilemma has provoked deeper engagements and critical enquiries into how we connect with visual and popular culture. Depending on interest, time and inclination, these enquiries have ranged from ‘casual looks’ to deeper academic studies. The subjects of these enquiries range from the evolution of typographical practice in India to looking at intangible cultural practices in South India.