Ranked #1 Creative Director in the Middle East by The Big Won report 2009 and #8 Top Art Directors in the world. Komal has just come back from New York after picking up a gold, silver and bronze pencils and 6 shortlists at The One Show. She also picked up an ADC Gold Cube and a Silver Cube on the same trip. This years laurels also include a silver Andy’s, Silver Clios and gold at New York Festival. And now to Cannes.
Why are you into Advertising?
Because in the morning I love my job… by the time the day ends I hate it. Between loving and hating, I feel alive.
Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
I did. BFA, M.S.U. Baroda for 4 years. My specialization was advertising. Still hazy about what I learnt.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Honestly it was so long back I don’t remember.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
Mohammad Khan, Gopika Chowfla, Preeti Kapoor, K.S. Gopal, Gordon Ray, Sam Ahmed, Adil Khan, Nadine Ghossoub, Shahir Zag.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
From a crap brief, a tight deadline and an impossible client.
How long have been working in Dubai? Where were you before Y&R?
In Dubai with Y&R for the last eight and a half years. Shahir was the first creative person I met after relocating to Dubai.
Joined the same day. Been here ever since. Quadrant Bombay, EURO Calcutta, Grey and Enterprise Delhi before that.
What do you think of the state of Print advertising right now?
Print is the purest form of advertising. There are new players and new rules in advertising today. Digital, Integrated, Innovative, 360 are a must do, but that by no means is the end of print.
Do you think brands who’s advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
Ever heard of Nike, Playstation, Viagra…?
What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
Never ever think in front of a screen. EVER.
Mac or PC?
I think you should rephrase this question. It’s a bit outdated.
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
It would have to be a threesome with Andy Warhol & Frida Kahlo.
What’s on your iPod?
I upgraded to iPad.
did you ever worked in i an Indian agency? if yes how you landed where you are.
“Ever heard of Nike, Playstation, Viagra…?”
Komal. dont you think these are already established brands? these brands are so big that its difficult to forget them. How about creating wacky creative stuff for a brand that is, well, brand new, something no one has ever heard of?
I think for a brand to become really really big, one HAS to have a fantastic product and a fantastic marketing mix. Google has become of the biggest brands in the world and also one of the most easily recognised ones, without advertising.
Even Apple doesnt really have ‘one show winning ads’.
If you look at India, Airtel advertising is kind of so-so, but its the largest Telecom Operator. People seem to like Vodafone’s work,and is much awarded, but it is perhaps the third, after Airtel and Reliance (reliance advertising sucks).
loved your work.
(ipad and ipod are not mutually replaceable, are they)
also, why do you say Print is the purest form of advertising?
Hey Komal,
Great work! I don’t need to tell you I guess, you know it and the people at One Show confirmed it. Thanks for raising the bar:)