Kirti Jha, a 2024 graduate who pursued Bachelor of Design programme with a major in Graphic Design from Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram, is currently thriving as a Junior Designer at Bifrost Studios. Her journey from Apeejay Stya University was shaped by inspiring mentors who introduced her to branding and guided her through software and animation projects. With hands-on internships, freelancing assignments, and social media content creation, she has built a versatile portfolio. Passionate about design, Kirti continues to upskill while adapting to the fast-paced demands of the creative industry. Read edited excerpts of her interview:
Can you share your journey from studying design at Apeejay Stya University to becoming a Junior Designer at Bifrost Studios?
I moved to Apeejay Stya University (ASU) in 2022 after completing my second year at Apeejay Institute of Design. During my time there, I was introduced to the field of branding by one of my professors, who recognised my potential and consistently encouraged me to give my best in projects. His mentorship helped me gain a deeper perspective on branding. Faculty members also supported me in developing skills in software and animation-related projects. These combined experiences played a key role in shaping my portfolio and preparing me for the industry.
What were some of the most valuable skills or lessons you learned during your design course that you now apply in your professional work?
The transition from academic life to professional work was quite challenging. In college, a project could take two months, but in the industry, the same level of work is often expected within just two days. Along with adapting to unfamiliar project types, what really helped me overcome these challenges was having a versatile knowledge of software, tools, and strong design principles.
Working at a creative agency like Bifrost Studios must be dynamic—could you walk us through a typical day in your role as a Junior Designer?
Bifrost Studio is a vibrant creative agency comprising branding designers, motion artists, photographers, UI/UX designers, and video editors. The work environment is collaborative yet allows space for individual contributions across diverse client projects. A typical day begins with a team meeting around 10:30 a.m., where our manager reviews the previous day’s progress and provides direction for the next steps. Post-meeting, I usually conduct research under the guidance of my manager, who also helps shape the vision for the outcome. The day continues with focused design work until around 6:00 p.m., when I submit the draft deliverables. Since the role follows a hybrid structure, I often work from home with flexibility, and on studio days, I collaborate closely with the team. Occasionally, I also manage freelance projects and content creation alongside my professional responsibilities.
What challenges did you face while transitioning from student projects to client-based professional projects, and how did you overcome them?
Getting used to the expectations of my clients was the most difficult thing for me. At first, I found it challenging to work on projects with some limitations because I used to love having total creative freedom while I was a student. In terms of timelines, accountability, and client-driven objectives, I also came to the realisation that professional projects differ significantly from college assignments.
How did Apeejay Stya University help nurture your creativity and prepare you for the design industry?
The mentors in my department played a crucial role in guiding me through the do’s and don’ts of design. While I did face challenges due to certain gaps in learning when our mentor left, the environment truly helped me become self-sufficient and adaptable to uncertain environments.
What advice would you give to current design students who aspire to work in top creative agencies?
I would advise my juniors to focus on strengthening their fundamentals and to be intentional about the tools they choose to master, ideally learning them through industry-relevant examples from their mentors. Additionally, taking up internships across different industries can be extremely valuable, as it not only exposes them to diverse kinds of design projects but also helps them identify their niche, whether they aim to build a career in a corporate setting, a creative agency, or an independent studio.