Why are you a Graphic Designer?
My journey of becoming a designer started when I was little I used to sit for hours and hours sketching cartoons. I had not taken up any drawing/sketching courses or classes to polish up my skills. Since a young age, I used to exhibit design-centred, artistic behaviour. These actions, and my natural instinct to find creativity all around, led me to believe I was going to be an artist.
Being creative is such a large part of who I am and have always been, whether I’m involved in a personal project, making gifts for friends or family, volunteering my skills for a non-profit organization, or drumming up ideas for some clients.
Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I attended the Symbiosis Institute of Design, one of the country’s most premier education societies, for design courses. My specialization was Graphic Designing.
How did you start focussing on wedding card design?
I jumped into the world of full-time freelance graphic design 2 years ago and here I am branding myself with Studio 6 – Creative House. I initially started off by designing some creatives for my known ones. Gradually, things progressed by word of mouth, and I created a new specialization in wedding collaterals.
I have worked for various weddings, being it traditional to destination weddings, by designing customized invites that make each invite completely unique. I strive to work with clients to create a design that truly represents their personalities and vision. My work is wholly client specific, targeting their complete satisfaction. Having said this, I do not work on pre made templates, and never re use or repeat the designs for any other wedding.
Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I always felt inspired by the work of Rob Janoff, and his story behind creating the logo for Apple Computers. A simple piece of creativity that he used was to incorporate the “apple bite”, something that many people would not think of. The idea behind this concept was to indicate that the fruit was an apple, and not confuse it with another fruit, say a cherry. This may sound something very easy to come up with, or an idea that is extremely simple, but in reality, it takes out of the box thinking to come up with something like this. And I work on the same principle of thinking out of the box, to reach new and unique avenues in creativity.
Who was the most influential personality on your career in graphic design?
Not a personality in particular, but I take inspiration from Pinterest, where I get to view the work of other likeminded designers.
When did you start freelancing?
2 years ago.
Was there any time when you wanted to quit graphic design?
They say happy is that person who can make a living from his hobby. And I absolutely love what I do.
There has never been a time when I have thought of quitting my work.
How do you promote yourself?
As of now, my marketing is majorly based off social media, and word-of-mouth by satisfied clients.
Of recent, I have also collaborated with Wed Me Good | WedWise | Bridestory as a wedding invite vendor.
Do you work with direct clients or do wedding planners hire you?
I currently work with clients directly.
What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on graphic design as a career option?
My advice to the aspiring creative professionals would be to enjoy every bit of your work, love what you do!
Don’t expect success overnight; you have to roll up your sleeves and be prepared to work very hard. You also have to become the publisher of your own story and learn how to share yourself engagingly with others.
Do you think Clients are opening up to keeping aside a decent respectable budget for design work? 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?
It actually depends from client requirements, and the scope of work required in each project is different. I have worked with a clientele base locally as well as internationally, so there are times when clients have a look at the kind of work done for other projects earlier and then they do understand why and for what would they be investing into.
When it comes to the budget part, I understand the certain clients have limitations for the same. I try to work things out with them and come to an agreement that is beneficial for both of us, in terms of the work to be done.
The attitude for sure, is changing, when it comes to realising the vitality of design as a communication tool. People realize that in today’s social media savvy world, effective marketing has many facets, design being one of the most important one. An effective design can make a place in people’s minds and hearts, and helps them associate the purpose of marketing, with the client and/or the brand.
Mac or PC?
PC
Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Not dinner in particular, I am a coffee fanatic; and we all know who is the go to person for coffee in this country – non other then Karan Johar (laughs). I would be nothing less than a dream come true to be called upon in his talk show, and probably work for his production house (high hopes!).
What’s on your iPod?
I’m currently hooked onto Girls Like You, by Maroon 5. I love the lyrics, and the idea behind using the female stars from different arenas of entertainment in the music video.
Occasionally, I love listening to Coldplay, as I find their songs and music videos quite exclusive and soothing.
Whats your Twitter Handle?
Not got on twitter as yet!
Instagram: studio6.pune
Website: www.studio6ch.com
