Keerthikeyan Dakshinamurthy

Art will always be a part of my life. As a child, I was thought to sketch and paint by my father who was an extremely talented artist as well. While I lost this passion for a long time in between, it was rediscovering my love for art that brought me to where I am today. As I started to enter the modern design world, I quickly realized that I've needed to learn new skills that complement my old ones and allow me to create what I want in any medium. That pretty much lead me to become a digital designer.

Art will always be a part of my life. As a child, I was thought to sketch and paint by my father who was an extremely talented artist as well. While I lost this passion for a long time in between, it was rediscovering my love for art that brought me to where I am today. As I started to enter the modern design world, I quickly realized that I've needed to learn new skills that complement my old ones and allow me to create what I want in any medium. That pretty much lead me to become a digital designer.

I've always enjoyed the traditional graphic design and well as sketching comics and characters on procreate. It never ceases to amaze me that I can literally create any thought or idea I have in my mind using these tools. But I equally enjoy experimenting with new technology and design tool. My latest interest lies in using TouchDesigner to create amazing interactive visuals.

I feel a "good" design is anything that can inspire emotions within its viewers. But more importantly, it needs to inspire the artist itself otherwise there's no real point to it.

My design style is pretty versatile. I've noticed that I tend it mold it constantly based on the inspiration I constantly find from the world around me.

My design process is pretty meticulous. After hours of researching and picking color pallets, I usually spend days and even weeks sometimes perfecting the design I'd be working on.

My biggest inspiration is David Carson. His rebel-like design style along with his typography is something I always try to incorporate into my designs.

Currently, the design that revolves around AR and VR really excites me. It offers a whole new world of possibilities that we haven't even scratched the surface of just yet.

I am beyond humbled and honored for this award. It was always a dream of mine and I feel blessed and proud of this achievement. I only hope to continue doing my best.

The winning entry titled "#PutAPinInIt" is an initiative to create the world’s first citizen BodyCam to help ensure evidence is always recorded in any dangerous or unexpected situation. The Cams are attached to a pin/button and can directly be accessed and controlled on the app to record the evidence and live stream it as well. The campaign is also supported by a website where users can purchase the pins and learn more about the cause. It also has OOH ads in the form of prints and social media. I chose to enter this project because this is an issue I've faced all my life as well. I just wanted to find a way to share our side of the story as well. And if through this show, I can somehow make this project a reality, I truly believe it can help make the world a much safer place.

The biggest challenge with this issue came in the form of how we'd go about disguising the cameras. We didn't decide to use the button pins until a last-minute brainstorm session that made all the difference.

If anything, it has only motivated me to work harder. But I will admit, it feels amazing to be validated by my own peers.

That's an easy one: 1. The kind of work we do 2. The amazing and creative individuals we meet and work with 3. The ability to learn something new every day

I see the industry moving to more complex and dynamic platforms for digital activations within the next 5-10 years. Consumers already feel stagnant to the usual content they see all the time. It's up to us to help it evolve.

My advice would be to always try to make sure the idea and insight you're presenting is thoroughly researched and makes the most impact in terms of who you're talking to.

Pinterest and youtube, my two teachers since day one.

I once worked for 48 hours straight on a personal project just because I lost track of time.

Both my parents continue to inspire me every day. They have always believed in me and every decision I make even though I may not believe so much in myself at the moment.

Be kind to everyone and work hard for what you believe in.

Just that I'm grateful for this opportunity and wish the best to every one of us working to build our creative future.