We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anika Aggarwal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anika below.

Anika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I’ve always approached design differently, and I think it comes from my background in engineering. For me, design isn’t just about making something visually appealing—it’s about solving a problem. Early in my career, I realized that every creative decision should have intent behind it, so I started applying an analytical thought process to everything I designed. Instead of just thinking about what looks good, I ask: What is this solving? How does this help someone create better? That mindset has shaped the way I teach design as well—grounding it in real use cases so others can learn and apply it in a way that’s practical, not just theoretical.

Another thing that’s guided me is the idea that inspiration is everywhere, but the real key is putting yourself out there. When I was starting out, I didn’t wait for opportunities—I shared my work, tested ideas, and learned by doing. That openness led me to incredible collaborations, dream clients, and speaking engagements that I wouldn’t have had if I had waited for the “perfect” moment.

What’s been most rewarding is the community that has grown through my live-streaming process. Sharing my work in real-time, breaking down my approach, and engaging with others as I create has built a space where designers—whether just starting out or experienced—can learn, ask questions, and experiment alongside me. It’s not just about teaching design; it’s about fostering a mindset where people feel encouraged to create, iterate, and push past creative blocks. Seeing how this community has evolved—how people have gained confidence, tried new techniques, and even shared their own work—has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.

Anika, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My path into design was unconventional; I started in engineering, which gave me a deep appreciation for structure, problem-solving, and systems thinking. That background continues to influence how I approach creativity—every design choice I make is intentional, rooted in function as much as aesthetics. My work revolves around helping businesses, creators, and teams build strong visual identities while also making design more accessible through education and bite-sized content on social media.

A big part of my work is helping businesses build clear, thoughtful brand identities. I focus on both design and strategy, ensuring that every visual element aligns with their goals and speaks to their audience. Whether it’s refining their branding, creating marketing assets, or developing a cohesive design system, I work closely with clients to make their brand feel both polished and purposeful.

What sets my work apart is the emphasis on usability and real-world application. I don’t just design for the sake of aesthetics—I focus on making sure every creative decision serves a purpose. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing not just the “how” of design, but the “why” behind it. Through my content, I aim to break down complex ideas, spark creativity, and encourage people to think beyond templates to build something truly their own.

I thrive on connection. Design can sometimes feel like a solo process, but sharing my workflow in real-time has created a space where people can learn, experiment, and push their creativity further. Seeing business owners and designers take these ideas and apply them in their own way has been incredibly fulfilling. And when I’m not designing, teaching, or strategizing, you’ll probably find me on my bike (yes, willingly tackling hills), hanging out with my cats, or exploring new ways to tell stories through photography.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

For me, the most effective way to attract new clients has been through genuine connections made at networking events and conferences, as well as through word of mouth. Rather than approaching these events with a focus on what I can get, I’ve found that taking an authentic interest in people—listening to their stories and finding common ground—has been far more rewarding. It could be something as simple as bonding over a shared TV show or a mutual passion. These subtle moments of connection build trust and often open the door to opportunities. Even when it comes to pitching myself, I’ve found that aligning my goals and strategy with a potential client’s vision creates a strong foundation for collaboration and leads to new work.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was around my approach to processes and rules. I’ve always been very process-oriented—I love following steps, sticking to timelines, and being early to things. I used to think that the only way to achieve results was through a structured, conventional route. But working with a diverse range of clients has taught me that the focus should be on smart, efficient work and delivering results on time, regardless of the path taken.
This shift in perspective was actually pointed out by a business partner in a side project. They encouraged me to think more flexibly, reminding me that sometimes stepping away from a rigid process opens up more creative and effective solutions. This insight has helped me grow by allowing me to embrace different ways of working and be less confined by my own self-imposed rules, ultimately leading to better, more adaptable results.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://ablehead.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anikaagg/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikaaggarwal/
• Twitter: https://x.com/anika_agg
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anikaagg
• Other: https://www.anika.fyi/

Image Credits

Brian de Rivera Simon (@tarsipix) | Toronto Event Photographer