Today we’d like to introduce you to Bhavana Dv
Hi Bhavana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as a designer began in India, where I completed my early education and earned a bachelor’s degree in visual arts with a minor in printmaking. Creativity has always been second nature to me, but it was during the pandemic that I truly discovered my passion for advertising. With the world at a standstill, I seized the opportunity to upskill—diving into online courses, tutorials, and hands-on projects to refine my craft.While many might think my journey into design was a slow and steady progression, it was, in reality, a bold leap of faith—one that reshaped my life in the most exhilarating way.This past year has been a whirlwind of growth, learning, and discovery—an experience that has sharpened my skills and broadened my perspective. From immersive studio sessions to cross-cultural collaborations, every challenge and opportunity has shaped me into a more versatile designer. My ultimate goal is to craft designs that do more than just captivate—they inspire, resonate, and bring joy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth. Like many creatives, I faced moments of self-doubt, questioning whether I was good enough or if my work truly stood out. The transition from academia to the professional world was particularly challenging—learning to balance creative freedom with strategic thinking, and constantly pushing myself to evolve.Looking back, I’ve come to realize that the challenges along the way weren’t obstacles—they were essential to my growth. They shaped me, refined my perspective, and pushed me toward my fullest potential. The journey wasn’t always smooth, but in hindsight, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I come from a family with no ties to the creative field. Growing up in Bangalore, India, I was constantly drawn to the world of art and design, even if I didn’t always recognize it. I remember rearranging layouts in my school projects to make them more visually engaging, and endlessly doodling on the margins of my notebooks.
As I got older, I found myself always asking, How can I make this better? Whether it was reworking school projects, or playing with design elements, I was constantly seeking ways to elevate the ordinary. The first time I was asked to create visuals for an event, I realized that design wasn’t just something I enjoyed—it was a skill that had real impact.That moment of validation set everything in motion, eventually shaping my path toward a career as an Art Director.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Absolutely! Here are some resources that help me stay inspired, focused, and always learning:
Apps:
Miro: I use this for brainstorming and organizing my creative thoughts visually. It’s great for collaborative work as well.
Notion: This helps me keep track of tasks, ideas, and inspirations, all in one place. It’s incredibly customizable and great for staying organized.
Adobe Creative Cloud: Of course, being in design, I rely heavily on Adobe tools like Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for my creative work.
Books:
“The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman: This book is a must-read for anyone in design. It dives deep into how design shapes the way we interact with the world around us.
“Creative Confidence” by Tom Kelley and David Kelley: This book is about unlocking creativity in yourself and others, which I find especially relevant in leadership and team environments.
Podcasts:
“Design Matters” by Debbie Millman: A long-running podcast featuring interviews with designers, creatives, and thought leaders that always sparks new ideas.
“The Futur” by Chris Do: Focuses on the business side of creative work, offering insights on freelancing, branding, and growing a creative career.
Blogs:
AIGA Eye on Design: A blog that showcases design trends, features inspiring work, and dives into the intersection of design and culture.
CreativeBloq: A great resource for design tips, industry news, and tutorials on the latest design tools.
Smashing Magazine: Covers a wide range of design-related topics, from UX/UI to front-end development.
These resources keep me inspired, sharpen my skills, and help me stay on top of industry trends. Whether it’s getting creative tips, managing my workflow, or just staying motivated, I always make time for a little learning and exploration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bhavanadv.com/
