Today we’d like to introduce you to Keerthikeyan Dakshinamurthy.

Hi Keerthikeyan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Of course, starting from the bustling city of Chennai to the vibrant cityscape of New York City, my journey has been nothing short of an exhilarating adventure. I started my career as an engineer and sale executive before discovering my true calling in the field of advertising and creativity, leading me to my current role as a Creative at Manifest Group in NYC.

I’ve always had an innate curiosity and a love for diverse perspectives, so my nomadic lifestyle through the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America has shaped me into a global citizen, enriching my work with empathy and a broad worldview.

I can honestly say that every day in the creative field is a step towards excellence, and I thrive on the thrill of my ideas coming to life. My work isn’t just about catching the eye; it’s about touching hearts and making a mark that endures.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s not always a smooth journey when transitioning into the creative world. I think the biggest struggle I had was to find my path into advertising and being a creative. There was always an inside voice screaming in my heart that something was missing.

And boy am I glad I listened to it! It took a lot of convincing and will power to give up a life I had grown comfortable with to chase after something I couldn’t quite define yet. I started my creative career as an unpaid intern working on graphic illustrations and never looked back. Today I’ve proud that I took that chance to combine my passion for business and creativity to find my heart in advertising.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a conceptual creative and art director who loves dreaming up awesome campaigns with our clients. Together with my team, we craft creative ideas that really hit the mark. When I’m not brainstorming, you’ll find me in the art direction zone, working on graphic design, illustrations, video editing, and animation.

I’ve had a blast working on some super cool projects. One of my favorites was the “Good Days Daily” activation for Sun Bum. It was so much fun to create and see how much people loved it! Another highlight was helping The Rolling Stones launch their new Rum brand. Combining their iconic style with a fresh, creative twist was an amazing experience.

What makes me different? I blend creative strategy with hands-on execution to make campaigns that aren’t just pretty but also pack a punch. Whether it’s designing, illustrating, or animating, I bring a versatile skill set to the table, ensuring every project stands out.

I love working closely with clients, getting to know their vision, and turning it into something spectacular. My work is all about originality, detail, and creating connections that matter. Plus, I always aim to make the process enjoyable and exciting for everyone involved.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 crisis has been quite the rollercoaster ride, teaching me some pretty interesting and important lessons along the way. One big takeaway? Adaptability is everything! With so many rapid changes, I had to learn to go with the flow and embrace new ways of thinking and working.

Working from home was a game-changer. It taught me just how crucial good communication is. Even though we couldn’t meet in person, tools like video calls and collaboration platforms helped keep the team spirit alive and projects moving smoothly.

I also learned the hard way how vital it is to look after our mental health. The pandemic made it clear that we need to be kind to ourselves and each other, recognize when we’re feeling burnt out, and make sure we have the support we need. Finding a balance between work and personal life, and incorporating a bit of mindfulness and self-care into the daily routine, became more important than ever.

On a personal note, the crisis reminded me just how much I value community and connection. Even when we were all stuck at home, finding ways to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues was a top priority. It really drove home the idea that strong relationships are key to our happiness and well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.keerthikeyan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keerthy_k/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kkeyan1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keerthyk/