Hasta La Creative!

Vipul Arora is a creative professional with over 10 years of experience in advertising, digital marketing, and conceptual photography. He has worked across both B2B and B2C sectors, and currently. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to lead and execute digital campaigns, print media projects, and brand strategies for clients like HIcare, Agronic Foods, Torus Skillforce, Mednet Labs, and more. Vipul also founded his own creative agency, Post Office Media, where he explores storytelling through podcasts, YouTube shows, and branded content. He is passionate about creating ideas that are not only visually strong but strategically sound—and is always looking for opportunities to bring fresh thinking to the table.

Why are you into Advertising?
I’m into advertising because it’s where my art gets to flex its muscles and make a real splash. I love mixing creativity with a purpose—like crafting posters that tackle social issues, such as mental health, and seeing them spark conversations. It’s not just about selling stuff; it’s about telling stories that stick with people, and advertising gives me that playground.

Did you attend school for fine art or design or Communications?
I went to Kurukshetra University for Fine Arts—Applied Arts, to be exact. Got my Bachelor’s and Master’s there, wrapping up the latter in 2021. It was all about art and design for me. That’s where I honed my skills, from sketching to designing, which I now pour into my work.

How do awards impact your career as an advertising entrepreneur?
You know, I think awards are like a cherry on top—awesome if you get ’em, but no biggie if you don’t! When you snag an award, it’s like a fast-pass to getting noticed; people perk up and go, “Who’s this guy?” But even without them, your work’s got its own magic—it’ll find its way to the right folks, and they’ll start buzzing about you. For me, it’s all about the work hitting its mark. If an ad nails its purpose and makes the impact it’s meant to, that’s the real win. And if an award comes along? Well, that’s just some extra sparkle—like a high-five from the universe!

Do you think brands whose advertising wins awards, do well in the market?
Nah, I don’t buy that awards always mean market success—it’s not a surefire thing! I’ve seen big-shot agencies and brands with campaigns that are, honestly, pretty meh, yet they’re scooping up awards left and right. It feels like the awards game has turned into a bit of a business deal, you know? True talent, raw creativity, and real effort? Those get overlooked way too often. Especially if you’re from a smaller place, like a tier-3 city, it’s tough to even get a foot in the door. That can leave a super talented artist, creator, or advertiser stuck in the same spot, dreaming big but not getting the spotlight they deserve. It’s more about the work’s heart than the trophy shelf!

Were there any particular role models for you when you grew up?
Ever since I was a kid, I was scribbling away with my crayons, and my family totally had my back—stocking me up with drawing books and all the colorful supplies I could dream of! They saw my love for art and cheered me on. Then, in 2003, when POGO channel burst onto the scene, my first-ever role model stepped into my life: Harun Robert, aka ROB, from the M.A.D. TV show. Man, that guy was a wizard teaching art and craft—I never missed a single episode! His energy got me hooked on creating. Another big shoutout goes to Gurpreet Singh Sohal sir, who’s been a mentor and taught me so much along the way. As I grew up, my hero list got bigger. The legendary Stan Lee jumped in, pulling me into the wild world of comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I was all about superheroes! That led me to movie posters, and I started following Rajeev Chudasama from Marching Ants for his killer designs and The Boss Logic for those jaw-dropping superhero fan edits. When I stumbled into advertising, I got starry-eyed for giants like Piyush Pandey, Prasoon Joshi, and David Ogilvy. Their work showed me how to make ads that hit you right in the feels. Honestly, who I am today? It’s all thanks to the indirect guidance of these creative legends who’ve inspired me to keep pushing, dreaming, and making!

Who was the most influential personality on your career in Advertising?
Oh man, when it comes to who’s shaped my advertising journey, I’ve gotta give a huge shoutout to The Minimalist India—they’re like the cool, quirky trailblazers who lit up my creative path! Their clean, minimal style and offbeat ideas, like their viral campaigns for brands such as Swiggy and Netflix, showed me a whole new vibe in advertising. It’s all about saying big things with simple, clever visuals, and that’s pushed me to carve out my own niche in conceptual advertising—something I’m now known for! Then there’s the legend himself, Piyush Pandey. His storytelling magic, seen in iconic ads like Asian Paints’ “Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai” and Fevicol’s “Dum Laga Ke Haisha,” has been a game-changer for me. He’s the guy who made Indian ads feel like they’re speaking straight to your heart, blending humor and emotion in a way that sticks. I’m totally inspired by how he turned brands into household stories, and it’s driven me to infuse that same soul into my work at Post Office Media. And let’s not forget the late Shyam Benegal ji, whose storytelling genius in films like Ankur and Manthan left a deep mark on me. His ability to weave real, raw human stories with social impact—often spotlighting rural India—has influenced how I approach ads. I want my campaigns to feel that grounded, that meaningful, just like his films did. These folks have been my North Stars, guiding me to create ads that don’t just sell but spark conversations and connections.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Oh, I find inspiration all around me—it’s like the world’s my sketchbook! For me, advertising isn’t just a job or a paycheck; it’s a way to study life, picking up something new every single day. Sometimes it’s the chaos of a family squabble at home, or those golden moments laughing with friends. Other times, it’s just sitting quietly, soaking in the calm, or watching someone bust a move like nobody’s watching at a wedding! These little slices of life spark my creativity. Advertising’s all about connecting with people, so if I’m not drawing inspiration from them—their joys, quirks, and stories—how can I make ads that truly speak to them? It’s like my heart’s always on the hunt for the next big idea, right in the everyday magic!

Tell us something about the work environment at your agency Post Office Media?
At Post Office Media, it’s all about teamwork and chasing big ideas. We’re a tight-knit crew, super focused on making our clients happy with killer campaigns. It’s a vibe of creativity and hustle—everyone’s pitching in, brainstorming, and pushing to deliver something awesome every time.

Tell is something about a campaign at Post Office Media that you are most proud of?
“Chotu’s Wish.” It tackled child labor and education through a clever wordplay between wish and tea in Punjabi. The ad showed a tea cup with steam forming books and pencils—symbolizing a child’s unspoken dreams. It wasn’t just an ad; it was a wake-up call.

Do you have any kind of a program to nurture and train young talent?
Oh, you bet I do—I’m all about lifting up the next generation of creatives! Every Thursday, I hop on Instagram Live at @postofficemedia for a session I call “Guruvaar ka Gyaan.” It’s my favorite time of the week, where I chat with young, aspiring designers, tackle their questions, and help solve their creative roadblocks. It’s like a big, virtual art jam where we share ideas and grow together! Plus, we’ve got something super cool—an Android app called Post Office Paathshala. It’s our way of coaching kids and young folks in UGC NET Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and Creativity. Whether they’re diving into design or sharpening their artistic skills, we’re there to guide them. Anyone who’s eager can jump in and enroll—it’s all about sparking that creative fire! So, come join the fun and let’s make some art magic happen

What about new and young film makers/photographers? Do you consciously keep looking for newer talent and try someone completely new?
Absolutely! Fresh perspectives bring fresh energy. Some of the best work happens when you take a chance on someone hungry to prove themselves.

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?
Yo, print advertising in India? It’s kinda lost its mojo ’cause brands play it too safe, but it can still grab eyeballs when it’s bold. Costs and screen-obsessed folks don’t help, and yeah, too many ads feel dull or sad. Still, print’s got that trusty, tangible vibe, It rocks in small towns, with education and auto ads killing it. To bring back the glory, let’s do bold designs, mix in QR codes for digital kicks, go hyper-local with regional vibes, use eco-friendly paper, and target SMEs or events. Youngsters love premium content, so let’s hook ’em with cool guides. Print’s not dead—it’s ready for a comeback if brands get gutsy and creative!

Any notable digital campaigns?
We’ve done several, but one I love is an interactive campaign for a real estate brand where we used Instagram Stories creatively to take users on a virtual property tour. It was simple, engaging, and highly effective.

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?
Hey, if you’re dreaming of making it as a creative, here’s my two cents: stay curious and keep experimenting like there’s no tomorrow! I started with crayons as a kid in Kurukshetra, and that spark of trying new things—whether it’s sketching, designing posters, or diving into filmmaking—has kept me going. Don’t be afraid to mess up; every flop is a lesson. Get your work out there—post it on Instagram, Behance, anywhere people can see it. That’s how I got noticed, from sharing social issue posters to running my @postofficemedia lives. Platforms like these are your stage, so shout your creativity loud! And keep learning—whether it’s from mentors like my guru Gurpreet Singh Sohal or legends like Piyush Pandey. Soak in the world around you, from family chaos to quiet moments, and let it fuel your art. Keep hustling, stay true to your vibe, and you’ll carve your own path!

What is your dream project?
A campaign that genuinely changes lives. Maybe a government-backed initiative for education or an environmental movement. Something that goes beyond ads and makes a real impact.

Mac or PC?
I’m all about that PC life, and here’s why—it opens a whole “WINDOW” of possibilities! I love PCs ’cause they let me dive into high-end gaming—think epic battles that get my adrenaline pumping. Plus, they’re my trusty sidekick for editing work, handling all my design and video projects like a champ. It’s the perfect mix of fun and hustle for a creative like me!

Who would you like to take out for dinner?
Piyush Pandey, Imagine the kind of stories that table would hear!

What’s on your iPod? Spotify?
A mix of Coke Studio, Karan Aujla and instrumental soundtracks. Creativity flows better with good music.

Whats your Twitter Handle? Instagram?
I am on Instagram @postofficemedia and @vipulofficial

Vipul Arora