We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar ("KKB").
Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar.
Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar Design - Ten Posters
Designer Interview of Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
KKB : My design background has been a journey of self-discovery. While I initially pursued engineering, my childhood fascination with visual communication, especially TV commercials, never truly faded. During the IIT entrance exam, I had a realization that engineering wasn't my path. I decided to fully embrace my creative side, leading me to pursue a Master's in Communication Design: Graphic Design from Kingston University.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
KKB : I currently operate as a freelance designer. This allows me to work on diverse projects across various industries and collaborate with different clients, giving me a broader range of experience and creative freedom.
DI: What is "design" for you?
KKB : For me, design is about more than just aesthetics; it's about solving problems and communicating effectively. It's the art of creating meaningful experiences that connect with people on an emotional and functional level. It's about finding the right balance between form and function to achieve a desired outcome.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
KKB : I'm most drawn to projects with a social impact. I believe design has the power to make a real difference in the world, and I'm passionate about using my skills to contribute to positive change.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
KKB : One campaign that I particularly admire is "Climate Name Change," which also won a D&AD award. It cleverly used the power of renaming familiar weather events to highlight the impact of climate change. It was a brilliant example of how design can be used to raise awareness about critical issues in a memorable and impactful way.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
KKB : The first professional design project involved designing app screens for a healthcare client.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
KKB : I'm a big believer in starting with analog tools. I find that writing and sketching on paper is the most effective way for me to brainstorm and generate initial ideas. It allows me to quickly explore different concepts, make quick sketches, and jot down notes without getting bogged down in details. It's a great way to get my thoughts out of my head and onto a tangible medium before I start working on a digital screen.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
KKB : I find I'm most creative when I have a clear understanding of the project's goals and constraints, but also have the freedom to explore different ideas. I also find inspiration in observing the world around me, engaging with other creative disciplines, and taking time for reflection.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
KKB : I prioritize clear communication, user experience, and visual hierarchy. I believe a successful design should be both aesthetically pleasing and effective in conveying its intended message.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
KKB : The design process is a mix of emotions. There's excitement at the beginning, followed by the challenge of refining ideas and overcoming creative blocks. When a design comes together, there's a strong sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
KKB : Seeing my designs come to life is incredibly rewarding. It's fulfilling to see how they impact people and achieve their intended purpose.
DI: What makes a design successful?
KKB : A successful design is one that effectively communicates its message, achieves its objectives, and resonates with its target audience. It's a balance of form, function, and impact.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
KKB : I first consider its functionality and how effectively it solves the problem it's intended to address. Then, I look at its clarity of communication and its aesthetic appeal.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
KKB : Designers have a responsibility to create work that is ethical, sustainable, and inclusive. We should strive to minimize our environmental impact and consider the social implications of our work.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
KKB : The design field is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing social needs, and a growing emphasis on user experience. I believe the future of design lies in interdisciplinary collaboration, sustainable practices, and creating human-centered solutions.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
KKB : The A'Design Award has showcased my winning posters in various locations around the world, which has been a great honor. I don't have immediate plans for a solo exhibition, but I'm always open to opportunities to showcase my work.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
KKB : My inspiration comes from a variety of sources, including nature, art, culture, and everyday life. I feed my creativity by staying curious, exploring new things, and engaging with other creative disciplines. I attend design workshops and conferences in New York City and also read design books.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
KKB : My style is adaptable to the project's needs, but I generally gravitate towards clean, modern aesthetics with a focus on clear communication and strong typography. This comes from my belief that design should be both beautiful and functional. My approach is user-centered and research-driven.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
KKB : I'm Indian, completed my Masters in London, and now live in New York City. My Indian heritage has undoubtedly influenced my design sensibilities, giving me a rich understanding of color, pattern, and visual storytelling. Living in London and now New York has exposed me to diverse cultures and design trends, broadening my perspective and informing my approach. The pros are the exposure to different perspectives and opportunities; the cons sometimes involve navigating cultural nuances in client communication.
DI: How do you work with companies?
KKB : I typically start with a consultation to understand the client's needs and goals. Then, I develop a design proposal outlining the scope of work, timeline, and budget. Throughout the design process, I maintain open communication and provide regular updates.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
KKB : Clear communication is key. Companies should clearly define their objectives and provide the designer with all necessary information. When selecting a designer, look for a strong portfolio, relevant experience, and good communication skills.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
KKB : My design process usually involves: Research: Understanding the client, target audience, and project goals. Brainstorming: Generating ideas and exploring different concepts. Sketching/Wireframing: Creating initial visual representations. Design Development: Refining the chosen concept and creating digital mockups. Feedback and Revisions: Incorporating client feedback and making necessary revisions. Finalization and Delivery: Preparing the final design files.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
KKB : I've collected various design items from conferences and events over the years including books, posters, and stationary items. It's hard to pick 5 among them.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
KKB : My day typically involves checking emails, working on design projects, communicating with clients, staying updated on design trends, and dedicating time to personal projects and learning.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
KKB : Be curious, explore different areas of design, build a strong portfolio, network with other designers, and never stop learning.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
KKB : Positives: Creative freedom, the ability to make a positive impact, and the constant opportunity to learn and grow. Negatives: Tight deadlines, client revisions, and the challenge of balancing creativity with business needs.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
KKB : Design with purpose and communicate clearly.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
KKB : Communication, problem-solving, creativity, technical skills, and a user-centered approach.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
KKB : I use industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, and various prototyping tools. I also rely on online resources, design blogs, and books for inspiration
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
KKB : I use project management tools, prioritize tasks, and set realistic deadlines, while also taking much-needed breaks.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
KKB : While I understand the importance of timelines, I believe that quality should always be prioritized over speed. I prefer to take the time necessary to thoroughly research, explore different ideas, and refine my designs to ensure the best possible outcome. This means that the timeline can vary depending on the project's requirements, but I always aim to deliver high-quality work that meets the client's needs and exceeds their expectations.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
KKB : "Can you make it look better?" or "How much will it cost?"
DI: What was your most important job experience?
KKB : One of my most important experiences was designing posters for the fashion department at Kingston University during my studies. This project was particularly significant because it went on to win a Silver A'Design Award. This recognition was incredibly validating, not only confirming that I was on the right track with my design approach but also demonstrating the impact that my work could have. It was a pivotal moment that solidified my passion for design and gave me the confidence to pursue it professionally.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
KKB : I've had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients, including those in the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector, the healthcare industry, and educational institutions like Kingston University. This variety has allowed me to gain experience in different design disciplines and adapt my approach to various project requirements.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
KKB : I'm most passionate about design work that has a social impact. I strongly believe that design can be a powerful tool for positive change in the world. Projects that address social issues, promote sustainability, or improve accessibility are particularly fulfilling for me. I find it incredibly rewarding to use my skills to contribute to something bigger than myself.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
KKB : My future plans involve continuing to grow as a designer and be a creative director one day. I'm eager to take on more challenging projects with a focus on social impact and explore new areas of design. I'm also interested in mentoring aspiring designers and contributing to the design community. I'm open to collaborations and opportunities that allow me to further develop my skills and make a meaningful contribution.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
KKB : It depends on the project but I highly value collaboration and often work closely with clients, stakeholders, and other creatives, such as developers or copywriters, to ensure a successful outcome. I believe that diverse perspectives and collaborative input can enhance the design process and lead to more innovative solutions.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
KKB : I'm currently working on a few exciting projects that I'm not at liberty to discuss in detail just yet. However, I can say that I'm very enthusiastic about these projects and look forward to sharing more information once they're publicly released.
DI: How can people contact you?
KKB : They can reach me out on my e-mail - kalyani.0528@gmail.com.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
KKB : I'd like to reiterate my deep passion for design and my commitment to using my skills to create positive change. I'm constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow, and I'm excited about the future of design and its potential to shape a better world.