A career in graphic design

By Amlan Jyoti Saikia

"The Drone Augmented Graphics for CNN-News18 election coverage is one of the most ambitious graphics I have ever worked."

Rituparna Bora is a Delhi-based graphic designer from Golaghat, Assam. He currently works at CNN-News18 and is a partner of the design collective for good measure.

Rituparna Bora discovered his talent for graphic design as a remedy to college courses, he describes as difficult and boring. He examined his career options, interests and decided to tap into his artistic interests. He enrolled in graphic designing courses in Arena Animation Academy, South Ex, New Delhi.

Graphic design had the most appeal, he says. "I was good at it. The detailed quality of graphic design suited my personality."

He believes in 'Self-employment' and asked the young generation to go for it – 'Self-employment' satisfies on many levels, allowing the dual opportunity to become an entrepreneur as well as performing work he enjoys. "I also like creating design/graphics that works for my clients," he said.

Rituparna & His Career

• How has your career unfolded?

After passing out from Arena Animation Academy with three-year course in 3D animation and VFX, I worked for a regional news channel in Assam for one year before joining CNN-IBN in 2011.

In 2014, I joined NDTV and currently working for CNN News18 in New Delhi.

• What do you enjoy most about your career?

I have the flexibility to design my own schedule, even though that sometimes means late nights. I think, what I earn is keyed to how many new people I can meet and how many long-term relationships I can develop.

"Have you ever seen a Drone landing at the News studio floor and taking the Anchor away for an India tour? We here in CNN-News18 graphics made it possible with hard work by the team and excellent guidance by Vipul Panchal sir. It is a result of continuous hard work for almost 2 months. I have designed the Drone and Sunil made the animation. More exciting graphics aired on Election Counting Day."

• Who were the biggest inspirations for your career?

Some of my mentors were inspirational from a design aspect. In terms of my career, my family is my greatest inspiration. I want to support my family financially to the best of my abilities.

• What has been your personal key to success?

I'm motivated to work when I have to work. And, of course, I work to create good and successful designs for my clients.

• What awards and/or successes have you had? How important have they been to you, personally and to your career?

Awards have never been important to me. I only care that my designs are successful for my clients and meets their needs.

• How Passion For Your Job Can Lead To Success?

Passion can only take you so far and last so long. You need to have design talent and, if you want to have your own business, you have to be motivated to build it. Passion is good, but it can run out or get you to a level where you just coast. For some people, coasting is fine; but not for me. I always want to learn more, be challenged, and do something different. After all, we only live once.

• Describe a typical day of work for you.

I commute to work (upstairs to my home). Sometimes it takes me a long time to get there (20 seconds). I check my e-mail and look at my work schedule to make sure I know what I need to accomplish. Then, I begin designing, making calls, and moving projects forward. I eat lunch, usually at home, and then go for office duty and continue to work.

Most of my communications are done via phone or e-mail. However, about once a week, I meet face-to-face with at least one of my clients. Sometimes I work in the late afternoon or evening if there is a pressing deadline.

• What are the tools of the trade that you use the most? What's your favorite gadget?

For 2D Graphics I use Photoshop and After effects, For 3D I use Autodesk 3Ds Max and Cinema4D, For digital Sculpting Zbrush. For News Graphics I use VizRt which is a very popular around the world for its versatility.

• How do you use computers? Are there special software programs for your profession? If so, what are they and what do they do?

For these types of Graphics a high end PC is essential. An updated video card, processor and around 10GB RAM in the PC makes life easy for a graphics designer in terms of saving time and handling big files.They are the standard tools of the trade and all you need.

• What are the best ways to get a job?

Through art school portfolio shows where potential employers come to see your work or, as in most professions, through connections; who you know helps you get in the door.

• Does graduating from a prestigious school make a difference in landing a good job?

Yes. It tells your potential employer what design philosophy you come from and whether you received a technical or creative education.

• What kinds of jobs are available for graduating students who specialize in your profession?

You have to start low in the pecking order as either a production artist or a junior level graphic designer.

• If someone has the talent already, should they go to school (or get professional training)?

Maybe if you learn how to use the software, have talent and a lot of motivation, you can open some doors on your own. But a formal design education degree is the best route.

• Based on what you hear in the industry, what do you think are the most respected and prestigious schools, departments or programs for your profession?

In India, National School of Design, IIT and some art colleges are best places to learn design and 3D animation. Besides these Arena Animation Academy New Delhi and MAAC provides design and animation courses.

Rituparna and Assam: FEW CREATIONS