Interview
Keerthikeyan Dakshinamurthy
United States
Keerthikeyan’s designs inspire emotions within its audiences, creating amazing interactive visuals in the process.
1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.
I grew up in Kuwait, moved to India to do my undergraduate program in Engineering. Right after school, I worked for about four years in Sales and Marketing before finally finding my heart in Advertising. I then moved to Miami to attend Miami Ad School for my Art Direction Degree while also attending Graduate school at Florida International University pursuing my Masters in Global Strategic Communication.
2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a digital designer/artist?
Art will always be a part of my life. As a child, I was thought to sketch and paint by my father who was an extremely talented artist as well. While I lost this passion for a long time in between, it was rediscovering my love for art that brought me to where I am today. As I started to enter the modern design world, I quickly realized that I've needed to learn new skills that complement my old ones and allow me to create what I want in any medium. That pretty much lead me to become a digital designer.
3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
Art will always be a part of my life. As a child, I was thought to sketch and paint by my father who was an extremely talented artist as well. While I lost this passion for a long time in between, it was rediscovering my love for art that brought me to where I am today. As I started to enter the modern design world, I quickly realized that I've needed to learn new skills that complement my old ones and allow me to create what I want in any medium. That pretty much lead me to become a digital designer.
4 What’s your favorite kind of digital design and why?
I've always enjoyed the traditional graphic design and well as sketching comics and characters on procreate. It never ceases to amaze me that I can literally create any thought or idea I have in my mind using these tools. But I equally enjoy experimenting with new technology and design tool. My latest interest lies in using TouchDesigner to create amazing interactive visuals.
5 To you, what makes a “good” design?
I feel a "good" design is anything that can inspire emotions within its viewers. But more importantly, it needs to inspire the artist itself otherwise there's no real point to it.
6 Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
My design style is pretty versatile. I've noticed that I tend it mold it constantly based on the inspiration I constantly find from the world around me.
7 Tell us about your design process.
My design process is pretty meticulous. After hours of researching and picking color pallets, I usually spend days and even weeks sometimes perfecting the design I'd be working on.
8 Where do you draw inspiration from?
My biggest inspiration is David Carson. His rebel-like design style along with his typography is something I always try to incorporate into my designs.
9 What current trends in digital design (or really anything digital related) are you most excited about?
Currently, the design that revolves around AR and VR really excites me. It offers a whole new world of possibilities that we haven't even scratched the surface of just yet.
10 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2021 Vega Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
I am beyond humbled and honored for this award. It was always a dream of mine and I feel blessed and proud of this achievement. I only hope to continue doing my best.
11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2021 Vega Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The winning entry titled "#PutAPinInIt" is an initiative to create the world
12 What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The biggest challenge with this issue came in the form of how we'd go about disguising the cameras. We didn't decide to use the button pins until a last-minute brainstorm session that made all the difference.
13 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
If anything, it has only motivated me to work harder. But I will admit, it feels amazing to be validated by my own peers.
14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about the digital industry?
That's an easy one: 1. The kind of work we do 2. The amazing and creative individuals we meet and work with 3. The ability to learn something new every day
15 Where do you see the evolution of digital industry going over the next 5-10 years?
I see the industry moving to more complex and dynamic platforms for digital activations within the next 5-10 years. Consumers already feel stagnant to the usual content they see all the time. It's up to us to help it evolve.
16 If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring Vega Award submitter, what advice would you give them?
My advice would be to always try to make sure the idea and insight you're presenting is thoroughly researched and makes the most impact in terms of who you're talking to.
17 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the digital industry?
Pinterest and youtube, my two teachers since day one.
18 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I once worked for 48 hours straight on a personal project just because I lost track of time.
19 Who has inspired you in your life and why?
Both my parents continue to inspire me every day. They have always believed in me and every decision I make even though I may not believe so much in myself at the moment.
20 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Be kind to everyone and work hard for what you believe in.
21 Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Just that I'm grateful for this opportunity and wish the best to every one of us working to build our creative future.
