We were lucky to catch up with Vivek Thakker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vivek, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Let me start with a story.

“You want to learn Photoshop?” asked a very confused computer teacher looking at a twelve-year-old standing in front of him at this local computer learning center in a small town called Gandhidham in India. I was the only kid among all adults taking a DTP (Desktop Publishing) course there, just because I had this crazy poster idea in my head I didn’t know how to create.

At the time I had no idea about graphic design or any plans to pursue it as a career, I was just there because I wanted to learn. All through my childhood, I have indulged myself for hours exploring the realm of visual arts and creating graphic design pieces just as a hobby, from making random greeting cards and posters to my very own comic. Discovering that I could do that professionally was a game changer, it was like discovering the purpose of my life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an Indian graphic designer and art director currently calling New York City home. My creative journey started with a BFA in visual communication from Raffles Design Institute in India. After spending a few years working as a designer, I made my way to the U.S. to pursue an MFA in Graphic Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to dive into various aspects of graphic art, working on projects that span from brand identity and design strategy to animation and motion graphics. I’ve collaborated with brands like Red Bull, Google, and The New York Times, among others, offering a range of designs and creative solutions. I’m particularly proud to have had the opportunity to design and illustrate the cover of Wired Magazine’s July/August 2023 issue, visualizing the thoughts of acclaimed director Christopher Nolan on the intersection of AI and the Atomic Bomb, a moment that stands out as a significant highlight in my career.

My work tends to weave together the worlds of art, technology, and design. I believe It’s not just about aesthetics but about creating a visual experience that invites viewers to reflect, question, and connect with the underlying story. This approach has been a hallmark of my career, where each project is an opportunity to craft a compelling story through the lens of design.

Currently, I’m a senior designer at Special Operations Studios in NYC. In this role, I lead a fantastic design team and collaborate with some of the most talented creative directors. Together, we aim to deliver works that go beyond the ordinary, pushing creative boundaries for our clients.

Living in New York City provides constant inspiration, and I’m dedicated to channeling that inspiration into designs that are not just visually pleasing but also meaningful. As I continue to grow in my role, my focus remains on delivering creative works that make a positive impact in the world of visual communication.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As a designer, my work often involves the task of conveying specific ideas to distinct audiences, and what I find most fulfilling is the challenge of articulating these concepts in a visually captivating and uniquely creative manner. With an unwavering curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning, I firmly embrace the ethos of pushing boundaries. In essence, if I believe in an idea, my entire focus is dedicated to crafting a unique visual narrative that invites you to believe in it too.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, in my opinion, lies in the ability to shape the abstract concepts of ideas and emotions—often so nuanced that words can’t fully capture them. Bringing to life something entirely new, something that didn’t exist before is an incredibly exhilarating experience. As a designer and art director, I consider it a privilege to not only breathe life into my own ideas but also to have the opportunity to bring other people’s visions to fruition.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/vivek_thakker
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekthakker-gd/