‘Be open to change; AI’s rise calls for originality and creativity’

DIMAPUR — Since childhood, Ben Ningtoutao KC had a keen eye for logos and brands; often drew football team logos and flags of countries but didn’t know what to call this interest or where it would lead to. However, at 19, while exploring study options, he opted for subjects that aligned with his desire to pursue something creative.

Ben describes his career path as one he bumped into “by accident”, as he was unaware that jobs like “graphic designer” even existed. With about 12 years of experience in the creative industry, he is now an artist, graphic designer, business owner (of OFFSITE LTD), and a pastor at Majestic Church, New Zealand. After completing his degree in Mass Media at St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, he moved to New Zealand in 2008 to study graphic design and has been working there ever since. He has built a strong network of creative professionals in New Zealand, Los Angeles, and beyond, hosting creative workshops, conferences, and gatherings designed to encourage creativity.

In an interview with Eastern Mirror, the 37-year-old graphic designer shares anecdotes from his years of experience working with clients worldwide, providing guidance to students interested in the creative field.

As there are many home-based artists in Nagaland but limited recognition of this as a full-time career, what steps would you recommend for artists to promote their work and gain recognition in the job market?

Graphic design and any work in the creative industry falls under a new and constantly evolving field. If you want to make it your career, you need to be active in posting your work, and keeping up with new development. I have noticed that we (Nagas) have lots of talent and passion, but we are not the best at posturing ourselves, presenting our work and showcasing them. 

You can only gain recognition by establishing that you can produce good work over a period of time. This field is not for the faint of heart. But it is also a very fulfilling field to be involved in. 

Another thing I would recommend doing is to learn interpersonal skills, become good at networking and work on using your personality and authenticity as a tool to make meaningful connections with people you meet. 

For students looking to start their own creative business, what initial steps can they take?

1. First of all, develop the skills. 
2. Then work for someone. Find someone who is doing well in the field you are in and learn from them! Try and get paid jobs if people are willing to pay you. If you don’t know anyone who will pay you, try and make friends with people who can and will pay you. 
3. Build a portfolio and have that ready all the time. It can be a PDF or a website or even an Instagram page. Most of the freelance work I get comes from a direct message (DM) on Instagram, or a text from a friend or an acquaintance, asking if I would be keen to be part of a project. Having my portfolio and examples of work ready to go, I can respond quickly. 
4. Have a “can-do” attitude. 
5. Finally I would add: Don’t be too quick to start your own business. Especially if you are in your teenage years or even in your 20s, focus on learning. 

Could you share your creative process for developing any creative work, so students can learn from it?

It always starts with what the client wants, not what I want to create. Most people think that creative work is about self expression – but if you want to build a career in graphic design, you have to learn that people will pay you if you serve a need they have. Listen to their needs, and get as much information as you can get from them. 

Then work on initial sketches and concepts. I prefer using pen and paper for this process as it is more freeing. Once you have a few concepts you like (and the client is happy with), I go to my computer, use Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop and begin to develop the concept into a more fleshed out idea. Once again, I take about 3-4 ideas back to the client. They may pick the final from that.

It is important to put in the time to do the work. Being clear with your client about the process and the journey it takes to get to the outcome is important. 

What practical advice would you give to students aspiring to enter the creative industry, considering the challenges they may face behind the art?

Think like a carpenter. A carpenter creates a table or a chair that will serve a purpose and not collapse when people use it. The embellishment and design is an added bonus. Designers often have it the other way round. They focus on the aesthetic value and “how it looks” and less on how it works and whether it will serve the purpose intended.

Practise a lot. Take on projects that will challenge you. Connect with people who you respect and look up to. Use social media to message other creators that you want to learn from. Don’t be embarrassed to post your work.

Aside from drawing skills, what other abilities/skills should creative artists develop to sustain and grow their careers over the years?

I would like to say that, to be a successful graphic designer, you don’t need to know how to draw. You just need to have an eye for it. You will need to learn basic computer skills or technical skills depending on the medium you want to take on. You will need to have an optimistic can-do attitude. Over the course of your career you will find yourself problem-solving and navigating unique situations and having a mindset determined to find solutions for anything paired with a hopeful attitude is key. 

How can one balance passion projects with business work, and why is it important to pursue both?

It is very important to know the difference between a passion project and “work”. Not all business work is a passion project. And not all passion projects are business work (or work that will earn you money). If you know the difference between the two and remind yourself regularly to make time for both, you will do well. It is a work in progress. There is no one rule to solve this dilemma. 

Looking back, what do you wish you had known at the start of your career that students can learn from?

I wish I had education in my high school or even college years where I was taught the possibility of careers and fields in the creative industry. I stumbled into graphic design almost by accident. At the same time I am grateful I tried many things and learned from all of my experiences in other areas.

When I was a teenager I wanted to be a full time writer and artist of graphic novels. And I wish I had the support, guidance and pathways on how to become one back then. Though I have no regrets, I am grateful now that I can help others along the way. 

What trends in the creative industry should students be aware of as they prepare for their futures?

Be open to change. The rate of change we are going through is unprecedented. We are seeing the rise of Artificial Intelligence taking over jobs. You have to be original and creative and will need to have a problem solving attitude to do well. 

What is the scope of graphic design?

The scope is endless. Every company (from small business to multinational business) needs graphic designers. There will never be an end to the job potential. But every career choice comes with risk. 

RAPID INSIGHTS

Favourite tools to work with

Procreate on iPad, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere

Books you recommend everyone read at least once

80/20 Principle by Richard Koch and Deep Work by Cal Newport

A quote that is close to your heart

Galatians 5:1

Things you miss about Northeast India

The food, the chaos of life