Introduction
As a designer and as an Art Director I have, over the years, worked for several reputed national and international brands. From conceptualising, designing, and prototyping profits to curating brand experiences, I have worked across several projects including ad campaigns, websites, user interfaces, brand and visual identity guidelines, apps, product packaging, concept designs, and mentoring talent. As an Art Director, I have taken on increasing levels of responsibility and have proven success in designing and managing campaigns that built engaging and enduring relationships with a diverse set of audiences.
Work Profile
Design Manager, Creative Services - Amazon
Nov 2014 - Present
Hired by Amazon Creative Services/D1 team (Amazon’s internal creative agency. A part of Global Integrated Marketing team) to develop design processes and methodologies for the region, develop skill sets. Was responsible for the initiation of key quality analysis metrics to better streamline the design flow and process and increase user engagement. Played a key role in ensuring collaboration and streamlined access to various internal and external creative teams including marketing, creative, producers, copy-writers, directors, etc. Was a key member of the hiring team that Source-out, Shortlist and Interview potential candidates for Amazon Creative Services
Sr. Art Director - Ogilvy & Mather
Jan 2014 - Nov 2014
Hired by Ogilvy & Mather, Bangalore to conceptualise and create ideas, design process flows, and other creatives (both online and offline) for their clients. Built a multidisciplinary collaboration at a very fast pace, deadline driven environment, working closely with advertising directors, editorial, and production teams. Worked on POS, merchandising, press, outdoor, DM, brochures and digital. Art Directed and designed digital and offline promotional materials including outdoor and print. Undertook 360-degree marketing campaigns featured on social media and was involved in all phases of creative projects from concept to execution.
Sr. Art Director - Saatchi & Saatchi
Jun 2013 - Dec 2013
Hired to develop and art direct advanced visual concepts, themes, and comps for high-impact deliverables and assets.
Lead the development of creative concepts for B2B clients and develop design strategies that align with brand values. Developed clear, concise branding messages by working with the account and strategy teams, copywriters, and the production teams. Drove customer-focused design language in creative briefs, provide art direction for the entire line of online services, and Initiate and lead creative sessions to kick-off projects. Ensured creative quality, consistency, and cohesiveness across all creative executions and continually elevate and innovate custom client solutions that cement the company as a leader in the space
Sr. Executive, Design - Cafe Coffee Day
Jun 2010 - Jun 2013
Hired to work closely with the internal teams to generate and create brand promotional ideas that create and sustain long-term engagement while also matching the business objectives of the organisation. Was responsible for coming up with original creative ideas, including illustrations and infographics. Was responsible for pre and post production quality checks.
Managed and directed photo shoots on time and to budget. Conceptualised, visualised and designed websites, UI for Apps, Marketing collaterals and Brand Identity.
And a few more organisations from Bangalore and Mumbai...
Oct 2005 onwards
Academics
Celesta Coffee Machine User Interface
Client: Cafe Coffee Day - Coffee Day
Year: 2013
In 2012, Coffee day started developing a touch screen user interface for their coffee machine which eventually replaced the machines placed in multiple corporate pantries and arports.
The Coffee Machine User interface design has been featured in GUI DESIGN by SendPoints Publications ISBN / 978-988-13834-9-5
Process
The inspiration for this design was “minimal & simple”. To me, design is more than the way something looks. Design needs to consider the way something reacts (like to a touch), the way it functions and the experience it provides. When designing the touch-screen for the coffee-machine, I asked myself “How should people feel when they use this”? The simple answer for me was that it should delight them, facilitate a function and give them the best user-experience.
So I came up with a minimalistic design. Something that is simplistic and intuitive. Simplistic, not because of the absence of clutter, but because of the clarity and cohesiveness it provides to users. I also wanted to make sure that the design “stayed out of the way” while someone was experiencing the touch interface – that the design and thereby their interaction with the device would seem natural. I tried to bring out the harmonious relationship between type, color and shapes through this design.
