Interviews

Madhurika Modani : In A Chat With A Visual Designer

May 24, 2021Graphic Designer, Interviews5 comments

Madhurika is a freelance visual designer based out of Calcutta. A travel enthusiast, environmentalist and creative powerhouse, who likes to work with brands that support sustainability or lifestyle changes. A self-taught entrepreneur, she is the founder of Go Bandanas India an e-commerce store that specialises in personalized pet accessories. When not cuddling her fur baby, Pixel you can find her hugging trees. She also has an interest in landscape photography where she wants to teleport the viewers into her pictures. She believes, it’s the little things in life that matter.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
I believe design is intelligence having fun. As a designer, exploring different perspectives is an intrinsic part of my creative identity. Looking at mundane things differently is fulfilling, enlightening and challenging. I have been inclined to art and design since childhood. Deep inside, I knew design was my calling. Although it took me a while to hone my skills and refine my craft. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed experimenting and exploring the field.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I pursued a PGDM course in Graphic Communication from MAEER’s MIT Institute of Design, Pune. And then went for my MA to UAL: London College of Communication on Graphic Branding & Identity.

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
As a designer, I prioritize my client’s authentic personality over my trademark style.

Good design is not just a good sign for the designer but the brand as well. Good design speaks to the customers, brings like-minded people together, celebrates shared values and reflects the brand’s ethos. The positive spill over effects of good brand design inspired me to launch The Designer Amma, my design and branding brainchild. The Designer Amma is founded to create brands that people love and relationships that people love through meaningful design.

Design is beyond being “pretty”. I prefer minimalist, impactful and problem-solving designs.

(more…)

Anjali Joshi : Artist and Copywriter

May 3, 2021Graphic Designer, Illustration, Interviewstypographyno comments

Anjali Joshi is a Creative artist & Copywriter. She is currently working as Designer at Tata Consultancy Service, Mumbai, India. Her work is an amalgamation of designing, typography and copywriting. Her style is conceptual, colorful and glamorous. Her work not only reflects the passion and commitment of a serious and sincere artist, but also infused with imagination and creativity, with the right blend of traditional and contemporary styles. She is a woman with not-so small dreams, lover of words, collector of thoughts, execution through art, writer by night, dreams a lot. Can be found gushing about the tiniest of things. Floating through life. Mostly talkative, sometimes quite. Happy and a little bit of everything different.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
I chose to become a Graphic designer as it resonated with my creative zeal and allowed me to showcase my talent. I have loved drawing ever since I was a kid. Graphic Designing is a just a medium through which I can express myself in the form of art. It’s something that I knew would always keep me happy and lively!

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes! Rachana Sansad College of Applied Art & Craft in Mumbai, India.

Tell us of your interest in Typography.
Fortunately, I was born and brought up in a city like Mumbai. So I have been going for outings- especially to Juhu beach since my childhood, and I always had fascination for the colourful headers on the stalls and carts; and that is when I started observing and developed an interest in typography.

(more…)

Ankita Dsouza : Illustration, Graphic Design

April 26, 2021Graphic Designer, Illustration, Interviews2 comments

Ankita is a lettering artist, illustrator and graphic designer from Bangalore. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Design at the FHNW Academy of Art & Design in Basel, Switzerland. She has worked with a number of clients both large and small, in different sectors. She hopes to acquire new skills through her international studies that would help her become a more effective communicator and tackle larger, more relevant issues through her work. Apart from commercial work she does a number of small passion projects that help her stay connected with her varied interests outside the field of design. Collaboration is a key factor of her explorations in design and is always open to learning and working from others in the field.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
I have always been interested in the little stories that live in everything we experience. Right from my first internship, I knew that it was the right choice for me. I have never regretted it.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I completed my undergraduation from MIT Pune in Communication Design and I am currently pursuing my Masters from the FHNW in Basel, Switzerland.

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Currently I am still in a very exploratory stage of finding a particular style. I have never consciously tried to restrict myself .The real task is always to be consistent and keep growing.

(more…)

Dhiman Gupta : Illustration

March 29, 2021Illustration, Interviewsno comments

Trained at the art school of “Life”, sharpened by obstacles and curated by chaos, Dhiman Gupta has always liked wearing many hats. He is a creative strategist, with a keen interest in developing 360-degree campaigns, marketing solutions and content. He is passionate about the digital space and all things where science and art co-exist.

Why are you an Illustrator?
Mainly because drawing relaxes me and helps me escape the harsh realities of life.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I am a self-taught artist and designer and from a pure science background 🙂

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I am a big fan of Pop and Op art and I want to mix the two of them together. I have been evolving everyday and so is my style. I guess the evolution will continue as far as I can see.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Grew up on a staple diet of Phantom (comics) and Feluda (Satyajit Ray).

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
Satyajit Ray, Hergé, Andy Warhol, Lichtenstein, Victor Vasarely and anything made by Karl Lagerfeld.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing? Do you illustrate for advertising?
I am into online advertising and I wish to become a full time illustrator / graphic novelist one day 🙂 I have been a part of many illustration oriented advertising campaigns. Please take a look at my site here.

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
Illustrations are the in thing in international advertising right now. I guess, it would take a while in India for that to happen. There are many misconceptions regarding illustrations. Let’s hope that will disappear in the near future. Please take a look at my article here on the same topic.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
Yes. I guess it’s a very common thing among artists to feel undervalued and unappreciated. But then no pressure means no diamonds.

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys/comic books?
I already have 🙂 Please take a look here,

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Satyajit Ray, R.K.Laxman, Mario Miranda influence me everyday.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
Actually there are many on instagram and I keep changing my favorites very frequently.

You have such a wide experience as a top working professional. What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on Illustration as a career option? Is it paying well enough?
I believe becoming a creative professional is a huge decision. And I have the utmost respect for people who decide to turn their passion into their profession. Struggle is unavoidable in any industry. But when you really love what you do, you don’t feel the pain and you never give up. However, financial independence is very very important for anyone to continue and I feel it will be wise to do a mix of graphic design and illustration if we are talking about livelihood.

What’s your dream project?
Comic books / Graphic Novels obviously. But I am equally fond of identity design, fashion illustrations and even interior design.

Mac or PC?
What’s PC?

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My family at the most exclusive place possible.

What’s on your iPod? Spotify?
Anything that helps me concentrate. Yanni for example.

What’s your Twitter Handle? Instagram?
Instagram only – @thedhimangupta

Jaspreet Singh : Graphic Design

March 22, 2021Creative, Graphic Designer, Illustration, Interviewsno comments

Jaspreet is a visual designer, a paper craft-artist and a metaphysical enthusiast from New Delhi. He focuses on innovation by merging different thoughts and principles to come up with his own conception. His works present the elements of connection and simplicity, which is present within everyone.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
I love visual storytelling and graphic design works as a great tool for this form of communication.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology in Bangalore, India

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
It takes time for anyone to develop their style, till then it’s a fun journey of exploration and experiments.

(more…)

Sandesh Gaikwad : Art Director

March 15, 2021Creative, Interviewsone comment

Sandesh Gaikwad, graduate from Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art is a man of few words and more action, believes in simplicity in communication so it cuts across different Target Groups.
His strong sense of visual creative presentation can make any brand come alive and get noticed.
With a career spanning over 17 years spread over top international advertising agencies – like Ambience Publicis, Grey Worldwide, Flagship Advertising etc. Currently working as a Sr. Creative Director with Multinational advertising and Design Company.
His experience across a diverse portfolio of accounts and new emerging media helps him tackle any communication challenge and deliver impactful, result-oriented solutions. He has handled many respected brands and been behind their success like – Van Heusen, Tanishq, Times Network, Vat 69, P&G, Nestle, Westside, Reliance Communications, Snapdeal, Sansui Electronics, Citibank, HDFC Mutual Funds, Himani Boroplus, Haier, UPL, Nanhi kali etc.

Why are you into Advertising?
I was always fascinated by the world of advertising. Being a 80s kid, I grew up watching iconic ads on TV, though I still remember many ads & their jingles till date. It is known/proven fact that advertising has the power of inspiring and entertaining the audience in just a few seconds. This attracted me toward the industry in the beginning. Its known that Advertising brings positive changes in the society and has started revolutions. You can find Advertisement all around us in various forms, this triggered the artist inside me and I am here. The art and creativity in industry enticed me to look more into advertising as a career.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
I graduated from Sir J J Institute of applied art, Mumbai.

Tell us about your awards?
The real award can come in the form of audience and client appreciation, though I got a few like Abbyys, Kyoorius and Cannes for my work.

(more…)

Pratyush Gupta : Graphic Design, Brand Strategy

March 8, 2021Graphic Designer, Interviews2 comments

Pratyush Gupta is a brand strategist and graphic designer, who combines his experience in branding, illustration, information and print design to transform complex ideas into powerful narratives.

Music is his second language, influencing the way he thinks and designs. Merging his love for design and music, he created Swarpeti, a series of interactive pop-up books, that help children understand and experience the magical realm of Indian classical music. Outside of work, you might find him trekking in the Himalayas, singing to his plants or admiring insects in his garden.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
Switching schools in 5th grade was a tough experience for me. I was unable to befriend or talk to anyone. Art and music became my channels of expression and helped carve an identity for myself. Since then I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in either field. I chose graphic design, which helped me strengthen my voice and ultimately reconnect with music in a different form.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, I studied visual communication design at Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology (now Srishti Manipal).

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
My work is rooted in Indian culture. It is influenced by the art and everyday life that I’ve observed and appreciated since I was young. My design education helped me refine this language and make it more functional.

(more…)

Samia Singh : Graphic Design

February 15, 2021Creative, Graphic Designer, Illustration, Interviewsno comments

Samia Singh is an artist, designer and musician based in Chandigarh, India. Her artistic interest lies in effective communication of new knowledge and research that may help create positive understanding and response to the emotional, social and political landscapes we live in, in order to live fuller happier lives. Creating effective moments of interaction through art and design is powerful as the experience you have is unique and stays with you – lingering and resurfacing at different points in time. Samia works across illustration, graphic design, sculpture and music to create these lucid moments.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
I have always been fascinated by colour, light and nature. I like to capture fleeting moments in time. I like graphic design because it is a way for me to capture a feeling and play with it.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes I studied Visual Communiciation at Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology for 4.5 years in Bangalore. I also got a scholarship to study printmaking at Il Bisonte Instituto del Arte Grafica in Firenze, Italy.

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Happy to answer that. When I see my work from the last ten years, I can recognise that an innate sense of humour (sometimes dark humour) and lyricism shapes my work. I look for the quirky, imperfect & innocent elements which strike a chord.

(more…)

Harshvardhan Gantha : Graphic Designer

February 8, 2021Creative, Graphic Designer, Interviewsno comments

Harshvardhan is an independent Visual Communication Designer based in Mumbai. With over 8 years of work experience, his expertise lies in creative problem-solving through graphic design & illustration. He has been working with impact-driven organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Omidyar Network, and Dalberg to help create clear & effective communication systems. Additionally, his portfolio of recent work includes projects done in the food, fashion, health, and wellness industry.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
Since I was a child, I’ve loved making things. For me, graphic design is a medium which helps me practice creativity while putting food on my plate.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, I graduated from the Srishti School of Arts, Design & Technology in 2013.

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I wasn’t too conscious about developing a style. I always knew that I’ve been inclined towards things that are simple and easy to understand and I think my designs reflect the same.

How did you focus so much on graphic illustrations? When did you realise you loved doing it and wanted more of it?
As a child, I loved art & craft. I always participated in drawing competitions in school, and my parents were always very supportive of it. I didn’t really know about graphic design was till I got into design school. I knew that being an animator was a career option because of the Disney & Pixar movies we used to see.

(more…)

Shouvik Tarafder : In Conversation With An Advertising Creative

December 29, 2020CopyWriter, Interviewsno comments

A seasoned wordsmith, Shouvik has spent a decade wandering in the world of Advertising & Marketing. Prolonged exposure to the madness has left him referring to himself in the third person.
Along the way, he has made friends with Burger King, Hersheys, Nestle, Bloomberg Quint, Times of India, Goodknight, Vodafone etc. He has also channelized his love for movies into movie channels like Movies Now, Romedy Now, MNX & MN+, spearheading their creative mandates in the process.
In terms of accolades, he has bagged a few Kyoorius Elephants as well as Spikes Asia award. He also came very close to winning a Nobel Prize, but then the alarm rang!
When he is not being chased by deadlines, Shouvik likes to Netflix & Chai. Once a vociferous reader, he now only has casual flings with books on weekends. His love for world cinema often takes him down rabbit holes, as he enjoys reading up about movies almost as much as watching them.

Why are you into Advertising?
To tell stories. Every brief is an opportunity to do so. Whether it’s through a TVC, a billboard or even over Instagram stories. The mediums are constantly evolving but the crux of it all still remains the same. Tell timeless tales in the shortest time possible.
Also, there’s no other job that pays you to stare at a wall during working hours.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
I did my Bachelor’s in Media Science from NSHM School of Media Communication in Calcutta. Ours was the second ever batch. So one might say we collectively took a leap of faith. And it paid off.
The fun part however, was going back to college later on as the copywriter leading the account for my agency. From brochures to ad campaigns, I did it all for my college.

(more…)