Nikhil Bharath is a multidisciplinary brand designer and independent artist with a passion for exploring diverse creative avenues. A graduate of the College of Fine Arts with a BFA in Applied Arts and Design, he combines a robust professional background in branding with personal experiments in various art mediums. With over five years of experience, his work bridges the gap between functionality and aesthetics, earning him recognition for both his professional achievements and artistic endeavors.

Why are you into Brand Design?
I love storytelling, and brand design gives me the perfect canvas to create meaningful connections. It’s exciting to blend creativity with strategy and shape how people perceive and connect with brands.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
Yes, I attended the College of Fine Arts and earned a BFA in Applied Arts and Design. It gave me a strong foundation in art and design principles, which I now apply to my work as a brand design specialist.

Tell us about your awards?
I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for my work, including being featured in Creative Gaga’s ‘Best Indian Illustrators’ annual edition in 2021. Additionally, an article showcasing my work was published by The New Indian Express.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Growing up, my dad, an artist himself, was a major influence. He was the one who recognized and nurtured my artistic interests, always encouraging me to explore and develop my creativity. His support played a huge role in shaping my path as a designer and artist.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Brand Design?
There have been many people who influenced my early career. Febin, a friend and mentor, played a key role in guiding me. His insights encouraged me to focus my efforts in the right direction and helped shape my approach to design.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from everyday life, nature, and the people around me. I also find creativity in art and music. Referring to art and design on a regular basis is a routine for me, as I believe consuming visuals is key to creating impactful work. Most importantly, I draw inspiration from the stories I aim to tell through design, always striving to create meaningful connections and evoke emotion.

How do you keep motivating yourself and your team creatively?
I keep myself motivated by constantly experimenting and adapting to new design trends and styles, which keeps my creativity fresh and dynamic. I stay curious and challenge my boundaries to explore new ideas. For my team, I foster open communication, collaboration, and the sharing of diverse perspectives. By encouraging creative freedom while aligning with the bigger vision

What do you think of the state of Print advertising right now. At least here in India, the released work is most often too sad?
Print advertising in India seems to have taken a backseat in terms of creativity. A lot of the work feels repetitive and lacks the bold ideas that make it memorable. That said, I believe it’s a medium with immense potential, and with the right mix of storytelling and design, it can still create powerful and lasting impressions.

Do you think brands whose advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
Winning awards doesn’t always guarantee market success, but it often reflects strong creativity and innovative thinking. However, the true measure of a campaign’s effectiveness lies in its ability to connect with the audience and drive business goals. A balance between creative recognition and real-world impact is what makes a campaign truly successful.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
My advice for aspiring creative professionals is to keep experimenting and never stop exploring. It’s important to have a personal journey of creative evolution beyond office work. Dedicate time to personal projects and exploration—it’s where you’ll discover your unique voice. Stay updated on design trends and learn from established artists, making it a routine to refer to their work. This consistent exposure and practice will help you grow and refine your craft over time.

What’s your dream project?
My dream project would be to work on something that merges art, design, and storytelling on a global scale—perhaps creating a brand identity or campaign that resonates across cultures. I’d love for it to be experimental, pushing creative boundaries while leaving a lasting impact. Ideally, it would combine my passion for design with a meaningful cause or purpose, making it both creatively fulfilling and socially relevant.

Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
In 15 years, I see myself leading creative projects on a global scale, combining design, storytelling, and innovation to make a meaningful impact. I’d love to be in a position where I’m mentoring aspiring designers, contributing to the design community, and working on socially relevant projects that drive positive change. I’m also excited for the changes that are yet to happen in the field of design—new trends, tools, and dimensions waiting to be explored, as well as the extended experiences that will shape the future of creativity.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
At this moment, I’m really fascinated by Albert Mielgo, a Spanish director and artist. His work is so visually striking and imaginative, and I’d love to take him out for dinner to dive deeper into his creative process and hear about his journey. It would be an inspiring conversation, given his unique approach to storytelling and design.

What’s on your iPod? Spotify?
My music taste is quite diverse—I enjoy everything from Carnatic music to heavy metal. Right now, I’m really into an indie band called 53 Thieves. Their sound is unique and energizing, and it’s been my go-to music recently to keep me inspired while I work.

Mac or PC?
I prefer Mac for its seamless design and smooth integration with design tools, which suits my workflow.

Whats your Twitter Handle? Instagram?
https://www.instagram.com/_nihill/
https://x.com/Nikhilcbharath