Today we’d like to introduce you to Samiksha Puri.
Hi Samiksha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Reflecting on my journey, the consistent thread in all my diverse roles has been visual representation. Over the years, I’ve worked as an assistant Art Director on Films and Advertisements, a Digital Media Marketing Strategist in a brand consulting firm, and a professional contemporary fine artist. While I earned my seat at several different tables, the core of my passion has always been rooted in the world of art and aesthetics.
My mother being an art educator, played a major role in introducing me to art at an early age. Her primary influence encouraged me to focus on creative thinking, color balance, and symmetry through everyday experiences. What began as a hobby evolved into a profound passion, driving me to realize that I was born to create.
I identified my passion, but integrating it into my professional life was challenging. From creating pieces of fine art and murals to executing a design advertising thesis project, I explored and expressed the power of visual communication early on. Over time, my desire was to create a more significant impact on a larger audience. While working on filmmaking and advertisement sets, I was struck by the way brands like Mcdonald’s used visual communication to captivate vast audiences. Through visuals, you can convey stronger, long-lasting, effective messages, which is exactly what I had done growing up with my life. I wanted to venture into the world of advertising with the aim of reaching a global audience.
This led me from India to Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, United States. SCAD, unlike traditional educational systems, provided me with the freedom to bridge the gap between art and advertising. I strongly believe that there are endless possibilities to explore and visual boundaries to push within the realm of advertising. As an Art Director and a strategic thinker, I am eager to leverage the power of visual advertising to lead, reach, and engage audiences in countless ways.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing up, I’ve always chosen the comfortable path, having lived in the same house, same city, same country for all my life, change always felt daunting to me, and I was hesitant to get out of my comfort zone. However, my decision to move to the United States marked a significant turning point in my life.
Embracing a new culture comes with a fair share of challenges, and I experienced genuine cultural adjustments. It wasn’t just about living through it but also understanding and decoding it in a professional context, particularly within the realm of advertising. During my journey in advertising, I began too empathize with how global brands could help create a sense of familiarity for individuals who were far from their home countries. This led me to delve even further into the topics of diversity and inclusivity, seeking to comprehend the various facets of different cultures and the unique experiences, traditions, and customs that set them apart.
In this process, I realized that while I was on a journey of self-discovery and adaptation, I also had the privilege of drawing from my rich background in India. It’s these experiences, my cultural heritage, and the traditions I grew up with that have not only helped me recognize who I am but have also allowed me to stand out in my profession.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work towards creating brand experiences that surprise, delight, and drive measurable results.
In my prior professional endeavors, I’ve had the distinct privilege of showcasing and refining both my technical skills and practical abilities, particularly through collaborations with esteemed brands such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.
During my time at SCAD Atlanta, I had the opportunity to recognize and harness my creative learning and strategic thinking abilities, which helped me comprehend and design thoughtful visuals to capture the vision of diverse brands. As a strategic thinker, I have come to own my problem-solving strengths in gathering valuable insights and data points, which play a crucial role in building successful brand campaigns. As an Art Director, I have developed the ability to effectively communicate these insights to creative teams and envisioning the visual direction.
Looking ahead, I envision myself working with advertising agencies on campaigns that not only reach audiences but also create a profound emotional and impactful connection. My goal is to contribute to brands that resonate deeply with people, leaving a lasting impression and fostering meaningful connections.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Atlanta is the first city I moved to in the United States, and I would say it definitely welcomed me with open arms. The people, food, and enriching experiences like The High Museum, MODA, and the World of Coca Cola keep me inspired and driven. It’s a hub for food and music and a city that never runs short of exciting festivals and events. It has diverse communities making it a city that is inclusive, it feels like home. Atlanta is youthful and energetic, full of opportunities for personal and professional experiences. It’s a city that has offered me so much, and I am glad to start my journey in Atlanta.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.samikshapuri.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samikshapuriart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samikshapuri/
