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

Sohaj, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

From a young age, I’ve been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact—one that uplifts people and businesses while addressing real-world challenges. Among the projects I’ve worked on, my time at Meta as a designer stands out as the most impactful. Through this work, I was able to directly enhance the value small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) derive from their efforts on Meta’s platforms, both in the U.S. and globally.

Small businesses are often run by what I call “one-person armies”—individuals who wear multiple hats daily, managing everything from operations and finances to customer relationships and problem-solving. On top of this, they’re tasked with finding ways to grow and scale their business, often relying on platforms like Meta to reach wider audiences and drive growth.

While Meta offers a robust monetization tool in Ads Manager, the platform’s complexity often falls short of the needs of smaller businesses, which require simpler, more intuitive solutions. Recognizing this gap, I worked on the Growth team to redesign and refine the product experience. By leveraging design principles and data-driven insights, we introduced incremental changes that made the platform more accessible and effective for SMBs.

The success of our project hinged on a delicate balance of art and science. On one hand, we employed a design mindset rooted in empathy for small business owners. On the other, we used behavioral data to understand how changes impacted key metrics, ensuring our efforts were driving measurable results. As the lead designer on this initiative, it was incredibly rewarding to see our experiments translate into significant revenue growth for SMBs while also contributing to Meta’s broader business goals.

This experience underscored a few key lessons for me:
Design and creativity can be quantified. While creativity is often seen as subjective, this project reaffirmed that thoughtful design can deliver measurable impact, proving its tangible value to both businesses and society.
Incremental progress adds up. Small, consistent improvements can create massive ripple effects over time, driving meaningful change at scale.

Ultimately, this project wasn’t just about improving a product—it was about empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth, which remains at the core of my work as a designer.

Sohaj, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Sohaj Brar, and I am a professional designer, artist, and entrepreneur. I lead a dual creative life: on one hand, I’m a Product Designer specializing in Monetization and Generative AI, and on the other, I’m the founder of ‘Sohaj Brar Art & Design,’ an art exhibition platform I built dedicated to crafting globally resonant artwork.

My entry into the world of design and art stems from a deep-rooted passion for visual storytelling. I was always fascinated by the intersection of creativity, technology, and human experience. Early in my career, I recognized the power of design to not only solve complex problems but also evoke emotion, inspire action, and create meaningful connections. This realization led me to explore a variety of disciplines, from engineering to fine arts to digital product design, each enriching my perspective and expanding my skillset.

In my professional role as a Product Designer, I focus on creating intuitive, impactful solutions that enhance user experiences and drive business value. Leading initiatives like Generative AI enhancements and Partnership ads has allowed me to blend cutting-edge technology with human-centered design, delivering tools that empower creators and businesses alike.

Coming from a working class family in India, I recognized the value of grit, humility and equality. Through ‘Sohaj Brar Art & Design,’ I offer a different kind of creative service: fine art pieces that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. My work often explores universal themes like identity, spirituality, and the beauty of the natural world, rendered through a meticulous, contemporary lens. These pieces are designed to not only adorn spaces but also spark thought and conversation, leaving a lasting impression on those who experience them.

What sets me apart is my ability to seamlessly navigate between the worlds of art and design, blending analytical problem-solving with unbridled creativity. Whether I’m designing a user interface or crafting a artwork, my work is driven by a commitment to excellence, authenticity, and a profound respect for the audience’s perspective.

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is the positive impact my work has had on people—whether it’s helping creators reach their audience through innovative design solutions or providing collectors with artwork that resonates deeply with their personal stories and aspirations. These moments of connection are what fuel my passion and keep me striving for even greater heights.

For anyone considering engaging with my brand, I want you to know that my work is a labor of love, rooted in the belief that creativity has the power to transform lives. Whether you’re looking for a design partner who can elevate your business or a one-of-a-kind art piece that speaks to your soul, I’m here to collaborate and create something truly extraordinary. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and my work!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience is often forged through challenges and refined by pivotal decisions. My journey reflects this through a dynamic path of academic rigor, personal transformation, and the integration of art and science.

From a young age, I was drawn to the fine arts—crafting, painting, and creating were my means of self-expression. At the same time, I was equally captivated by the precision and logic of science and mathematics. This dual passion for creativity and analytical thinking shaped my identity and inspired me to push my intellectual boundaries.

This blend of interests eventually led me to one of the toughest academic challenges in India—the IIT-JEE examination. With a selection rate of less than 2%, this entrance test for the Indian Institutes of Technology requires deep conceptual understanding and advanced problem-solving in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Preparing for this exam was an immense test of endurance and focus, requiring countless hours of study and unwavering dedication. Ultimately, my perseverance paid off when I earned admission to IIT Roorkee, one of India’s premier engineering institutions.

While engineering honed my analytical skills, my artistic side remained unfulfilled. I found myself yearning for creative expression. Refusing to ignore this part of myself, I began organizing art exhibitions on campus and pursuing design projects. These endeavors became more than hobbies; they were essential expressions of my identity and resilience, allowing me to stay true to my passions while managing the intense demands of my studies.

Transitioning from engineering to product design was not without its challenges. It meant stepping into a new domain where I lacked traditional qualifications. However, I relied on my ability to learn, adapt, and leverage my unique blend of skills. This determination led me to a position at Monotype, a global leader in design and typography. At Monotype, I refined my design capabilities and uncovered a talent for innovation and strategic business thinking.

Over the next decade, I developed expertise in business monetization by integrating creativity, analytical reasoning, and a deep understanding of user behavior to deliver impactful results. Each step of my journey—from conquering IIT-JEE to establishing a career in product design—is a testament to the power of resilience. It’s about embracing change, dreaming boldly, and forging a purposeful path to growth.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey began as a deeply personal endeavor but has since evolved into a mission to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of others. Initially, creativity served as an outlet for expressing my own experiences and emotions. Through art and design, I aimed to capture the world as I perceived and felt it. However, as I matured, I realized that creativity could be a powerful tool for change, extending beyond personal expression to address universal human needs.

This insight shaped my goal: to leverage my creativity to enhance the health, spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being of others. One of the most rewarding aspects of this mission has been my involvement in building startups like Help-Full.com from the ground up. This platform allows people of all ages to offer and receive practical assistance while connecting with like-minded individuals through shared activities. It’s a space where design meets purpose, creating opportunities for people to feel supported, valued, and part of a community. The project received 7 international awards including Red dot, SF Design Week and Indigo design awards for its design excellence and social innovation.

Moreover, I have mentored over 200 designers and creative professionals across seven countries. Through hosting design classes, delivering talks, and crafting bespoke UX courses, I aim to empower the next generation, accelerating their journey towards realizing their full potential.

Similarly, through my platform, Sohaj Brar Art & Design, I aim to blend Eastern cultural teachings with everyday experiences. My work reflects timeless wisdom translated into modern narratives that inspire personal growth and well-being. Whether through visual storytelling or thoughtful design, I strive to create pieces that resonate deeply, offering a sense of connection and clarity to those who engage with them.

At its core, my mission is simple yet profound: to harness the power of creativity to improve lives. Whether through innovative platforms, meaningful collaborations, or evocative art, my journey is driven by the belief that design and creativity can be forces for healing, growth, and unity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sohajbrar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sohajbrar/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sohajbrar.art/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sohajsinghbrar/