Why Consistency and Curiosity Drive Designer Sai Narayanan’s Work

I didn’t start out in design, though I always had a good hand in fine art since childhood. I studied Engineering, and for a while I thought that would be my path. But during my student years, I found myself spending more time on side projects — graphics, posters, illustrations — than on technical coursework. At first, it felt like a hobby, but once I started taking on freelance design gigs, I realised I was more motivated and fulfilled here than in anything else. I then got myself enrolled in a minor degree in Design. The turning point was when some of my earliest freelance projects started being seen by a wider audience. It made me realise that design wasn’t just a side interest, it could be a full-time career where I could contribute something meaningful.

After graduating, my first steps were in studios and agencies where I was just learning the ropes — logos, campaigns, fast-paced briefs. It was a grind, but it gave me discipline. Fast forward a few years, the big shift was when I started working independently with some global names. Suddenly, I had the freedom to design, the way it resonated with me, and I realised this wasn’t a grind anymore. This was it — something I could dedicate myself to fully.

What lessons from your career have most shaped your style and approach?

Two lessons stand out. The first is that consistency matters more than talent. You can have good instincts, but unless you put in the hours and refine your work, you won’t grow. The second is collaboration. Some of my best projects have been shaped not by what I did alone, but by the conversations and push-and-pull with other creatives, strategists, or even clients who challenged me to look at things differently.

Tell us about the core values or philosophies that guide your creative practice.

I try to create work that feels inevitable, like it belongs exactly where it ends up. That means balancing craft and concept, so the design isn’t just decorative but rooted in meaning. I also believe design has to bridge audiences — it should feel both accessible and aspirational, whether it’s for a fashion drop, a gaming platform, or a humanitarian fundraiser.

I also care about resonance more than relevance. Relevance fades quickly, but resonance sticks with people and builds connection over time.

What needs to change, so emerging and under-represented creative professionals have more opportunity, are seen and heard?

Access is the biggest barrier. A lot of opportunities still circulate within closed networks, which leaves out so many talented people. More open calls, mentorships, and platforms that are actually accessible across geography and background would help level the field. I’ve seen first-hand how someone with skill and vision can thrive if they’re simply given a way in.

How important is it that creative professionals find their unique voice?

It’s very important, but I think it’s often misunderstood. Finding your voice doesn’t mean doing the same style over and over. It’s about knowing what you care about, what values you bring into projects, and how you interpret problems. Style evolves over time, but your voice comes through in how you approach challenges and connect with people.

Looking ahead, what do you think are the key factors that will influence change for creative professionals?

Technology will keep shifting the tools we use, but I think the bigger factor is cultural literacy. The creatives who can navigate different cultures, communities, and contexts will always have an edge. Audiences are global now, and work has to resonate beyond its immediate environment.

Also, the expectation (more so) now is that creative professionals think strategically, not just visually. If you can understand the bigger picture like audience, impact, systems, you’ll stay relevant no matter how tools or trends change.

How much does your city influence your work?

Quite a lot. Being in India means you’re constantly surrounded by contrast — old and new, local and global, quiet and chaotic. That tension shapes the way I think about design. It’s taught me to work with limitations and still find ways to make something impactful. At the same time, it’s given me a perspective that isn’t locked into one culture, which I think helps in global collaborations.

How much does your culture influence your work?

Culture is always there in the background. Sometimes it’s direct, like drawing from Indian visual traditions or typography. Other times it’s less obvious, like the way storytelling and symbolism naturally weave into how I solve problems. Even when I’m working on something global, I think those influences subtly guide how I approach narratives and form.

Tell us some of your favourite, creative professionals and inspiring places in your city!

I’m inspired by people who push design into unexpected spaces, like Virgil Abloh did in fashion and architecture, or studios like Pentagram that move seamlessly between industries. In my city, I find inspiration in everyday places. Local markets, streets full of typography and hand-painted signs — they’re chaotic but incredibly inventive. There’s a rawness to it that often sparks ideas.

What should emerging creative professionals keep in mind as they begin their design career?

Focus on building good habits, not just a portfolio. Show up consistently, be open to feedback, and keep learning. Don’t get too hung up on comparison — everyone’s timeline looks different. And whenever you feel stuck, return to why you started. For me, it was simply the joy of making something that connects with people, and that’s still what keeps me going.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Design is such a global language now. You never know who your work might reach or resonate with. That thought keeps me motivated, and I hope it reminds emerging creatives that their voice has value far beyond what they might imagine.

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