Today we’d like to introduce you to Vishwa Patel.
Hi Vishwa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story is one of identity exploration. I’ve lived in seven cities across three countries and often felt like an outsider, but in a good way. That in-between feeling taught me how to observe people, adapt quickly, and tell stories that connect.
I was born and raised in Ahmedabad, India. Growing up, the common career paths around me were engineering and medicine, but I knew early on I wanted something different. That led me to architecture, and I earned admission into CEPT University. It was tough, intense, and not what I practice today, but it shaped how I think. It taught me design fundamentals, human-centered storytelling, and how to survive long nights and constructive criticism (lots of it).
I’ve always needed a side gig—too curious to settle for just one thing. Between college and my Master’s, I designed lighting installations, freelanced as a graphic designer for a magician and hypnotist (as strange and fun as it sounds), worked as an architect in an industry too slow for me, and co-founded an event décor startup. All of it led me to pursue Advertising at SCAD Atlanta, a perfect blend of everything I loved (full credit to my family for supporting my slightly wild decisions).
Moving to the U.S. for my Master’s meant starting over yet again—new country, new field, new everything. Outsider again. But Atlanta introduced me to incredible people (SCAD professors and roommates who are now my closest friends) who supported me along the way.
After SCAD, I joined MP&F Strategic Communications as a Graphic Designer. I currently live in Jersey City and work in NYC as an Art Director at Burson Global, one of the leading PR and advertising agencies in the U.S. It does mean I’m technically neither a New Yorker nor a Jerseyan, just permanently explaining myself.
Looking back, my path wasn’t the shortest, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Every city, industry, and “outsider” moment shaped how I approach my work today: with empathy, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for stories that move people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I don’t think it is for anyone. Being in new cities, countries, and fields has been a challenge. I’ve questioned my abilities and doubted myself at times, but friends and family have always reminded me of my strengths—sometimes validating, sometimes just by being there.
Being an outsider meant constantly relearning people, cultures, expectations, and even industries. Advertising, in particular, is deeply rooted in culture, audience insights, local nuances, slang, and lingo, so there’s always something new to pick up. Curiosity has been my greatest tool and people are often happy to share if you’re willing to listen. Movies, TV shows, and stand-up comedy are some of my secret inspirations that keep me learning and inspired. And sometimes, a good meme is all it takes to remind me I’m still figuring it out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Art Director in the advertising industry. I come up with creative ideas for brands and turn them into visual stories that people actually want to look at, feel something from, and remember (not just skip in 0.3 seconds).
I specialize in creative concepting, visual design, and using unexpected ideas to solve brand problems. On any given project, I shape how a campaign looks and feels, team up up with writers, designers, and directors to bring it to life, and make sure it hits that sweet spot between emotion and strategy.
What I’m most proud of is the impact my work creates. While not every project starts out glamorous, I’ve learned to push beyond the obvious, ask better questions, and raise the bar. At Burson, I work primarily on healthcare brands, where the rules are tight and the stakes are real.
What sets me apart is curiosity (and a tendency to side-eye the obvious), empathy and a love for experimentation.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is loving what I do—having fun while I work and laughing along the way. I care about relationships—the people I collaborate with, the friends who keep me grounded, and the strangers who inspire me. And I’m obsessed with outgrowing myself—looking at old work and thinking, “Wow, what was I even thinking?” because it means I’m getting better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vishwa-p.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vishwapatel7698/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishwapatel7698/
