Hasta La Creative!

” The things I imagine in my head don’t exist or aren’t real, and so I’m compelled to create them the best way that I see it. As they say, art is freedom.

I’m from Calicut, Kerala. A beautiful village and I love it and I would love to be there all the time. After finishing my degree I was moved to Bangalore and currently working as a creative designer at Dunzo.”

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
Art is my life, I’m an artist. When I started working as an artist, I had no idea what to do and where to start; otherwise I don’t know how my life should be.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, am graduated BFA student from Trivandrum fine art college.

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Most of them kept trying to form an identity and start doing things however they wanted. However, in my case, I came to the realization that creating an identity was just not for me because my culture is already an identity. Working at an agency is quite difficult; you cannot stick to your own style because the style all depends on the client. I do not want to stick to any specific style; I like to keep exploring different styles that I like. My work has some natural elements, cultural inspirations, an architectural feel, and some surreal approaches.

How did you focus so much on graphic illustrations? When did you realize you loved doing it and wanted more of it?
Actually I started drawing when I was in 3rd std. After completing plus two I just realize biology science doesn’t work for me, so accidentally I got applied for BFA.
And I realize I got the right path!

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I can’t really point on one person, but, ya my grandma wants me to learn more and she is the one who more passionate about my life.

Who was the most influential personality in your career in graphic design?
For my career (Art) I got influenced by my mom. She draws a lot when I was a kid.

When did you start freelancing?
I started when I was in fine art college, I guess it’s in 2011.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit graphic design?
No at all, because whenever I ‘ll be free, I feel like to draw.

Are many advertising agencies hiring graphic designers? Do you work more with agencies or publishers or direct clients?
I worked on both agencies and direct clients. Right now I feel more freedom at direct clients. Because I am getting time to focusing on one client and most of the creatives are coming out live.

Do you have clients who give you steady work or do you advertise for new clients often?
Mostly I’m advertising for new clients. So I’m getting new and varieties of briefs.

How do you market yourself?
I do more personal creatives and sharing on social media, so people can see my works and they will get an idea for what am capable of.

Any other Indian graphic designers who you admire?
I like a lot of other artists, but I love Sameer Kulavoor’s work.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on graphic design as a career option?
For my experience, I can say one thing – draw more dream big!. I think the design career is entirely different from any other career. If you’re a good creative person will come to you.

Do you think Clients are opening up to keeping aside a decent respectable budget for design work?
There are a lot and different kinds of Clients. No doubt, budget depends on the characteristics of the client. In my experience, I faced a different kind of clients.
If your working for a well-known client you’ll get a decent budget and delivered on time, otherwise you gonna sweat .

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?
Yes of course they do. because there is no other option to communicate a product or something to the audience. Every client needs to advertise to get more visibility so that they need creatives right?
So design is the base for every communication. if it’s a TV or offline, online whatever.

Mac or PC?
I prefer both because I used both. am using Mac but still in some cases we need PC also.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Honestly I never take out of my parents for dinner.

What’s on your iPod?
I don’t have an iPod.

What’s your Twitter Handle? Instagram?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/muhammedsajidn
Instagram: http://instagram.com/muhammedsajid.n