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.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Before I got into design school, I saw Into The Wild. It immensely impacted me to a point that it shaped my personality a bit. Eventually, I learnt that you’re given a lot of things in life, but what’s important is to know what to keep and what to let go.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in graphic design?
I usually look up to a lot of people who are not necessarily (conventional) designers. I draw inspiration from people from all walks of like. Bruce Lee, Denzel Washington, Conan O’Brien, Kendrick Lamar, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Blaine to name a few.
When did you start freelancing?
I’ve technically been freelancing since design school. But I switched from a job to full-time independent designer in 2017 after working full-time jobs for 3 years. I was able to take this leap of faith only because I had moved back to my parent’s place and didn’t have to worry about paying for daily necessities. Gratefully, I’ve been doing well since and was able to move out and get a place of my own. It was getting really difficult to work with the usual house things going on.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit graphic design?
Never. I don’t know what I’d do had I not been doing graphic design.
Are many advertising agencies hiring graphic designers? Do you work more with agencies or publishers or direct clients?
I honestly don’t mind working with either as long as the project is interesting, there is mutual respect & understanding, and lastly, it pays well 🙂
Do you have clients who give you steady work or do you advertise for new clients often?
I’m grateful to have a small bunch of clients who give me a lot of steady. At this point, I don’t feel the need to advertise for new clients, but I would definitely like to do a bit more of brand identity and packaging designs since most my current work includes corporate-type work.
How do you market yourself?
I don’t 🙁 But I should!
Any other Indian graphic designers who you admire?
A lot! There are so many people doing such amazing work that gives me a complex ever so often. But then again, it also drives me to do more and do better 💪
What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on graphic design as a career option?
Yes! Would definitely advise on graphic design as a career option. There is a lot of demand for good graphic designers who are not only good at their work but also great with clients and projects. My one piece of advice would be to always think – “How can I make this easier for the other person?” You need to create value beyond your find output. It’s not just about what you deliver. The client’s experience working with you is as important.
Do you think Clients are opening up to keeping aside a decent respectable budget for design work?
Yes, not only clients, but people in general see and understand the value of good design. And as I mentioned earlier, if clients see the additional value (beyond the final product) in working with you, they will pay you more because you’ve made the process a lot easier for them which in turn saves them a lot of time & resources.
Do you think clients are understanding that they need to invest in Design as a communication tool and also to cut the clutter, and that good design comes at a price?
Yes, the clients understand that value of good design as a communication tool, but unfortunately, I think that a lot of them don’t see design beyond aesthetic. For them to see even more value in design, they need to understand that the way it looks is just a piece of the puzzle.
Mac or PC?
Mac.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Conan O’Brien and Andy Richter. Or Michael Scott 🙂
What’s on your iPod? Spotify?
Into The Wild soundtrack by Eddie Vedder. I haven’t heard these since design school. Brings back some beautiful memories from design school 🙂
Whats your Twitter Handle? Instagram?
Instagram: @harshvardhan.gantha/
Thirsty: I did a fun personal project where I illustrated a series of cocktails only using basic shapes. You can find these on my Instagram page.