Interviews

In Conversation With Debabrata Naskar : Advertising Creative

Interviewsno comments

Born in a very large family in a very small village of Bengal. In his childhood, he fell in love with different forms of art. Sculpture, drawing and paintings are becoming the daily visitor in his dream. No wonder the very next destination was the college of art. After graduating from there, his next destination was Delhi where he started his career in a fashion house. But very soon he realised that another magic world was waiting for him. Then the epic journey started. He had worked in different agencies in different cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata etc. Seen different cultures, different people, different climates, different ideology. After sharpening different skill sets in different agencies like L&K Saathi & Saatchi, DDB Mudra, Dentsu and a few smaller agencies, he finally landed up in the world of Ogilvy, he loves to coin it “Ogilvy pathshala”. For the last 10 years he has been learning new things everyday here. He is a Football player, Theatre actor, Foodie, movie lover, traveller, photographer and still finds some time to do watercolour painting.

Why are you into Advertising?
I grew up surrounded by successful people like bankers, businessmen, politicians, lawyers, professors etc. So parents’ expectations were high. But I chose the opposite direction. I am madly in love with this profession because..
This is the only profession where no formal educational qualification is required.
This is the only profession where you don’t have to wear any formal dress and still you can go to the top.
This is the only profession where you get a chance to do new things everyday.
This is the only profession where you will face a new challenge everyday.
This is the only profession where you can create a song and sell it over the table instantly.
This is one of very few professions where..
I can keep writing.

(more…)
Aditi Sobti

Aditi Sobti : In Conversation With An Advertising Creative

Creative, Interviewsno comments

Aditi is a full-time Art Director based in New York. She specializes in conceptualizing and creating visuals for branding and marketing campaigns. Originally from India, Aditi has worked in agencies like RK Swamy BBDO in Kolkata, Cutwater in San Francisco, VMLY&R New York, and TEAM Enterprises Miami. She has recently graduated from Miami Ad School in the Art Direction program and has a Master’s in Global Strategic Communication from Florida International University.
Aditi hopes to open her own agency one day and create fearless work.

Why are you into Advertising?
Being in advertising is like being a jack of all trades but master of none. I enjoy the feeling of being able to dabble in many things. That possibility is why I am so excited to be in advertising.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
I did my Bachelors in Industrial Arts and Design Practice at Srishti Manipal Institute of Arts Design and Technology. I later did my Masters at Florida International Univeristy in Global Strategic Communication and a degree in Art Direction from Miami Ad School. So I am trained in both design and communications.

(more…)
Abhinaya Sudharsanam

Abhinaya Sudharsanam : In Conversation With An Artist

Illustration, Interviewsno comments

Abhinaya is a freelance illustrator and designer who loves problem solving through visuals. She’s extremely passionate about brightening up people’s lives through joyful works and also equally enjoys teaching and learning continuously. She also likes having an occasional sweet treat or two. Or ten.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I love creating. Being an illustrator allows me to experiment and have fun on a daily basis. I found the world of illustration only in my 20s after working in a different field, and I’m so glad to be doing what I thoroughly enjoy.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I din’t attend an art school but I learnt everything related to art, design and business side of creative industry through an online program – Artpreneur Program

(more…)

PK Anil Kumar : In Conversation With An Advertising Creative

Interviewsno comments

P K Anil Kumar has been an advertising professional with over 28 years in the industry and has worked with big agencies like — McCann Erickson Delhi and Mumbai, RK Swamy BBDO Delhi, Bates Chi & Partners, BBDO Lanka among others.

He worked with brands,such as Nerolac, Onida, NDTV, Marico, Vaseline, Fortune Oils, Aquaguard, Bacardi, Sprite, MasterCard, Tang and Perfetti to name a few.

P K Anil, who also has had his share of awards like 3 Cannes Lions, One Show, Spikes, AdFest, among others.

He’s also worked on feature films as screenplay writer, dialogue writer, and lyricist.

And also made couple of short films which he has written, directed and acted in.

Currently he’s Creative Head INDIA and ECD, McCann Health

We revisit a conversation with PK Anil Kumar after 10 years. We had earlier spoken to him here…

Why are you into Advertising?
Advertising is not a profession for someone who gets to do everything that he loves to do like a hobby. It’s actually having fun at the expense of a client’s brief.

Another reason could be that it’s not rocket science.
Because I didn’t really like Physics even though I took science stream to please my parents, neighbours and the society as a whole.
Somewhere I think God silently guides you to where you want to go.

From a very young age I used to sketch and paint; I used to write poems and was also active on stage.
So the only place I thought where I could utilize all my talents without sacrificing or compromising on another talent would be advertising.
I am one of those few lucky people who get paid for having fun with my hobbies.
And believe me, it’s been a wonderful journey so far.

(more…)

Sriram Iyer : In a Chat With An Agency Creative

CopyWriter, Creative, Interviewsone comment

A little about yourself:

Now this where I fumble. Mostly because I don’t know how one answers this question. But I’ll give it a shot nonetheless.
I’ve been in advertising for over 10 years now. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some wonderful people. The industry has also given me great friends, introduced me to certain substances (no, not that kind), made me gain weight, made me lose temper but also helped me find myself.

Why are you into Advertising?
I got into the industry because I thought I was good enough to be a part of it. I am still here because it continues to be fun, even though it’s equally challenging.

(more…)

Jatin Sangwan : In Conversation With A Sr Copywriter

CopyWriter, Interviewsno comments

Jatin is a Senior Copywriter at FCB Ulka. He is the kind of guy who drinks Frooti (or Maaza, never Slice) while everyone is chugging down beers. Bike riding, playing football, and reading true crime are his favourite hobbies. After herding some blue and brass elephants to his cabinet and a few Effies, he is hungry for some international stuff. When not working, he’s annoying his team by telling them bad jokes (and laughing at them). Also, super cute. 
 
Why are you into Advertising?
I love thinking up new things. Not just ads. Jokes, movie plots, products that I will never invent. And advertising is the only place that lets me do this, every day. Plus, you can work in pyjamas and sleep on the job (more often than I’d like to admit).  
 
Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
Nope. 

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I did not get to decide my role models. My parents did that for me and was often a colleague’s son or daughter.

(more…)

Reshu Singh : Illustration

Illustration, Interviewsno comments

Reshu Singh is an independent illustrator and visual artist, with work rooted in drawing, mark-making and storytelling. She has a keen interest in graphic narrative, moving and still image, interaction of art, science, culture and environment. Her comics have been published in anthologies by Zubaan Books (India), mairisch Verlag (Germany) and Ad Astra Comix (USA). In 2016, her comics work was recognised to be among 100 pioneering female comic artists around the world and was exhibited at House of Illustration, London, in an exhibition curated by Paul Gravett and Olivia Ahmed.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I have always loved drawing, and being an illustrator lets me make a living doing that.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I attended College of Art, New Delhi and studied Applied Art there which included graphic design, illustration and advertising.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
It has been evolving since the beginning. I have always enjoyed working with brush and ink. I think drawing a lot over time has helped me shape my voice.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I think my role model was my grandmother, always a strong woman who I looked up to.

(more…)

Nipen Bhuyan : In Conversation With An Illustrator

Illustration, Interviewsno comments

I am a concept artist and a visual designer. I have been in this field for the past 8 years and enjoy what I’m doing. I love photography and travel. I especially like visiting new places.

Why are you an Illustrator?
I have liked drawing since my childhood. I feel fortunate that I have this opportunity to do what I love.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I did join an Institute for fine arts after completing my graduation.

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I was always fascinated by water colour paintings. That style was hard to achieve digitally but I kept working on it till I got the desired result. I’m still working on that style and improving on it.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
There were many role models. The person whose work influenced me the most was R.K.Laxman. I was inspired by the simplicity of his life as well as his work. I liked the social aspect that he touched in his arts.
Another person who has inspired and influenced my desire to be a professional artist, is Bill Watterson. He was the cartoonist and author of Calvin and Hobbes. He always worked for personal fulfillment and that influenced me.

(more…)

Divya Bhatia : In A Chat With An Advertising Creative

CopyWriter, Interviewsno comments

Divya is a writer, dreamer, scribbler, not necessarily in that order. She always writes her first drafts in pencil coz that’s the only way she can pen down her thoughts as they whizz by. (Pen down with a pencil, yes ironical).

Why are you into Advertising?
For someone who’s curious about almost everything, advertising is a great place to be. Where else can you learn about the chemical formulation of Crocin to how hair oils actually work, or the impact a genuine Government programme or how women influence purchase of men’s products.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
Nope.

Tell us something about the advertising awards… Do they convince clients to be more creative in their brand building efforts?
I believe awards are great. Specially if they are on real work. If not, they are still pretty cool. They compel people to think ‘what if’.
Different clients see awards differently. For some it’s a clear Not Me.
For others they want to be there, they want to be the ones who trailblaze.
Awards bring a certain clarity. I value that.

(more…)
Madhurika Modani

Madhurika Modani : In A Chat With A Visual Designer

Graphic 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…)