Today we’d like to introduce you to Akshay Vig.
Akshay, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was in high school, I was really inspired by street art and artists like Shephard Fairey, it always amazed me how these artists were able to communicate an identity or message so prolifically with such visceral approaches.
Something about that art’s ability to be so attainable but also have the same level of commentary as a piece of fine art ultimately, I think is what pushed me to pursue a career in graphic design.
But I don’t think I ever fully understood what graphic design was or how influential and apparent it was in our world until I went to Otis College of Art and Design.
There I found that a graphic designer was more than just someone who makes logos, books, websites, etc., a graphic designer is someone who can communicate and translate the most complex ideas and messages through any medium.
A designer is someone who’s versatile and adaptable just like his or her art. With that realization, I was able to become a fast learner and I was able to jump so drastically from design roles within different industries. From transportation to tech, to entertainment, and now fashion.
A lot of that journey included learning completely new skills and finding ways to make bridges from one industry to another.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all, I think that road included a lot of doubt, a lot of hard decisions, and especially roadblocks. It seems like as designers we see ourselves as a jack of all trades but the rest of the professional world just want us to be a specialist at one thing most of the time.
So it becomes a real challenge trying to find work and convince clients that you are the right one to hire not to mention the amount of competition and talent against you. Makes you wonder if you made the right moves, if you need more training, or if you’re going after the right clients, it for sure gets overwhelming and the path seems less straightforward as time goes on.
Not to mention the lack of respect in terms of compensation for designers. I still feel people don’t take designers seriously and think we overcharge for our work but no one realizes how much time and creative energy goes into giving you a piece of work that could potentially be the mark of a great brand.
But I ultimately think that constitutes a healthy career cause I believe those obstacles will open up opportunities you weren’t expecting to make things interesting.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work right now really caters to merchandising, branding, and packaging.
And I think what I’m really known for in my work is my style of collage and sampling. I really like to reference or use graphics from vintage or archived commercial art mainly from print media. I think what I’m most proud of is some work I’ve done has been in Rolling stones India and some fashion magazines.
I think what sets me apart from others in design is I have an affinity for the past and I like to take those visual languages and re-contextualize them to fit into the present.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
1. Focus on just making don’t worry about your style or originality that all comes in time.
2. Don’t rely on social media as your only source of inspo. Go to a book store, go outside and take pictures, go to a concert, try to find things to look at that have nothing to do with design, You’ll be surprised by the rabbit holes you’ll go down.
3. Learn about finance and acquire some business knowledge and you will never have to worry about money and you can just focus on being creative.
4. Take time off and avoid any creative burnout, If you feel uninspired or worn out take a breather and take some time to reflect and recharge.
5. There is no such thing as a bad idea there are just good ideas that aren’t communicated well.
Pricing:
- Logos and One-off artworks $500
- Branding and Full Service $5000
- Merchandise $3000
Contact Info:
- Email: aku.psd@gmail.com
- Website: akuvig.com
- Instagram: @aku.psd
Image Credits
GUESS and Shrea Kaul
