Kartik Iyer: Interview

 

Born in 1975 Chennai. Spent 8 years growing up in Africa. Returned to Chennai in 1985. Learnt to play the mridangam for 3 years. Acted in 27 full fledged theatre productions. Joined advertising in Dec 1995 as an intern. Did six years between Chennai Bangalore learning to be a copywriter. Worked in Y&R Dubai for 3 years from 2001-2004. Worked in Ogilvy Bangalore for 3 years. Started Happy in 2007 with Praveen Das. Love movies, music, design and pop art. Moonlight as a stand up comedian as The HigherIyer Show.

?Why are you into Advertising??
Cos it’s the only place you get to use your creative muscles with every medium that’s exists. I also get bored easily, so it helps to keep focusing on different brands with different needs. But I didn’t know any of this when I started my career. Actually I loved commercials and asked someone who ‘thought’ of them. Someone said the agency and I decided I would learn to be a copywriter. It took me 5 years to realize what I actually wanted to do was direct ad films. Hopefully I’ll get there some day.

?Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications??
Did my bachelors in visual communications at Loyola College, Chennai (1993-1996)
Tell us about your recent work campaign??The most popular is the Flipkart – No kidding. No worries. – campaign. Am particularly proud of it cos it was good advertising packed with the perfect dash of creative punch. It was not only great fun working with kids on the campaign. It resulted in 800% growth for the clients business. Add to that, that it was rated among the top 5 recalled campaigns of 2011.

?Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up??
Walt Disney. Bill Cosby. Pink Floyd. Richard Pryor. Al Pacino. Quinten Tarantino. Steve Jobs.

?Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
Shahir Zag. He continues to influence me even today.

?Where do you get your inspiration from?
Music. Movies. Video Games. Typography. Fashion. Stand up comedy. Life.

Do you have any kind of a program to nurture and train young talent??
While we try to meet once in six months to work as a group and nuture team building, I don’t think we have a structured program to impart. We have a culture that we try to live by and people pick up from that.
?Tell us something about the ‘Happy’ Environment.
Its a high energy zone. Some people feel naturally drawn to this energy and tend to become part of it exuding their own into the environment. For some its over bearing, and they leave. We have people from very different backgrounds. The love for all things cool and awesome brings us together for sure. The power of appreciation, sigh.
?Tell us about your biggest challenge as the Creative Director of Happy…
Defining that role is the biggest challenge.
?Tell us about your 1st work as a creative director in the field of advertising.
The A R Rahman campaign for worldspace satellite radio, done at Ogilvy & Mather in 2006. Technically I was only ACD then, but I would say that was my first role as a CD from being there and seeing the campaign through from conception to release.
?Pick and tell us about one of all your past campaigns, your personal favourite…
The Flipkart – No kidding. No worries. campaign and the Lee Never Wasted bag design from the recent past.
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??
One can say unreasonable cost of print media has contributed to this. No budget for production – so headline and clipart (read as graphic elements). Add to this a large percentage of unimaginative people in our industry.
?Do you think brands who’s advertising wins awards, do well in the market??
For sure. The biggest ideas that win awards, in the biggest award shows are all real work. And that’s how they become the biggest brands.
?What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals??
Only now you have the energy to work hard and party harder. Make sure you work hard, too.
?Who would you like to take out for dinner??
Add the-hottest-actress-in-your-head-name here. Hey we like the same girl. Awesome! High five.
What’s on your iPod?
All kinds of music.

Mac or PC?
Its like asking someone to choose between a bandra boy and Priyanka Chopra. But in this case – Mac.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Amrita Nambiar : Illustrations

 

 

Amrita Nambiar’s fascination is captured by colours and all things art and design. She’s been in the design industry for five years and about 7 months ago decided to take a sabbatical, some time off to experiment and get back to doing some work that was more personal. Living in sleepy Pondicherry at the time she found herself with plenty of time and tons of delicious paint and colours and paper in her hands, but didnt know where to begin ! She looks for an inspirational high in books, stories, music and in other peoples work and keeps a blog of her own.

She loves to travel endlessly, goes to every concert she can and fills her home with flowers.
”When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it.” Amrita believes in dreams coming true.

Why are you an Illustrator?
Ive been drawing since I remember. I guess I cannot help but be an illustrator! I’ve been looking for ways to express myself and illustration comes most naturally to me. I get to speak without words (or very few) about things that are close to my heart, about the magic in the little things in the world around us through my drawings. And Im high when Im inspired, and that kind of exhilaration can be addictive :)

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
I did go to art school in Bangalore. We didnt do too much there, but I did spend a lot of time dreaming and scribbling away in the beautiful grounds.Looking back, Im sure that helped, I did develop my skill there, But my greatest learning began when I started working part time at a design studio and learned about the world of design and illustration through the lovely people there !

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Everyone sees the world through a different set of eyes. And I simply draw the world the way I see it.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Though i grew up amongst some amazing people, I dont remember ever meeting anyone who did what I wanted to do until I joined art school where I met artists and designers and others with similar dreams. It was a pretty incredible feeling to work alongside so many like minded people!

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Illustrations?
I’m going to change the ”who” in this question to a ”what”. And my answer would be Pondicherry. I lived there for 2 and a half years, and it opened up a whole new world of inspiration. Everyone in Pondi and Auroville is doing something beautiful and I found myself drawing again and faced with a world of dreams and possiblities :)

You have worked with HiDesign. What was your job profile there?
I was the senior communication designer at Hidesign. It was a fun,challenging job and led to a lot of experiments with all kinds of materials! And it took me to Pondicherry :) I still consider it to be one of my best decisions yet.

What made you decide to become a freelance illustrator? When did you start freelancing?
I followed my heart. At one point I just wanted to draw and play with colours . So i quit my job about 7 months ago and took a break to experiment, and after a few months, I finally felt satisfied with what I was creating, and slowly started taking on freelance projects.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Illustrations?
I hate being labelled. And while I was experimenting with different media and design, I was always more easily labelled as an illustrator. At the time, i vowed not to draw again! But that didnt last too long :)

Are many advertising agencies getting illustrations made these days? Do you work more with agencies or publishers?
I guess they do! I work more with individuals and publishing houses – anyone with an interesting project in hand really!

Have you considered turning your illustrations into toys?
Toys not so much. Products yes! I love collaborative art and the idea of turning art into something both beautiful and functional!

Any other Indian Illustrators who you admire?
Dithi Chakrabortty does some beautiful art, I love her work. Priya Sebastian with her beautiful charcoal drawings, and Bajju Shyam who works with Tara books for his beautiful style and dreamy illustrations.

Do you have any favorite fellow illustrators or resources relating to your fields?
I have a whole bunch of inspirational sites and blogs and books that I love pouring through ! www.stylefiles.com is one of my favourite sources of interior inspiration (textures and patterns and colours) behance.net showcases a whole lot of beautiful work everyday ! graphic-exchange.com is another treasure trove of work,  and then all the blogs I love to haunt!

You have such a wide experience as a top working professional. What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on Illustration as a career option? Is it paying well enough?
Follow your heart, do as it says and everything else will follow. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I love everyday and get paid for it!

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Stefan Sagemeister!

What’s on your iPod?
Creed, Adele, Dire Straits, Norah Jones and RHCP

Mac or PC?
Tablet PC!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Cross by Y&R Dubai

Advertising Agency: Y&R, Dubai
Chief Creative Officer: Shahir Zag
Art Director: Sajesh Pudussery
Copywriter: William Mathovani
Creative Director / Copywriter: Shahir Zag
Creative Director/ Art Director: Kalpesh Patankar
Agency Executive Producer: Amin Soltani
Planner: Nadine Ghossoub
Agency Producer: Leng Panganiban
Photographer: Mojtaba Komeili
Retoucher: Gitten Tom

 

 

One EyeLand bt 1pointsize

Advertising Agency: 1pointsize, Chennai, India
Creative Director: Sharad Haksar
Art Director: Santhosh Kone
Copywriter: Anantha Narayan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Titan Eye Plus by Ogilvy Bangalore

Advertising Agency: Ogilvy & Mather, Bangalore, India
National Creative Directors: Piyush Pandey, Rajiv Rao, Abhijit Avasthi
Executive Creative Director: Joono Simon
Copywriter: Piyush Pandey
Art Director: Vinci Raj
Illustrator: Senthil Saravan kumar
Photographer: Kumaran
Additional credits: Joshi, Anil Kumar, Sneha Nidhin, Jasper Daniel, Ayelin Rodrigues, Maniny, Adhithya

 

 

Pest O Cide by Chirpy Elephant

Advertising Agency: Chirpy Elephant, India
Creative Director / Art Director: Jayaraman
Creative Director/ Copywriter: Leela Ram
Digital creative: Sivakumar
Junior Art Director: Arul Anchalan
Account Director: Raam Prasad
Photographer: Hari
Illustrator: Pravin Arasu

Basics by Happy, Bangalore

Advertising Agency: Happy, Bangalore, India
Chief Creative Officer: Praveen Das
Executive Creative Director: Kartik Iyer
Art Director: Viduthalai Raj
Copywriter: Athul Chathukutty
Photographer: Miro
Studio Head: Ramakrishna R
Account Supervisor: Neelima Kariappa
Account Executive: Vigya Atri

 

 

 

Chaiti Mehta Designs

Chaiti Mehta, founder of Chaiti Mehta Design (CMD) in 2009, discovered herself in the world of design when she began communicating a message both visually and conceptually. Calling herself as purely a designer, she creates forms and patterns out of brands, our of love, out of passion.
Her work spans brand identity and development, art direction, packaging, printed matter, interactive, art-projects and exhibitions. With her clientele in India, New York, London, and Dubai, she works closely and collaboratively with them who want their brands to speak. She allows a direct thought-process, approaching design holistically.

Her work has been awarded and published by curated design publication; Book of the Year, Volume Four (Praquin, France), Asia Pacific Design No. 7 (Sandu Cultural Media Co.,Ltd. Hongkong/Guangzhou/Beijing and Design 360°- Concept and Design Magazine). Featured on the front cover of India’s noted design magazine, The Kyoorius Design Magazine 7 and The Kyoorius Design Showcase 2011-12.

Why are you a Graphic Designer?
I usually stumble at being called a Graphic Designer and come up with all sorts of complicated explanations and words. I’m purely a designer. One who can define a color, a type and a form. The kind of graphic design majority of people relate to is not only about brochures, catalogs, logos and all of that. It’s about a Process. It’s how it works. Knowing the real power of holistic design and experiencing its maximum. In short every piece needs to have an Understanding of Design, a perception and experimentation. Hence I chose this path.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Attended a four year intensive training in a design school at Rachana Sansad College of Applied Art & Crafts, Mumbai brought in basic fundamentals of Design and prepares one to pursue that path. What I gathered learning in design school are the basic concepts like rhythm and balance. The education gave me a direction and opened several avenues. Education is useful. Training and practice is more important.

You have a distinct style of Design. How long did it take you to develop your style?
I don’t think I try coming up with a style but come up with something that has a logic underneath it. I take myself into a whole new experience everytime I think of something. If you see my work, it’s always emerging into different interests. I don’t draw from any inspiration, influence or reference material. It’s the thought of creating something unique and identifiable. I have a very strong kind of look, and what people see is a reflection of myself, my own personality and I simply love what I do.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I’m still young, still evolving in my career. There are yet lot of people I would like to work with or rather say collaborate with. But there’s one person who has opened my eye and showed me the true world of design is Salil Awchat, art director of Awchat & Olsen Design. A hard-core design experience and freedom to work on projects giving it everything that I could create, it’s rare to find a mentor like him. I hope he agrees.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in graphic design?
Where I stand today, I owe it to Salil Awchat, art-director of Awchat & Olsen Design, an award winning design studio based in Mumbai and Oslo. I have worked under him for two and a half years when I just graduated and was difficult for a fresher to jump into a graphic design studio with zero experience. A few were confused, some got married, majority entered the big world of Advertising. I was sure that it’s got to be design and I was stubborn at it. A&O opened many avenues. As a designer, I was exposed to all stages of the design process from pitching to finished artwork and print production. Their belief in me started growing, solidifying and together I delved into my work as if nothing ever mattered more than this.

When did you start freelancing?
June 2009, I took the plunge to create my own individuality. Life has meaning only in the struggle. It’s been over two years and still evolving.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit graphic design?
Design is what I love to do. To keep practicing and do good work in a meaningful way. I am constantly trying to open myself to explore design in different perspectives. There’s always a desire to keep getting better but it only comes through practice, practice and practice!

Are many advertising agencies hiring graphic designers? Do you work more with agencies or clients/publishers?
A lot of agencies need graphic designers. But I work wholly with individual clients who want their brands to speak.

Do you have clients who give you steady work or do you advertise for new clients often?
My clients come to me. My relationship with my clients has been so far long-term. There is a commitment that I add to their work that makes them come back with larger and more creative opportunities. It’s all a process.

Any other Indian graphic designers who you admire?
Miti Desai, Ishan Khosla, Alok Nanda, Tania Singh Khosla, Sameer Kulavoor, Lokesh Kareker are the very few whose work I admire. They are exceptional and hence do very different and unique work. It’s logical and level-headed.
Recently met Manjiri Rajopadhye over a chat. There is so much to learn from her. A true designer, she has mastered her skill and is so true to herself which reflects in her work. I had taken a class with Miti Desai, a very remarkable course on design. It was an experience of a lifetime. She’s an incredible lady, so Indian, so real. A designer & dancer, her aim is at encouraging the students to feel and experience design, to achieve both professional and personal goals. Every second was worth it.

Some other design contemporaries whose work you admire?
Shigeru Ban – his approach is methodical, unorthodox and ingeniously pragmatic.
Subhash Awchat – he builds a beautiful relationship with himself and the canvas. Sabir Khan – acclaimed sarangi maestro. Heard him at The Dewarists show and his music just flows around the groove so meticulously.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals? Would you advise them to take on graphic design as a career option?
Practice, practice and practice! If you don’t go all out, how would you succeed?
There are tons of talented artists and these are the ones who apply real talent, dedication and put their soul into their work. Be passionate. Love what you do. Create something crazy. There are no boundaries in design! Be approachable, stand out from the crowd and don’t be complacent. The passionate innovating ones, yes this would a great career. You need to be a skilled ‘looker’. Struggle is the core part here, and laziness definitely doesn’t take you anywhere. Having an early design exposure makes one aware of the design profession to transform analytical materials to visual ideas. A graduation design program shows depth in the process of design. Design can be a long term career choice since it completes
personal interest as well as earning a living and exploring yourself.

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?
Most of my clients, yes. Awareness and realisation has made a lot of my clients set up a budget for design work and hence it opens our creative minds to think differently.

Whats your dream project?
Brand a luxury hotel.

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Let’s keep this personal!

What’s on your iPod?
Lounge, Spiritual

Mac or PC?
Mac

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

To view more of her works:
Visit FB Page  |  Visit Behance Page  |  Chaiti Mehta Home Page

Mentos : Unbelievably Sour : Ogilvy

Advertising Agency: Ogilvy & Mather, Mumbai, India
Chief Creative Officer: Piyush Pandey
Executive Creative Directors: Abhijit Avasthi, Rajiv Rao
Creative Director: Anurag Agnihotri
Art Director: Ashish Naik
Copywriters: Anurag Agnihotri, Anupama Sirsalewal
Illustrator: Deelip Khomane
Graphic Designer: Ashish Naik


Sweet ‘n’ Healthy by Orchard, Bangalore

Time to switch to Sweet ‘n’ Healthy

Advertising Agency: Orchard Advertising, Bangalore, India
Executive Creative Director: Thomas Xavier
Creative Director: Sagar
Art Director: M G Harti
Copywriter: Shane Alemao

Keo Karpin, No More Hair Problems : Rediff Y&R Gurgaon

Advertising Agency: Rediffusion Y&R, Gurgaon, India
National Creative Directors: Meenaxi Achan, N padmakumar
Executive Creative Director: Ambika Soni
Art Director: Rakesh Jha
Copywriter: Hassan Danish
Photographer: Image courtesy photolibrary
CGI: Mao Lin


Sammy 400 by Sorento

When they rub each other the wrong way.

Advertising Agency: Sorento Healthcare Communications, Mumbai, India
Creative Director: Olivier Altmann
Art Director: Dinesh Ghosalkar
Copywriter: Sarvesh Raikar
Illustrator: Pritesh Rane
Post Production: Sachin Bugade

Mystique Tissues

Swine flu, we’ll beat you.

Advertising Agency: DMAS, India
Creative Director: Ashish Sood
Art Director: Suvrajit Kundu
Copywriter: Ashish Sood
Illustrator: Suvrajit Kundu

Clorox: Easy to remove stains

Advertising Agency: DDB, Dubai, UAE
Executive Creative Director: Shehzad Yunus
Creative Directors: Kartik Aiyar, Makarand Patil
Copywriter: Kartik Aiyar
Art Director: Makarand Patil
Photographer: Allen Dang / Wizard Photography Malaysia
Senior Account Director: Krishnakumar Panicker


Tangram SA from Out Of The Box

Advertising Agency: Out of the Box, Delhi, India
Art Director: Viral Pandya, Guneet Pandya, Arvind Yadav
Creative Director: Viral Pandya, Sabu Paul, Guneet Pandya
Designer: Viral Pandya, Guneet Pandya, Arvind Yadav
Copywriters: Vaibhav Pandey, Viral Pandya, Guneet Pandya, Sabu Paul
Typographers: Arvind Yadav, Viral Pandya


The Times of India: World Cup

Advertised brand: The Times of India
Advert title(s):World Cup 2011
Headline and copy text (in English): Today is Children’s Day
Advertising Agency: Genesis Advertising Pvt Ltd, Kolkata, India
Creative Director: Ujjal Sinha, Manoj Chaki, Indrayudh Mitra
Art Director:Manas Maity
Copywriter: Aritra Dutta

Olympia Gym by Rediff DY&R

Advertising Agency: Rediffusion DYR, New Delhi, India
Creative Directors : Daniel Upputuru, Abhinav Pratiman
Copywriter: Bhavna Kher
Art Director / Illustrator: Arnab Ray


Love Thy Body

Advertising Agency: Out of the Box, Delhi, India
Art Directors: Viral Pandya, Guneet Pandya
Creative Directors: Viral Pandya, Sabu Paul, Guneet Pandya
Photographer / Illustrator: Sunil Singh
Typographer: Ajay Yadav
Copywriters: Viral Pandya, Sabu Paul, Guneet Pandya


The Axe Effect

Advertising Agency: Lowe Mena, Dubai, UAE
Creative Directors: Mark Lewis, Marwan Saab
CGH / Art Director: Mansoor A. Bhatti
Group Account Director: Tej Desai
Senior Account Manager: Prashob Ravi


Shakoon Khosla : Art Director at Ogilvy

I work as an art director in Ogilvy and have worked with TBWA and Rediffusion as well. Am a bit zonked out and have goldfish memory. I often forget my illustration styles and come up with new one every time : ) I like experimenting with fonts in addition to helvetica and get twitchy while using lot of bright colors together.

Why are you in advertising?
I figured out this is the only place where you can be unorganized, wear whatever you want to and get a chance to create good stuff : )
Coming back to the point, the work we churn out here has extremely short shelf life hence its fun to match up the speed. I love the unpredictableness of this place, it just doesn’t let you get comfortable with your state of mind.

Did you attend school for fine art or design?
Yes, I did. But school doesn’t teach you as much as your work place does.

When did you start illustrating?
I always preferred blank sheets over ruled.
I don’t draw/sketch as much as I use varied textures, materials and create art graphically. Its 1:5 hand:computer ratio in most of my work..

You have a distinct style of illustration. How long did it take you to develop your style?
Fortunately, I don’t have any distinct style of illustration. I come up with styles according to the campaign but mostly according to my mood and time I intend to spend on the idea… I love to create characters and detail them out in my own way to make myself happy.
I strongly believe that art directors in advertising shouldn’t have distinct style of art to keep each campaign contrastive. Your work can get predictable if you get trapped in your art style.

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
I’m still growing up :) But yeah, I get influenced by almost everybody and everything around me if things are counted in ‘role models’. As a kid I got influenced by my toys, board game, art teachers, bulletin boards outside every section, my mum, blank paper, kitchen napkin, colourful cloth and now by intricate patters, mc donalds toys, Rob on M.A.D art show, t-shirts, books, ffffound.com, other peoples work : ) etc etc.

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising? And in Illustrations?
No one in particular. I love to learn and make sure I absorb best from my seniors and people around me including my interns.

Tell us about the work culture at Ogilvy.
Its same as any other agency apart from the fact that they have more people working here and have a bigger cafeteria : )
It is easy to get addicted to this place because of the space and freedom you get here. I believe its us who create work culture in any organisation. Over 5 years of my work experience I’ve seen the same set of people moving from one agency to another maintaining the work culture.

Was there any time when you wanted to quit Advertising and become a full time illustrator?
Every second weekday and every sunday. Though I would never want to quit art but my restless mind takes me here and there and makes me think all the time.

Who is your favorite Art Director in India for Advertising?
No one in particular. But I love the art of lot of people I work with. I envy their sense of ideation, their sketch books, their color sense and the way they detail out their work.

You have such a wide experience as a top working professional, for both advertising and illustrations. Would you advise anyone to make a career out of illustrations?
Haha, I don’t have such a wide experience in advertising. I make graphic illustration/illustrations for my ad campaigns and at times for fun but don’t work as a professional illustrator, so don’t really know how is it to take it as full-time career option.
Being an illustrator or an art director in advertising or both is their personal opinion. All these career options have bad days and good days… It is more important to be creative and curious in life. It works for me!!

What’s on your iPod?
Jack Johnson, Harry Belafonte and latest bollywood music.

Mac or PC?
Mac