Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar

My design background has been a journey of self-discovery. While I initially pursued engineering, my childhood fascination with visual communication, especially TV commercials, never truly faded. During the IIT entrance exam, I had a realization that engineering wasn't my path. I decided to fully embrace my creative side, leading me to pursue a Master's in Communication Design: Graphic Design from Kingston University.

I currently operate as a freelance designer. This allows me to work on diverse projects across various industries and collaborate with different clients, giving me a broader range of experience and creative freedom.

For me, design is about more than just aesthetics; it's about solving problems and communicating effectively. It's the art of creating meaningful experiences that connect with people on an emotional and functional level. It's about finding the right balance between form and function to achieve a desired outcome.

I'm most drawn to projects with a social impact. I believe design has the power to make a real difference in the world, and I'm passionate about using my skills to contribute to positive change.

One campaign that I particularly admire is "Climate Name Change," which also won a D&AD award. It cleverly used the power of renaming familiar weather events to highlight the impact of climate change. It was a brilliant example of how design can be used to raise awareness about critical issues in a memorable and impactful way.

The first professional design project involved designing app screens for a healthcare client.

I'm a big believer in starting with analog tools. I find that writing and sketching on paper is the most effective way for me to brainstorm and generate initial ideas. It allows me to quickly explore different concepts, make quick sketches, and jot down notes without getting bogged down in details. It's a great way to get my thoughts out of my head and onto a tangible medium before I start working on a digital screen.

I find I'm most creative when I have a clear understanding of the project's goals and constraints, but also have the freedom to explore different ideas. I also find inspiration in observing the world around me, engaging with other creative disciplines, and taking time for reflection.

I prioritize clear communication, user experience, and visual hierarchy. I believe a successful design should be both aesthetically pleasing and effective in conveying its intended message.

The design process is a mix of emotions. There's excitement at the beginning, followed by the challenge of refining ideas and overcoming creative blocks. When a design comes together, there's a strong sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Seeing my designs come to life is incredibly rewarding. It's fulfilling to see how they impact people and achieve their intended purpose.

A successful design is one that effectively communicates its message, achieves its objectives, and resonates with its target audience. It's a balance of form, function, and impact.

I first consider its functionality and how effectively it solves the problem it's intended to address. Then, I look at its clarity of communication and its aesthetic appeal.

Designers have a responsibility to create work that is ethical, sustainable, and inclusive. We should strive to minimize our environmental impact and consider the social implications of our work.

The design field is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing social needs, and a growing emphasis on user experience. I believe the future of design lies in interdisciplinary collaboration, sustainable practices, and creating human-centered solutions.

The A'Design Award has showcased my winning posters in various locations around the world, which has been a great honor. I don't have immediate plans for a solo exhibition, but I'm always open to opportunities to showcase my work.

My inspiration comes from a variety of sources, including nature, art, culture, and everyday life. I feed my creativity by staying curious, exploring new things, and engaging with other creative disciplines. I attend design workshops and conferences in New York City and also read design books.

My style is adaptable to the project's needs, but I generally gravitate towards clean, modern aesthetics with a focus on clear communication and strong typography. This comes from my belief that design should be both beautiful and functional. My approach is user-centered and research-driven.

I'm Indian, completed my Masters in London, and now live in New York City. My Indian heritage has undoubtedly influenced my design sensibilities, giving me a rich understanding of color, pattern, and visual storytelling. Living in London and now New York has exposed me to diverse cultures and design trends, broadening my perspective and informing my approach. The pros are the exposure to different perspectives and opportunities; the cons sometimes involve navigating cultural nuances in client communication.

I typically start with a consultation to understand the client's needs and goals. Then, I develop a design proposal outlining the scope of work, timeline, and budget. Throughout the design process, I maintain open communication and provide regular updates.

Clear communication is key. Companies should clearly define their objectives and provide the designer with all necessary information. When selecting a designer, look for a strong portfolio, relevant experience, and good communication skills.

My design process usually involves: Research: Understanding the client, target audience, and project goals. Brainstorming: Generating ideas and exploring different concepts. Sketching/Wireframing: Creating initial visual representations. Design Development: Refining the chosen concept and creating digital mockups. Feedback and Revisions: Incorporating client feedback and making necessary revisions. Finalization and Delivery: Preparing the final design files.

I've collected various design items from conferences and events over the years including books, posters, and stationary items. It's hard to pick 5 among them.

My day typically involves checking emails, working on design projects, communicating with clients, staying updated on design trends, and dedicating time to personal projects and learning.

Be curious, explore different areas of design, build a strong portfolio, network with other designers, and never stop learning.

Positives: Creative freedom, the ability to make a positive impact, and the constant opportunity to learn and grow. Negatives: Tight deadlines, client revisions, and the challenge of balancing creativity with business needs.

Communication, problem-solving, creativity, technical skills, and a user-centered approach.

I use industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, and various prototyping tools. I also rely on online resources, design blogs, and books for inspiration

I use project management tools, prioritize tasks, and set realistic deadlines, while also taking much-needed breaks.

While I understand the importance of timelines, I believe that quality should always be prioritized over speed. I prefer to take the time necessary to thoroughly research, explore different ideas, and refine my designs to ensure the best possible outcome. This means that the timeline can vary depending on the project's requirements, but I always aim to deliver high-quality work that meets the client's needs and exceeds their expectations.

"Can you make it look better?" or "How much will it cost?"

One of my most important experiences was designing posters for the fashion department at Kingston University during my studies. This project was particularly significant because it went on to win a Silver A'Design Award. This recognition was incredibly validating, not only confirming that I was on the right track with my design approach but also demonstrating the impact that my work could have. It was a pivotal moment that solidified my passion for design and gave me the confidence to pursue it professionally.

I've had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients, including those in the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector, the healthcare industry, and educational institutions like Kingston University. This variety has allowed me to gain experience in different design disciplines and adapt my approach to various project requirements.

I'm most passionate about design work that has a social impact. I strongly believe that design can be a powerful tool for positive change in the world. Projects that address social issues, promote sustainability, or improve accessibility are particularly fulfilling for me. I find it incredibly rewarding to use my skills to contribute to something bigger than myself.

My future plans involve continuing to grow as a designer and be a creative director one day. I'm eager to take on more challenging projects with a focus on social impact and explore new areas of design. I'm also interested in mentoring aspiring designers and contributing to the design community. I'm open to collaborations and opportunities that allow me to further develop my skills and make a meaningful contribution.

It depends on the project but I highly value collaboration and often work closely with clients, stakeholders, and other creatives, such as developers or copywriters, to ensure a successful outcome. I believe that diverse perspectives and collaborative input can enhance the design process and lead to more innovative solutions.

I'm currently working on a few exciting projects that I'm not at liberty to discuss in detail just yet. However, I can say that I'm very enthusiastic about these projects and look forward to sharing more information once they're publicly released.

I'd like to reiterate my deep passion for design and my commitment to using my skills to create positive change. I'm constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow, and I'm excited about the future of design and its potential to shape a better world.

My journey hasn't been a straight line. I initially pursued engineering, even taking the IIT entrance exam. But realizing it wasn't my true calling, I made a bold shift to follow my creative passions. This led me to a Masters in Communication Design: Graphic Design from Kingston University and a career focused on creating impactful designs. I've been fortunate to work with diverse brands across food, technology, spirits, and bakery, tackling projects from packaging and posters to branding. My work has been recognized with awards like the D&AD New Blood, A’Design, Core77, LICC, and Adobe Design Achievement Awards. I'm driven by the power of design to communicate, help, and inspire change.

It was a process of self-discovery. Although I started down the engineering path, my childhood fascination with TV commercials and visual storytelling always lingered. Interestingly, I even had the opportunity to act in a commercial! The pivotal moment came during the IIT entrance exam when I realized my heart wasn't in it. That's when I decided to fully embrace my creative side and pursue design.

My priority is always clear communication and impactful storytelling. I believe design should serve a purpose, whether it's informing, persuading, or evoking emotion. My technique involves a strong research phase, understanding the target audience and the message I need to convey. I then explore various visual solutions, focusing on strong typography, composition, and a clear visual hierarchy.

It's a rollercoaster! Initially, there's excitement and curiosity as I explore different ideas. Then comes the challenge of refining those ideas and overcoming creative blocks. When a design finally clicks, there's a huge sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

My interest in design began in childhood. I was always drawn to visual things—from illustrations in books to the design of everyday objects. What was crucial was that my parents actively nurtured this interest. They encouraged me to explore my creativity, providing me with materials, enrolling me in art classes, and simply valuing my creative output. This early support gave me the confidence to pursue design seriously and instilled in me a lifelong love of visual expression.

I'm constantly learning and evolving as a designer. I want to continue pushing my creative boundaries, exploring new mediums and techniques, and working on projects with a positive social impact. A dream project would be designing a campaign for a cause I deeply believe in, something that can truly make a difference in the world.

Be curious and explore as much as you can. Try and connect with other designers to learn from them and their experiences. Be persistent - It takes time and effort to build a successful design career.

Never stop learning and growing. Stay curious, embrace challenges, and always strive to create work that has a positive impact on the world.

It varies depending on the projects I'm working on. Typically, it involves research, brainstorming, sketching, digital design, client communication, and project management. I also try to dedicate time to personal projects and stay updated on design trends.

I follow design blogs, magazines, and online communities. I also attend design conferences and workshops. While it's important to be aware of trends, I believe good design is timeless. Trends can be a source of inspiration, but they shouldn't dictate your entire design approach.

Good design is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and effectively communicates its intended message. It solves a problem and enhances the user experience.

When it effectively communicates the message, achieves its intended purpose, and I'm satisfied with the overall aesthetic and functionality. Sometimes, getting fresh eyes on the design helps too.

That's an interesting question. I believe my biggest design work is still ahead of me. I'm constantly learning and growing, and I'm eager to tackle projects with significant impact. While I'm proud of the work I've done so far like ‘Ten’ and ‘Pop-up posters’, I see them as stepping stones towards creating something truly transformative.

Paula Scher is a designer I greatly admire. I'm drawn to her bold and unapologetic style, and her ability to create work that is both visually impactful and culturally relevant. I aspire to create work with that same level of confidence and impact, and I often look to her work for inspiration on how to push the boundaries of design while still maintaining a strong connection to the message.

I enjoy a balanced lifestyle that combines my passion for design with other interests like reading, traveling, illustration, and leathercraft.

I believe in open communication, collaboration, and a client-focused approach. My philosophy is to create work that is not only visually appealing but also strategically sound and effective.

Although I haven't yet undertaken specific philanthropic projects, my design philosophy is inherently focused on creating a positive impact. I believe good design should be accessible to everyone and should serve a purpose beyond mere aesthetics. I strive to create work that communicates effectively, solves problems, and improves people's lives. As I grow in my career, I'm eager to dedicate more of my time and skills to projects that directly benefit communities and address social challenges.

The A’ Design Award was a great opportunity to showcase my work on an international platform, connect with other designers, and gain valuable feedback. Winning an award was a huge honor and a validation of my creative efforts.

I am a graphic designer from Goa, India. I have a Bachelors in Visual Arts- Applied Arts from Karanataka Chitrakala Parishath, Banglore, India and MA Communication Design-Graphic Design from Kingston University, UK.

It would be cliche to say that I have a passion for design from my childhood. But yes, I did lean more towards arts, language and history from my school days. My passion and destiny eventually took me toward design school.

I chose to become a designer and my parents have always been supportive.

I have a strong desire to make a difference through designs which reflect on real-world scenarios.

A good designer is someone who can convey what the world is feeling right now in his/her designs and a great designer is someone who can at the same time also change that feeling.

There's always a perspective that a designer tries to bring in to his/her designs. But, if the design is understood by the target group without any questions/confusions is good design.

Until now I haven't had a chance to do minimalistic design which I think is interesting. Also, I want to try doing illustrations.

One of my favourite quotes is 'Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference' by Robert Frost. My designs reflect this approach.

'Climate Name Change' is one of the campaigns that I really like. I also admire the works of Jessica Walsh.

We should be open to ideas anywhere and anytime. It can also be while having a shower.

I am still trying to figure it out. But design, I think, is a universal language, very simple and understood by everyone.

My parents, who are my backbone. My husband, who is my mentor and also my biggest supporter.