Karan, a seasoned professional in the field of advertising and design, has been steering his own agency, Adshake, in Jalandhar for the past decade. His journey from a college freelancer to a full-fledged entrepreneur is inspiring and filled with valuable insights. Let us learn from the experiences of this alumnus from Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA) and gain some inspiration. Read edited excerpts:
What does a regular day at work look like for you?
My typical workday starts around 10 or 10:30 am. I spend most of my day working with clients on various aspects of advertising, including branding, packaging, and content creation. It’s a desk-based job, and I usually put in about 8 to 10 hours a day. Managing multiple projects and ensuring client satisfaction keeps me on my toes, but it’s something I thoroughly enjoy.
What inspired you to pursue a career in advertising and design?
My interest in computers started early in my childhood, which naturally led me to explore graphic design. Before joining college, I completed a five-month graphic design course, which further fueled my passion. When I sought a degree in Visual Communication or Applied Arts, ACFA was the top choice. I started freelancing in 2014 during college and established my office in 2018. This gradual journey from learning software on my own to running my own agency was driven by a deep-seated love for design and creativity.
How was your journey at ACFA?
My time at ACFA was fantastic. I pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied Arts with a specialization in Visual Communication. The assignments and projects we worked on were incredibly enriching. Our HoDs and teachers assigned diverse projects and case studies that were very helpful when I started working with clients. Participating in events like the Diwali Mela and Design Week also provided practical experience and a platform to showcase my skills.
So the teachers at ACFA guided you very well?
The teachers at ACFA were excellent. They shared their extensive experience and guided us through various projects and assignments. Their mentorship was instrumental in shaping my professional skills. The environment was very conducive to learning, and interacting with faculty from different departments further broadened my perspective.
And what advice would you give to current students at ACFA?
My advice to current students would be to start gaining experience as early as possible. Whether through internships, freelancing, or personal projects, the more experience you gather, the better prepared you’ll be for the professional world. Don’t wait until you graduate to start working in your field. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.