The Alternate Path

If he could he would only design main titles! Till then, award-winning art director and designer Harshit Desai is making a clear mark in the world of motion design.

- Harshit Desai

What does it take to become a successful art director?

HD: I don’t think there is a set path for becoming a successful art director. I believe the basic qualities of hard work, perseverance and impeccable work ethic take you a long way. It also helps to have interest and knowledge in a number of non-design subjects. Whatever it is, you should delve into it fully - philosophy, music, cooking, murder-mysteries, nature, politics, travel. You never know when that knowledge would come into use. But in a more tangible sense I would say it is being exposed to good work. If you reference and follow great designers, films, studios, etc. it will subconsciously raise your own benchmarks and permeate into your own work. I see it as being in good company.

For me personally, a successful art director would be someone who has the liberty to choose the projects he or she wishes to work on. Every creative once in a while encounters tasks which are not of their interest or style. As a professional you try to make the most of it, look at the positives and accomplish them. But to truly have a choice - the capability, leverage and even affordability to say no to a project that doesn’t pique your curiosity is somewhat of a success in itself.

What it is about motion design that draws you?

HD: For me, motion design blends graphic design and alternative storytelling, two subjects I am very passionate about. But more so it is the joy of creation and being able to evoke a feeling in your audience. Giving vision to an idea and having someone watch and appreciate it is a great feeling. You are literally able to show your thoughts to someone. It turns something that is very abstract into a tangible act. I truly believe that is something worth pursuing.

How did it all begin?