Today we’d like to introduce you to Surabhi Khare.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the creative field. Unlike my peers who followed traditional career paths, I was drawn to a different journey. Thankfully, my parents were incredibly supportive, always encouraging me to excel in whatever I was passionate about. This was especially important since I wasn’t exactly the top student academically! Drawing was my true talent, and I embraced it wholeheartedly.
My father, too, had a deep love for art, but his parents did not see it as a viable career option. Consequently, he became a banker and relegated his passion for drawing to a hobby. In a way, I feel I’ve inherited his artistic aspirations.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, it has definitely been a bumpy road. For the longest time, I struggled to figure out which industry I wanted to be in. I studied fashion in my undergraduate years but didn’t really connect with the work or the environment there. The industry didn’t align with my creative aspirations. Then, I started teaching illustration at a college, and I found immense joy in that role. It was incredibly fulfilling to share my passion with students and see them grow. However, got a major setback when the pandemic hit.
During this period of uncertainty, I explored various opportunities, trying to find a place where my skills and passions could thrive. Eventually, I joined an advertising agency as an illustrator and graphic designer. That’s when everything fell into place. The dynamic environment of advertising, the creative challenges, and the collaborative spirit resonated deeply with me. I finally felt I had found a niche where my talents were appreciated and where I could continually grow and innovate. Looking back, the journey was far from smooth, but each bump and detour helped me discover where I truly belong.
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?
Persistence is what sets me apart. I don’t give up on anything until I’ve learned everything I can about it. This mindset, has been a driving force throughout my life. I have a deep passion for illustration, and incorporating it into my work gives me a unique edge. Recently, I’ve also discovered a love for copywriting, which has opened a new creative medium in my work!
Interestingly, I completed my education until the age of 15 in Marathi, my native language. While I often felt out of place for not attending English-medium schools like my peers, I never saw it as a setback. Instead, my early education in Marathi has given me a rich cultural background and a unique voice that I bring into my work. It has also taught me the value of embracing one’s roots and using them as a source of strength and inspiration.
Regarding my projects, the “Exploding Kittens X Tabasco” collaboration was a highlight where my love for illustration and advertising strategy came together. Working on the cards brought me immense joy.
In the Starbucks consent campaign, I ventured into copywriting for the first time. It was a challenge, especially since we were targeting Gen Z, but adapting to their tone of voice was a rewarding experience.
The Supergoop diversity campaign is another project I’m particularly proud of. As the art director, I aimed to create a campaign that highlighted the inclusivity of their Unseen Sunscreen, a product designed for every skin tone. The goal was to seamlessly integrate the brand’s commitment to diversity into its core message.
The Hinge campaign was also a lot of fun. Interestingly, all of our team members met our significant others through dating apps, so we could all personally relate to the concept. We explored the idea of introducing a feature in the Hinge app that allowed users to send memes and stickers, based on the insight that memes are becoming a new form of love language. For this project, I worked as both a copywriter and art director.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of staying true to your work and taking full responsibility for a project from start to finish. There’s no one who can replicate exactly what you do. Embracing this uniqueness is key to growth and consistently finding the best version of your work.
Ultimately, staying true to your work fosters a sense of pride and satisfaction. It builds a strong foundation of trust with clients and collaborators, as they know they can rely on you to deliver exceptional results. This dedication to your craft helps in growing and consistently finding the best version of your work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.surabhikhare.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khare-surabhi/
