In episode 20 of the Creative Career Lab podcast, Ashwini speaks with Rashi Shah about the significance of networking in the design industry and how students can effectively build and grow their professional connections.

Rashi begins by explaining why networking is important for design students, emphasizing that it opens up opportunities for internships, collaborations, mentorship, and even future job placements. Networking also helps students stay informed about industry trends and expand their visibility in the design community.

Rashi then offers advice on how students can start building a professional network. She suggests attending design events, workshops, and webinars, as well as reaching out to peers, professors, and alumni. Actively participating in industry conversations and being open to learning from others is key to creating meaningful connections.

When discussing effective ways to connect with industry professionals, Rashi highlights the importance of approaching professionals with genuine interest and being prepared with thoughtful questions. She recommends seeking mentorship or advice rather than asking directly for job opportunities, as this creates a more authentic and lasting connection.

Rashi also touches on how social media can be a powerful tool for networking in the design field. Platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, and Instagram allow students to showcase their work, engage with the design community, and follow industry leaders. Regularly sharing projects, commenting on others’ work, and participating in discussions are great ways to stay active and visible.

Finally, Rashi outlines common mistakes to avoid when networking, such as being overly aggressive or transactional in interactions. She advises against focusing solely on personal gain and reminds students to be patient, build relationships organically, and offer value in return.

The episode concludes with Rashi encouraging students to start networking early in their careers and to always approach connections with respect and curiosity.

In episode 19 of the Creative Career Lab podcast, Ashwini engages in a detailed conversation with Shriraj Nair about the key aspects of motion design and animation. Shriraj begins by discussing the fundamental techniques of motion design, emphasizing the importance of mastering the basics, such as timing, spacing, and keyframing, which serve as the foundation for creating compelling motion graphics.

Next, Shriraj addresses how students can practice and improve their animation skills. He suggests focusing on consistency in practicing small animation exercises, like animating basic shapes, and gradually moving toward more complex tasks. Observing real-life motion and studying professional animations also helps students understand movement dynamics better.

The discussion moves on to the software commonly used in motion design, with Shriraj highlighting popular tools like Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, and Blender. These tools are essential for creating both 2D and 3D animations, and familiarity with them is crucial for aspiring motion designers.

Shriraj also shares insights on some innovative animation techniques currently in use, such as incorporating AI-driven animations, real-time rendering, and procedural animation methods. These techniques are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in animation, providing designers with more creative freedom.

Lastly, Shriraj underscores the importance of staying updated with new trends and technologies in animation, stressing that the industry is evolving rapidly. Keeping up with the latest software updates, emerging trends like VR and AR, and new creative approaches is essential for professionals to stay competitive and innovative in the field.

The episode wraps up with a reminder that constant learning and adaptation are key to success in motion design.

In episode 18 of the Creative Career Lab podcast, Ashwini interviews Mohammad Sharique about his journey and experience in the post-production industry. Sharique shares insights from his 15-16 years of experience, explaining how he started as a motion graphic artist, then expanded his skills into VFX and 3D, eventually becoming the Post Production Head at Jio Creatives Labs.

He emphasizes the importance of having in-depth knowledge in various aspects of post-production, such as editing, motion graphics, VFX, music, and art. This understanding helps in managing time and cost estimates accurately, making it possible to deliver realistic expectations to clients and brands. Sharique also discusses the significance of keeping up with the constantly evolving industry, including software updates and new techniques, and how he encourages his team to stay current and continuously learn.

He praises GeoCreatives Labs for providing a creative and pressure-free environment where he's given the freedom to work and even direct films on occasion. Sharique reflects on how his network of industry friends has helped him grow professionally, and how he continues to focus on learning and staying updated to ensure long-term success.

The episode wraps up with Ashwini expressing gratitude to Sharique for his valuable insights, and a reminder to the audience to subscribe to the podcast for more in-depth discussions on motion design.

In episode 17 of the Creative Career Lab podcast, Ashwini provides valuable insights into helping students choose the right design specialization. The episode begins by explaining the variety of specializations available at École Intuit Lab, such as visual communication, game art and design, UI/UX design, animation, and motion design, along with other fields like fashion, interior design, and architecture.

Ashwini highlights the benefit of the foundation year, which allows students to explore different disciplines and solidify their creativity, ideation, and observational skills before making a decision in their second year. She stresses the importance of anticipating industry trends over the four-year course to better align with job opportunities post-graduation. Guidance from industry experts helps students understand future prospects in their chosen field.

Ashwini also addresses a common concern from parents about how to determine if design is the right career path. She explains that students who enjoy creative activities like sketching, painting, and observing designs may have an inherent inclination toward design. The episode emphasizes that the first year provides ample time for exploration before students choose their specialization.

Ashwini shares tips for identifying preferences: if a student is fascinated by branding or visual displays, they might lean toward visual communication. If they enjoy problem-solving and digital interfaces, UI/UX could be the right path. For gaming, Ashwini explains that liking video games isn't enough—students should be interested in storytelling, character design, and creating immersive worlds. Those who prefer movement and animation might find animation and motion design more fitting.

Ashwini advises students to attend design workshops offered by colleges, starting as early as the 10th grade, to gain exposure to design methodologies, faculties, and environments. This can help them make an informed decision about both their specialization and choice of college.

The episode wraps up by encouraging students to take their time and explore, reassuring them that the foundation year is a great opportunity to gain clarity before choosing their design path.

In Episode 16 of Creative Career Lab, Ashwini gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the daily work of a digital product designer through a conversation with Mahesh Patil. Mahesh shares insights into his typical day, which includes tasks like user research, wireframing, prototyping, and iterating on design solutions.

He explains the main responsibilities of a digital product designer, focusing on creating user-friendly interfaces and seamless user experiences, often through close collaboration with developers, product managers, and marketing teams. Mahesh highlights the importance of communication and teamwork in ensuring that the product aligns with user needs and business goals.

The episode also covers the tools and software commonly used by digital product designers, such as Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD. Mahesh discusses the daily challenges faced in the role, including balancing user feedback with technical constraints and staying current with design trends.

This episode offers practical insights into the dynamic and collaborative nature of digital product design, providing valuable guidance for aspiring designers.

In Episode 15 of Creative Career Lab, Ashwini and Shini Shreedharan dive into the essentials of building a standout design portfolio. Shini explains what should be included in a portfolio, focusing on a balanced mix of completed projects, process work, and personal passion projects that showcase a designer's range of skills and creativity.

She highlights the importance of showcasing a unique style, encouraging students to let their individuality shine through their work while keeping the portfolio cohesive. Shini also warns of common mistakes to avoid, such as overloading the portfolio with too many projects or lacking proper context for each piece.

The episode stresses the need to regularly update the portfolio, ensuring that it reflects the most current work and skills. Shini shares valuable tips for presenting portfolios during interviews, advising designers to be prepared to talk through their creative process and the impact of each project.

The episode offers practical, actionable insights for aspiring designers on how to create, maintain, and present a compelling portfolio that stands out in the competitive design field.

In Episode 14 of Creative Career Lab, Ashwini engages Yashawi Karthik in an insightful discussion about the art of character design in the gaming industry. Yashawi outlines the key steps in creating a compelling game character, starting from concept development to refining details that make the character stand out visually and narratively.

Yashawi emphasizes the importance of making characters relatable and engaging, ensuring they resonate with players by focusing on emotional depth, visual appeal, and backstory. He shares insights into the tools and software commonly used by character designers, including industry staples like Maya, ZBrush, and Photoshop.

Collaboration, Yashawi explains, is crucial in the character design process, as designers work closely with narrative teams, animators, and developers to ensure consistency and cohesiveness within the game world.

For aspiring character designers, Yashawi offers tips on mastering foundational skills, staying updated with industry trends, and continuously iterating on designs to push creative boundaries. This episode provides a comprehensive look into the creative and technical aspects of character design in the gaming industry.

In Episode 13, Ashwini provides valuable insights for students and parents exploring design education. She begins by outlining the essential factors to consider when selecting a design school, emphasizing the importance of research on the location, reputation, and curriculum of potential schools.

Ashwini explains the critical role of a school's reputation, not just in terms of prestige but in how it influences job placements and industry connections. She also highlights the significance of visiting the school and asking relevant questions about the curriculum, faculty, international exposure, internships, and placement opportunities.

The episode stresses the importance of alumni success stories, as they provide real-life testimonies of a school’s impact on a student’s career. Ashwini advises students to reach out to alumni via LinkedIn or directly through the school to verify the information they receive.

Ultimately, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for prospective design students, helping them make informed decisions about their education and future career paths.

In Episode 12 of Creative Career Lab, Ashwini discusses the powerful role of motion design in advertising with industry expert Mohammad Sharique. Sharique explains how motion design is used to create dynamic and engaging content in advertising campaigns, helping brands convey their messages in more visually impactful and memorable ways.

He provides examples of successful motion design in major campaigns, where animation and motion graphics have captured audience attention and enhanced storytelling. For aspiring motion designers, Sharique outlines essential skills, such as a strong foundation in animation principles, proficiency in motion design software, and an understanding of brand identity and marketing objectives.

The conversation also explores how motion design can amplify brand messaging by creating emotional connections and enhancing visual appeal. Sharique wraps up by discussing the future trends in motion design for advertising, including increased use of interactivity, 3D animation, and immersive technologies like AR and VR.

The episode offers a comprehensive overview of how motion design is shaping the advertising landscape and provides practical insights for students aiming to break into the field.

In Episode 11 of Creative Career Lab, Ashwini explores the diverse opportunities in visual communication with guest Radhika Chopra. Radhika outlines various career paths, from graphic design and branding to advertising, animation, and UI/UX design, highlighting the wide range of industries that seek visual communication professionals, including media, tech, fashion, and marketing.

Radhika emphasizes the importance of a strong portfolio in this field, noting that it serves as a visual resume showcasing a designer’s creativity and problem-solving abilities. She advises students to start building their portfolios early, incorporating diverse projects that demonstrate technical skills and creativity.

In terms of preparation, Radhika stresses the need for both technical skills—such as proficiency in design software—and soft skills, including communication and collaboration. She encourages students to stay curious and adaptable, as visual communication is a constantly evolving field.

The episode is packed with actionable insights for students aspiring to enter visual communication, helping them navigate the skills, preparation, and opportunities needed to succeed.