Why are you in Advertising?
I can get paid to think up cool ideas, draw, shoot and make stuff. I like all things creative and advertising gives me a way to dabble in many things.
Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
Yes, I did. I went to Miami Ad School (the Miami location) for an art direction program. And before that I went to MOP Vaishnav in Chennai where I majored in advertising photography and learned a bit of everything from fine arts to tv production.
Tell us about your awards?
I’ve had my work featured in the Luerzer’s Archive, Applied Arts Magazine, CMYK Magazine, Mind Sparkle Mag and Ads of the world. I was lucky to be part of an incredibly talented team at Publicis Dubai with whom I worked on an award winning campaign for Chrysler. It earned us some Lynx awards and a Cannes nomination, I was still fairly green at the time and I’m very grateful for the experience.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Just the fictional kind – Elizabeth Bennet and Anne Shirley taught me independence, Indiana Jones my love of travel and the Power Rangers, how to kick when I need to haha. Girls in my family weren’t allowed to work when I was growing up. So I didn’t have any real life role models, I didn’t even know I had options. So if there are any girls reading this, you do have options. Write to me if you need any advice, I’ll help if I can.
Who was the most influential personality in your career in?
We can get caught up trying to do incredible, award-worthy, press-worthy work. Sometimes it’s important to remember that it’s just a job. And to have interests and hobbies outside of it to feed your soul. My mentor told me that when I needed to hear it and I think it’s wonderful advice. It’s influenced my work in a healthy way.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Life. I’m a museum geek. I love art, ceramics, interiors, vintage furniture, going to the movies and reading a ton. You never know where an insight/inspiration will come from.
Tell us something about your current place’s work environment. How do you keep motivating yourself and your team creatively.
I’m currently the senior Art Director in-house at Starry, an internet service provider that’s trying to revolutionize how internet is received in homes. The creative team is quite small, we all play multiple roles so we’re constantly being pushed out of our comfort zones. It’s easy to stay motivated when the product is actually great and everyone in your company wants to make good work.
How is working in NYC as an Advertising Art Director?
I love this city. It’s crazy, it’s fast and it’s competitive. It’s chock full of talented people here to make a mark. So it’s a great place to collaborate with other creatives.
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?
I’m excited for the transition of print. We’re starting to see print complementing digital in interesting ways – with AR, with projection mapping or just alongside a digital campaign. The way we use and understand print is changing and I’m here for it.
Do you think brands who’s advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
Not necessarily. Awards may not mean anything in terms of product sales. I think award shows are a great way to showcase ideas and talent and winning is good for morale, but the absence of it should not make work insignificant.
What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
Make stuff for the love of it. Don’t overthink an execution, just do it cause it doesn’t exist until you’ve made it. And once you do, be brave and show it to others. That’ll help you make it better.
What’s your dream project?
I think anything that allows me to collaborate with creatives I admire is a huge win. I recently worked with LM Chabot who’s work has been in so many of my mood boards in the past. That was trippy.
Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
Making work that makes me smile, working on more side projects, painting more, picking up new hobbies, continuing to live a balanced life.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
My boyfriend who has been in Mexico for a week and will be gone for another 2 weeks 🙂 I’d love to have him back. And perhaps not dinner, but I’d like to lurk on set with Guillermo del Toro.
What are you listening to?
If I’m concepting, I prefer classical music, it helps me focus. If I need to focus extra hard, I will put on my noise cancelling headphones and work in the void with no music on 🙂
Mac or PC?
Mac all the way, haven’t touched a PC in years.
What’s your Twitter Handle? Instagram?
@travellingchair on Instagram. I do have a Twitter (@travelingchair spelled the American way) but I’m a lurker and not a tweeter.
