Interviews with Abhijeet Thakur

I have completed my bachelor's degree in advertising and my master's degree in graphic design. I have been in the industry for 4 years now. I have worked for some great clients like Art Antiquaa, Tiepograph, May & Co., etc.

Ever since I was a kid I was always intrigued by a brand's ability to influence a person's decision making. I wanted to know how colours and designs make a fictitious persona of a brand and we perceive it as a real person. This curiosity became my passion and later into my profession.

When designing a new project the first thing I invest my most time into is coming up with a unique concept and an overall brand experience for the customer. I always try to lay some boundaries about how far can we push the concept and then try to merge and experiment with different aspects/key points of design. I usually try to physically print out or make an actual model and then do a photoshoot to present my work.

Designing in itself is a wholesome experience. The sheer joy and excitement of watching a brand go from a thought to a full-fledged product is very satisfying. The most exciting part of designing is when you add colours, typography, illustrations etc to develop the characteristics of a brand and watching your creation take form.

I have been performing and trying my luck at standup comedy which I think adds to my design process as I come up with witty punchlines and visual puns which always adds a fun element and a greater customer experience.

My current goal is to start my own branding agency where we would provide customers wholesome brand experiences and dynamic brand identity systems where a brand would transcend the conventional bonds and would be able to serve and indulge more in peoples lives. As far as my personal growth as a designer goes I want to get into motion, 3D and augmented reality designing so I can make designs that people can experience.

Always deliver on time and always deliver more than what is expected of you, it helps in forming meaningful and longterm relations with clients and fellow designers. Perform self-critique on your designs but never fall for self-doubt. And the most important advice don't forget to smile.

I won't consider myself a very successful designer, but I am getting there. Because persistence is the key to success. Always deliver more than what is expected of you. Always try to merge two concepts and experiment, that might help you come up with an amazing new idea. Build long-term and meaningful relations with your peers, reach out to them for help or lend a helping hand if they need any assistance. And always stay positive and never forget to smile.

Design trends are just a list/set of designs that are popular you are in no way obligated to follow them, they are just some designs that look fresh this year so they are trending. If you want to incorporate them into your designs you can use them for trendy posters or something that is this year exclusive. There are many ways for you to stay up to date in terms of design trends there are youtube videos, there are blogs about design trends, there are also certain online competitions where you have to create artworks according to current design trends.

A well-designed project is when you see the design without any prior knowledge of that this product/service exists and you understand what it is all about without googling it or any other additional help. When your design communicates with all of your target audience as well as catches the eye of other people who might become your customers.

Yes for me a project never really ends I always reopen the last updated file after a few months and start improving the design even further because you evolve as a designer and I believe in evolving my designs with me as I go on. If it is a client project I will deliver the best deliverable till the point when I can make the last change but even for those designs I make a copy of the design and try to experiment with the style and see how further can this design be pushed it is never published or used anywhere but it is for me to see how far can I take this project.

There isn't a single project that is my favourite because I lake my different designs for different reasons. My post-graduation project was to rebrand a branding agency called Tiepograph, also I was doing my internship there. I am also working on a neo-Indian streetwear brand which is cofounded by me and my brother. I am also woking on my own branding agency which will be launched soon.

One of my favourite designers is Alan Fletcher who was also one of the founders of Pentagram. I am inspired by his work, his stories and love reading all the books he has authored my most favourite being The art of looking sideways. I also admire Chris Do he is a great teacher and entrepreneur. Love the work of Paula Sher her works of typography amaze me every time I see them.

I am an Indian designer so, colours and vibrant designs are all around me. If you walk around on the streets of India you can spot trucks handpainted with the local saying written on them (some positive some witty) You will find hand-painted posters for new movies or circus on a giant billboard. You will find beautiful carvings on temples to idols of gods in them fabricated in stone with jewels ingrained in them. Music is a very important part of Indian culture with over 22 main languages spoken in India there is a plethora of melodies available for you to listen. Which helps me a lot in my design process as each invokes a different feeling.

Yes, I have received positive feedback from people that I am fun to work with. It is because I believe in giving complete creative freedom in the conceptualization phase to anyone working for me because you never know they might have an amazing concept for the project. I believe that teamwork creates dreamwork. I believe that all designers should be adaptive, should accept constructive criticism, they should be accepting towards all belives, races, opinions and individuals.

I work closely with an NGO called Artists with animals where we help the government stop the trade of animal hair brushes which are ban in India. We also help the government in stopping the trade of illegal animal hides as we work in collaboration with different national park rangers in India.

A' Design Award is the first international award that I have won, I am very proud of this achievement. After I posted this on my social media and added to my resume I have received inquiries for many job opportunities and freelance projects. I had to up my skills to qualify and win an award in this prestigious competition which has been an amazing learning opportunity for me. It is my honour to be the designer of the day.

The big idea was to visually capture the personality of the blends. Capturing the emotion and buzz the consumer feels when he drinks the cocktail. And to show the fusion between two cultures (Western and Indian)

While designing the main focus was on capturing the essence of the blends. An abstract portrait of the blends themselves. I also wanted to achieve fusion between Western culture and Indian culture.

In the future, I would like to pitch the designs to potential clients and see if this project can get off the ground.

The entire project took three weeks to finish

This project was a college assignment where we had to come up with a unique business proposition and do the entire branding, packaging and/or other collaterals for the product.

No, the design is not being used by any other company. Yes, I would be interested in selling or giving the production right on lease.

I have always been curious and interested in fusing different styles and coming up with unique concepts. It was a challenge to capture an intangible concept of the personality of the blends and fusing two cultures.

The answer is yes and no because while researching and referencing for this project I saw many works of other designers and their designs didn't directly influence my work but small details gave me a direction to work.

The target consumers or this design are from an age group of 25 - 40 years of age, who are experimental and are willing to try new things. People who are very familiar with different types of spirits available locally and abroad. People who don't want to go through the hassle of making the cocktail themselves but just want to kick back and enjoy a packaged cocktail.

This design is unique because it captures the essence of the blend and as the blend itself is unique there is no design like it. As it is also the fusion between two different cultures (Western and Indian) which have never met before, in terms of mixing spirits it paved a unique pathway for me to work on.

The name of the design is “Boho Ras” The “Boho” stands for bohemian as the brand has a bohemian vibe to it and “Ras” translates nectar in Sanskrit which also means the elixir of festivity.

While working on this project I used Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop and Wacom Intious CTH 680.

The most unique aspect of the design is the typography and how the nomenclature is done by fusing two different languages Latin and Devanagari.

No this was a solo project there were no collaborations with any other designers or people from other fields.

Pretty much the entire design is done with the help of design software and using a digital drawing board to draw and edit the design.

Yes, there were a few different types of research studies done to collect data for this project.

1.Study of existing brands, their offerings and USP's.

2.To understand the market scenario, the needs of customers.

3.One on one interview, surveys and questionnaires.

4.S.W.O.T analysis and competitor study.

One of the biggest challenges was to capture the midpoint between global and local as the product is a mixture of both. Fusing two different languages and creating unique nomenclature as the names are relevant in both languages.

After the completion of this project, my mentor and I discussed about submitting my design to an international design competition. After the project was done, I was confident that I have created something unique and should put this to the test.

While designing for this project I learned that you should respect the design rules but shouldn't be restricted by it. And that it is completely fine to break the established bonds of design and do something that you have never done before even if it scares you.

No, I think we have covered pretty much everything about the design.

I have completed my bachelor's degree in Applied Arts (Advertising) from Bombay University and my Masters I Graphic Design from MIT Institute of Design - Pune, India.

I just love to create new and amazing designs that were non-existent before. I always was curious about how design works in general and how it persuades us in making certain decisions, that defines us who we are. I love experimenting with different styles of design and create something new.

I always wanted to become a designer, because there is no greater joy than creating something new that both pleases your eyes and serves a purpose.

I am proficient in many fields of design, branding, packaging design, web and UI design. I am also learning motion design and 3D. I wish to do more of branding and packaging because the process if wholesome, fulfilling and fun. Also because there is much scope to create something unique.

They should be very observant about their surroundings because everything we design is in some or the other way inspired by nature or our surroundings. And then use those insights to inculcate in their designs.

A good designer will complete the project on time with great aesthetics and functionality but a great designer will achieve this as well as provide the customers with a unique and engaging experience which will allow the design to impact in a positive way.

A really good design has a unique concept at its core. It should be fresh and adaptable in various mediums. It should be complemented by pleasing aesthetics and proper functionality.

A good design will always yield the best results as it fulfils all the requirements of the job. People should invest in good design as it is profitable for them as stakeholders and as well as engaging for the customer.

It's not really a secret rather an ignored aspect that people should experiment with different styles and find ways to connect that with your core concept which will lead you to results that are unique and never seen before.

There are many but just to name a few - Alan Fletcher, Paula Sher, Chris Do, Michel Bierut, etc

Always work smart on your project look for a unique angle which will excel your design and make it simple and adaptable.

I have no idea really, designing has been a huge part of my life growing up and I am unable to envision myself doing something else. But if I have to answer that question I would be a chef.

Design is the answer to the question "How things work?" everything magnificent happening around us is uniquely and intricately designed. Our experiences are the result of things that we use, see, feel, man-made or natural are designed in a certain way to serve a purpose. And that is the beauty of the design.

My family, my friends and my mentors.

My ambition to become the best and my persistence. I am a firm believer in giving 110% for a project. I will always walk the extra mile.

Presentation is very important for you to put yourself out there. Your presentation is your silent promoter, it is what makes your design stand out and convey the message that you are trying to communicate.

My ultimate goal is to start my own multidisciplinary design agency.

Successful results designs with proper aesthetics and functionality and overall a design system that not only helps communicate a message but also give the customer an experience.

Good design can solve many social and environmental problems by choosing the right materials and communicating the right message.

I love vector surreal illustrations it is something that I am trying out and I have realised that it helps me relax and express in such a way which I have never done before.

The best thing in my personal opinion is that the design field is not headed in any specific direction it is like a web that is expanding its reach and dividing into separate branches with its own unique subsets.

Depends on the project how many collaterals are needed? how many mediums do the design needs to adapt to? How many languages will the design and typography be translated into? There are many such things which decide the duration of the project.

To positively impact people's lives with my design.

Technology helps me enhance and develop a design concept which I would have never accomplished on my own.

I use a plethora of design and productivity software ranging from Adobe, Autodesk, Procreate to Affinity Designer. And for the equipment, I have a Dell XPS 15, an Ipad pro-2020 and for the photography projects I use a Cannon 80D.

Color is one of the base ingredients upon which design thrives. Color is something that can set or manipulate our decisions so it plays a very important role in the design. Materials help us feel and experience the product so it also plays a very important role in design and development.

The first thing that comes to my mind is how I would have done it and if it is a very nice product a little bit of envy that why didn't I come up with such a brilliant idea.

An ideal design partner is one who respects your opinion and if he/she feels that his/her idea will serve better then explains why and how will it prove beneficial in the long run. Yes, I believe in collaborations that's how you get to meet amazing designers and it helps you and the community grow collectively.

1. The art of looking sideways - Alan Fletcher

2. Thinking with Type - Ellen Lupton

3. Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team - Alina Wheeler.

4. The Design of Everyday Things - Don Norman

5. Design as Art - Bruno Munari

I am constantly working on my craft. I am either learning a new software/skill or trying to experiment with different designs. I am taking part in online challenges and competitions or attending a design conference. Practice and gaining knowledge is the key to become a good designer.

There are many great artists or designers like Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci, Alan Fletcher, Walter Gropius etc the list is very long.

No, it feels nice your work is being recognised and appreciated by a prestigious award and people are recognizing your work and want to know about your work, your work process it has been a great experience for me.

I knew that I will become a designer for sure but for the greatness part I have to constantly work on my craft and keep on practising and constantly honing my skills.

I am working on some pretty unique and interesting projects, so keep an eye out soon they will be published and you will be able to see them.

Abhijeet Thakur is a student who is currently pursuing his post-graduation in Graphic Design at MIT Institute of Design, Pune, India. He has completed his Graduation in Applied Arts from B.S Bandekar college of applied arts, India. Abhijeet was always keen about design and its functionality, he was always fascinated how design can change someone's life or his/hers decision to do something. He always wanted to be a designer and impact peoples lives in a positive way.

Abhijeet is currently a student/freelancer.

Abhijeet thinks that design is a culmination of aesthetics and functionality both. He thinks that design is everywhere, even a bird taking a flight to an ant making its colony there is design involved. Design is the ultimate guide to life, it is the overlooked principle upon which our lives function.

Abhijeet is very much interested in branding and packaging, and now he is exploring his way into motion design and 3d illustrations

Abhijeet is appreciative towards most of the designs and considering something favourite restricts your optimism because then you start to think that this is the best design and that in turn affects your work.

A logo for a brand called Art antiquaa which was a home decor and lifestyle design studio.

Currently, he is exploring 3d illustrations and he thinks it is by far the best way to design and communicate.

when he is in his element, in his quaint ambient little room.

He focuses on keeping the balance between function and aesthetics.

He feels Joy and excitement.

Even happier and excited.

Abhijeet thinks that design is successful when it satisfies the consumer needs and creates a positive impact on peoples lives

It should be problem-solving or must envoke certain emotions. sometimes the execution can be on the weaker side but if it has a strong message it can create a positive impact.

A designer should never be biased in his/her opinions while putting a design-forward because it is a tool for communication and if we should not misuse that.

He thinks that the future of designing is beyond our traditional media but will take place into the virtual world.

Abhijeet haven't had any exhibitions but he soon planes to collaborate with design curators.

The inspiration for the design is everywhere if you are keen enough to observe life to its minute details you will find your inspiration.

Abhijeet doesn't really think that he has a style, he believes in experimentation and exploration, therefore, his style is always transforming and evolving.

Abhijeet is from India and yes he comes from a very rich and vibrant cultural heritage and it has left its traces in his design.

The pros are that it is a developing country and it has a design rich past so he gets all his inspiration just by looking around.

The cons are that people are not ready to accept experimental designs it sometimes scares them away from the product.

Abhijeet is currently a student but he has been interning at Tiepograph a Design studio based in Mumbai, India.

He has a very professional approach towards work.

Always look for his current ongoing projects or projects that he/she thought wasn't good enough, because such ideas are very impulsive and give an insight into how deep is their thought process.

Abhijeet usually does a thorough research of the problem and then starts to analyse what different approaches can be taken to solve this problem and then he lists out the key insights and starts developing a visual around it.

His Laptop, His sketchbook, His diary of crazy ideas, His Wacom, and his art supplies.

Always look for that narrow-angle where you can balance function and aesthetics both and never hesitate to experiment and explore beyond your comfort zone.

Positive is that we get to impact peoples lives and create a positive change and the negatives are that you need to separate work from life. Both are two different aspects you your life st you should treat them accordingly.

Creativity thrives on constraints.

His/her ability to think and be a problem solver.

Abhijeet has a Dell xps15 1970, he uses Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, Xd, Lightroom and now he is exploring Adobe aftereffects and 3D Blender.

His favourite book for inspiration is The Art of Looking Sideways by Alen Fetcher.

Always have focus time slots for design after you are done with your research turn off your phone and for 90 mins work without any distractions that will help you ease your workload because we get distracted so easily that it eats away all of our time and work doesn't get finished on time.

That really depends upon the project but during the initial hour or two, the designer has a very rough map of how is it going to look the time-consuming part is crafting with precision and assembling.

Does it pay? Abhijeet comes from India where people are still getting used to the idea that their child/friend/concerned person should be in a very mainstream profession and if they go into something apart from the mainstream then it means that monetary gains will significantly low.

Abhijeet is now interning at Tiepograph a design studio in India and there he learned that no matter how well you understand the brand the person who started and developed the brand knows it the best so always if possible make sure to send them a questionnaire which will give you an insight about the soul of the brand.

Art Antiquaa-Home decor and Life design studio, Tiepograph-Design studio, Vrindavan Nursery etc.

Vector Illustration, experimental branding and packaging. Because you get to explore humans perception of a brand and get to affect peoples lives in a positive way.

Abhijeet is planning to get more into Motion graphics and 3D illustrations and explore more into these fields.

Abhijeet is currently working solo but is welcoming towards anyone who wants to collaborate.

Abhijeet will be releasing them soon on his Behance so stay tuned.

People can contact Abhijeet Thakur at

Email- abhijeetthakur830@gmail

Behance- https://www.behance.net/abhijeetth1137

Dribbble- https://dribbble.com/wild_child

No, He thinks that we have covered enough