Interview with Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar

Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar ("KKB") interviewed on Tuesday, 7 January.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

KKB : My journey hasn't been a straight line. I initially pursued engineering, even taking the IIT entrance exam. But realizing it wasn't my true calling, I made a bold shift to follow my creative passions. This led me to a Masters in Communication Design: Graphic Design from Kingston University and a career focused on creating impactful designs. I've been fortunate to work with diverse brands across food, technology, spirits, and bakery, tackling projects from packaging and posters to branding. My work has been recognized with awards like the D&AD New Blood, A’Design, Core77, LICC, and Adobe Design Achievement Awards. I'm driven by the power of design to communicate, help, and inspire change.

How did you become a designer?

KKB : It was a process of self-discovery. Although I started down the engineering path, my childhood fascination with TV commercials and visual storytelling always lingered. Interestingly, I even had the opportunity to act in a commercial! The pivotal moment came during the IIT entrance exam when I realized my heart wasn't in it. That's when I decided to fully embrace my creative side and pursue design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KKB : My priority is always clear communication and impactful storytelling. I believe design should serve a purpose, whether it's informing, persuading, or evoking emotion. My technique involves a strong research phase, understanding the target audience and the message I need to convey. I then explore various visual solutions, focusing on strong typography, composition, and a clear visual hierarchy.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KKB : It's a rollercoaster! Initially, there's excitement and curiosity as I explore different ideas. Then comes the challenge of refining those ideas and overcoming creative blocks. When a design finally clicks, there's a huge sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

KKB : My interest in design began in childhood. I was always drawn to visual things—from illustrations in books to the design of everyday objects. What was crucial was that my parents actively nurtured this interest. They encouraged me to explore my creativity, providing me with materials, enrolling me in art classes, and simply valuing my creative output. This early support gave me the confidence to pursue design seriously and instilled in me a lifelong love of visual expression.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

KKB : I'm constantly learning and evolving as a designer. I want to continue pushing my creative boundaries, exploring new mediums and techniques, and working on projects with a positive social impact. A dream project would be designing a campaign for a cause I deeply believe in, something that can truly make a difference in the world.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

KKB : Be curious and explore as much as you can. Try and connect with other designers to learn from them and their experiences. Be persistent - It takes time and effort to build a successful design career.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

KKB : Never stop learning and growing. Stay curious, embrace challenges, and always strive to create work that has a positive impact on the world.

What is your day to day look like?

KKB : It varies depending on the projects I'm working on. Typically, it involves research, brainstorming, sketching, digital design, client communication, and project management. I also try to dedicate time to personal projects and stay updated on design trends.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

KKB : I follow design blogs, magazines, and online communities. I also attend design conferences and workshops. While it's important to be aware of trends, I believe good design is timeless. Trends can be a source of inspiration, but they shouldn't dictate your entire design approach.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

KKB : Good design is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and effectively communicates its intended message. It solves a problem and enhances the user experience.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

KKB : When it effectively communicates the message, achieves its intended purpose, and I'm satisfied with the overall aesthetic and functionality. Sometimes, getting fresh eyes on the design helps too.

What is your biggest design work?

KKB : That's an interesting question. I believe my biggest design work is still ahead of me. I'm constantly learning and growing, and I'm eager to tackle projects with significant impact. While I'm proud of the work I've done so far like ‘Ten’ and ‘Pop-up posters’, I see them as stepping stones towards creating something truly transformative.

Who is your favourite designer?

KKB : Paula Scher is a designer I greatly admire. I'm drawn to her bold and unapologetic style, and her ability to create work that is both visually impactful and culturally relevant. I aspire to create work with that same level of confidence and impact, and I often look to her work for inspiration on how to push the boundaries of design while still maintaining a strong connection to the message.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

KKB : I enjoy a balanced lifestyle that combines my passion for design with other interests like reading, traveling, illustration, and leathercraft.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

KKB : I believe in open communication, collaboration, and a client-focused approach. My philosophy is to create work that is not only visually appealing but also strategically sound and effective.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

KKB : Although I haven't yet undertaken specific philanthropic projects, my design philosophy is inherently focused on creating a positive impact. I believe good design should be accessible to everyone and should serve a purpose beyond mere aesthetics. I strive to create work that communicates effectively, solves problems, and improves people's lives. As I grow in my career, I'm eager to dedicate more of my time and skills to projects that directly benefit communities and address social challenges.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

KKB : The A’ Design Award was a great opportunity to showcase my work on an international platform, connect with other designers, and gain valuable feedback. Winning an award was a huge honor and a validation of my creative efforts.

Kalyani Kamat Bambolkar Profile