‘It’s important to strike a balance in working and living your life’

Driven by a passion for entering the world of filmmaking, Aditya Pratap Sharma chose to venture into the raw and dynamic realm of an ad agency to learn more about the industry first. Currently serving as a Junior Art Director and Visualizer at Integrated Brand Heuristic. Aditya is a vibrant individual overflowing with enthusiasm. He pursued a Television and Radio Journalism course at the Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication(AIMC).

During an impromptu interview, Aditya expressed deep appreciation for AIMC and its mentors, emphasizing how they played a pivotal role in refining his skills throughout his educational journey.

Tell us about yourself and what your work day looks like.

I work at an advertising agency named- Integrated Brand Heuristic, which is a startup. I work as a visualizer and junior art director wherein my responsibilities are to craft print and digital TV creations for prominent brands like Voltas. I handle their social media and design different social media posts, ad-packaging, videos, and many more.

How well have your mentors helped you hone your skills at AIMC?

Throughout the year, the guidance that I have received from my mentors at this college has been invaluable. The projects they assigned were not only helpful for our skills but also played an instrumental role in honing our capabilities. Successfully managing these projects provided us with a profound understanding of corporate culture and its workings. Their consistent support, motivation, and encouragement fueled our dedication to delivering high-quality work.

How do you balance your work life?

Initially, it was very difficult to cope as compared to my college days. As soon as I switched to corporate life, I found it quite difficult to manage. But now everything is back on track. I enjoy two off days a week and try to make some hours exclusively for myself. On weekends, I catch up with my friends and party. Everything is balanced and I am pretty much enjoying it.

Any challenges or hurdles that you have come across in your professional journey?

Advertisement has never been my forte which is why it came as a challenge to me in the initial days. I always wanted to build up a career in filmmaking but for that, I needed to step up my game to understand the industry at first. I recognized its parallel with filmmaking and viewed it as a step toward my long-term goals. Overcoming this hurdle became possible with the invaluable support of my boss. His guidance has been instrumental in providing daily insights into the world of ads and design. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning has been a significant aspect of my journey, and I have always been keen to acquire knowledge.

Any fond memories from your days while you were studying at AIMC?

The friends I made at AIMC are the only friends I have and they are very close to my heart. I have always been very keen to shoot a film. I was assigned a college project to create a film, and the memories of those late-night shoots at Ramphal Chowk in Delhi still resonate with me. Editing the footage for long hours became a routine, and looking back, I find joy in all those experiences. The entire project unfolded in various locations like CP, Ramphal, and Dwarka.

How do you keep yourself updated on the ongoing trends?

Working at an Ad agency, it is essential for me to remain updated. For the same, I follow different brands on my social media like Instagram and LinkedIn. Design is something that you must create uniquely every day. It is not something that you can copy. But can surely get inspired. My favourite brand to follow for quirky ideas is Zomato.

Any tips you would like to give to aspiring designers?

Keep your doors open to embracing new learning experiences. The initial days may feel overwhelming, but with time, you will grasp everything and find enjoyment in the process. It’s important to strike a balance in your life, dedicating ample time to your family. Ultimately, the efforts you put in for your work are for the well-being of your loved ones.