Be Curious, stay open to learning, and hone your listening skills. These days, many internet resources can help be industry ready from a technological and industry perspective. There are podcasts, youtube, and Instagram channels that have some great content.
1. Tell us about your background & journey.
I never started out to be a Graphic Designer, it happened by chance. After realizing that the dream of being an engineer was not really mine and I was never going to enjoy it, I was looking for something to do. That is when I stumbled upon Graphic Design and as they say, the rest is history.
My journey on this path has been very rewarding and truly fulfilling. Over the last 12 years or so, I have had the opportunity to work in some big organizations, many amazing and truly gifted people across the globe, be part of major re-branding programs and drive organizational change through the projects.
The best part is the journey has just begun and there are many miles to go.
2. How has the brand communications industry evolved over the years?
Evolution is an integral part of the universe. Everything around us is changing and evolving into a better version of itself. The brand communications industry is not any different; over the years, it has evolved drastically.
Initially, many leaders in the organization did not truly understand the value of brand communications; however, it is no longer the case. I remember one of the very senior HR Leader (while discussing a project) once told me that “we will call the brand communication team when we want to know what color balloons or the type of standee banners we want in our conference room.”
Today, however, even in a small, two-member team, the brand manager gets to sit in the leadership meetings and provide perspective on how a business decision will impact the brand. The business the industry has come a long way.
3. What role does technology background play in your field?
We cannot think about evolution without talking about the role of technology. The world changed drastically with the digital revolution, and it has forever changed the way brand communication works.
Never, in the history of brand communication, has it been possible for brands to precisely target their customers? This evolution has changed the brand communication works and perceived within the organization.
It has also changed the way a brand and communication professional should work. Being tech-savvy has become imperative for brand communication professionals.
4. What is design thinking and how do you use it in your profession?
The best way to define Design Thinking is Tim Brown, Executive Chair of IDEO, explains it. As per Tim, "Design Thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that draws from the designer's toolkit to integrate the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success."
When approached with a project, I try to understand more about the purpose, problems that the user faces, and the clients' target. This process of asking multiple questions to understand the client's perspective helps me align with their purpose and solve the problem they face.
When solving problems, I make sure that the target audience is at the center, and the message/information gets to them most engagingly and straightforwardly.
It is important to remember that design is within and all around us. Starting from our bodies to the cosmos, everything is designed. It has the purpose of being. When creating, it is imperative to remember this. I try and ensure every element in communication has the purpose of being where it is...
5. What are your tips for people who want to enter the field of branding, UI/UX, etc.?
Whether you enter the branding, UI/UX, or traditional print design, you should never forget a few rules/tips. First, a designer is different from an artist. If you choose to be a designer, you will be solving someone's problem and helping the client achieve some target through the designs.
Thus, you must be flexible and develop the mindset of a designer. Secondly, be patient. Patience is an essential trait for being a good designer. You need to understand your client's perspective, the target audience's perspective, and other elements that your client is missing and then create a solution that will most effectively solve your client's problem.
Third, be a good listener. This is the most essential trait for anyone trying to enter this field, make sure you are a good listener.
6. How can one become industry ready?
Be Curious, stay open to learning, and hone your listening skills. These days, many internet resources can help be industry ready from a technological and industry perspective. There are podcasts, youtube, and Instagram channels that have some great content.
7. Which is your favorite book and why?
I have an eclectic taste when it comes to reading. There is no one favorite book per se.
Some of the books that have really taught me a lot are - Autobiography of a Yogi; The Alchemist; Man’s search for meaning; The Brand Handbook; Start with the Why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action; Simple: conquering the crisis of complexity. The list goes on.
Abhishek Chander Gupta
Graphic Designer, Brand and Communication Design professional
Interviewed By - Sandeep Virothu
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