Profiles
The Merchant
of Craft
The Merchant
of Craft
Arjun Rajkishore
Principal Designer
Canvs
Consistency, craft and a refusal to chase what doesn’t feel true
Consistency, craft and a refusal to chase what doesn’t feel true
Arjun started off as a freelance designer
Arjun started off as a freelance designer
// INTRODUCTION
// INTRODUCTION
In a world that romanticizes the solo hustle and burnouts disguised as breakthroughs, Arjun Rajkishore’s decade-long journey in design feels almost contrarian. Not because it lacks ambition, far from it, but because it’s built on something rarer: consistency, craft, and a refusal to chase what doesn’t feel true.
Today, Arjun is the Principal Designer at Canvs, a product design studio that’s made a name for itself by staying obsessively good at the intersection of design, tech, and business. But long before this, Arjun began his journey the way many designers dream of ending theirs, by starting his own studio right out of college.
In a world that romanticizes the solo hustle and burnouts disguised as breakthroughs, Arjun Rajkishore’s decade-long journey in design feels almost contrarian. Not because it lacks ambition, far from it, but because it’s built on something rarer: consistency, craft, and a refusal to chase what doesn’t feel true.
Today, Arjun is the Principal Designer at Canvs, a product design studio that’s made a name for itself by staying obsessively good at the intersection of design, tech, and business. But long before this, Arjun began his journey the way many designers dream of ending theirs, by starting his own studio right out of college.
// INTRODUCTION
// INTRODUCTION
Over the last ten years, he has gone on to build voice and community as the lead at Canvs
Over the last ten years, he has gone on to build voice and community as the lead at Canvs
// BEING PRINCIPAL
// BEING PRINCIPAL
// BEING PRINCIPAL
// BEING PRINCIPAL
The tightrope of
being Principal
The tightrope
of being Principal
Arjun talks about the challenges that come with being a Principal Designer, and how besides being involved with day-to-day work, being clued in to the larger industry is what gives him true insight.
Arjun talks about the challenges that come with being a Principal Designer, and how besides being involved with day-to-day work, being clued in to the larger industry is what gives him true insight.
“Being a Principal Designer means being involved in sizeable projects that are disconnected from each other while working with different teams, and being responsible for the quality of output.”
“Being a Principal Designer means being involved in sizeable projects that are disconnected from each other while working with different teams, and being responsible for the quality of output.”
“Being a Principal Designer means being involved in sizeable projects that are disconnected from each other while working with different teams, and being responsible for the quality of output.”
“Being a Principal Designer means being involved in sizeable projects that are disconnected from each other while working with different teams, and being responsible for the quality of output.”
As a part of Arjun's role, team members come to him with all manner of questions. His task, then, is to have end-to-end project oversight while simultaneously being deeply informed about what's happening in the industry.
As a part of Arjun's role, team members come to him with all manner of questions. His task, then, is to have end-to-end project oversight while simultaneously being deeply informed about what's happening in the industry.
// STARTING HIS OWN PRACTICE
// STARTING HIS OWN PRACTICE
// STARTING HIS OWN PRACTICE
// STARTING HIS OWN PRACTICE
A leap of ego, timing
and a little bit of stubbornness
A leap of ego, timing
and a little bit of stubbornness
A leap of ego, timing and a little bit of stubbornness
Arjun didn’t start his own studio out of some grand founder dream. “I wasn’t getting what I thought I was worth,” he says, recalling a ₹32,000 offer after nine interview rounds. It was just ₹7000 more than his internship pay. The math didn’t add up.
Arjun didn’t start his own studio out of some grand founder dream. “I wasn’t getting what I thought I was worth,” he says, recalling a ₹32,000 offer after nine interview rounds. It was just ₹7000 more than his internship pay. The math didn’t add up.
So he took a leap. “Right after college, risk is lowest, you’ve got no baggage. I thought, let’s try it for a year. If it works, it works.” Was it ideal? “It was an equal mix of stupidity and guts that you typically just have at that age,” he laughs. “Now, 10 years later, I’d approach the process way more smartly.”
So he took a leap. “Right after college, risk is lowest, you’ve got no baggage. I thought, let’s try it for a year. If it works, it works.” Was it ideal? “It was an equal mix of stupidity and guts that you typically just have at that age,” he laughs. “Now, 10 years later, I’d approach the process way more smartly.”
"I wasn't getting what I thought what I was worth, so I thought I'd start my own thing. If it works, it works."
"I wasn't getting what I thought what I was worth, so I thought I'd start my own thing. If it works, it works."
"I wasn't getting what I thought what I was worth, so I thought I'd start my own thing. If it works, it works."
"I wasn't getting what I thought what I was worth, so I thought I'd start my own thing. If it works, it works."
// THE ECONOMICS OF CRAFT
// THE ECONOMICS OF CRAFT
// THE ECONOMICS OF CRAFT
// THE ECONOMICS OF CRAFT
The business of
craft demands
discipline
The business
of craft demands
discipline
Arjun is deeply conscious of the economics of his craft, in a principled way. “People assume if you care about pricing, you’re a sellout. But most good designers want to make money from the craft, not in spite of it. You’ve put in the time. You’re good at what you do. That should be enough.”
However, fairness, not profit, was to drive his decisions. “I wasn't going to overcharge, but I definitely wanted to be paid fairly.” It became how he approached freelance life from day one.
Arjun is deeply conscious of the economics of his craft, in a principled way. “People assume if you care about pricing, you’re a sellout. But most good designers want to make money from the craft, not in spite of it. You’ve put in the time. You’re good at what you do. That should be enough.”
However, fairness, not profit, was to drive his decisions. “I wasn't going to overcharge, but I definitely wanted to be paid fairly.” It became how he approached freelance life from day one.
Over the next few years, Arjun would take on everything from app design and web products to visual identity work. For a young designer on his own, one would think he was doing this out of necessity, but he was choosing projects with intention.
Over the next few years, Arjun would take on everything from app design and web products to visual identity work. For a young designer on his own, one would think he was doing this out of necessity, but he was choosing projects with intention.
Right from then, his sensibilities leaned toward creating long-term value. Many of his clients would go on to be multi-year retainers. “Luck,” he says, “is what gets you in the door. Skill is what keeps you there.”
Right from then, his sensibilities leaned toward creating long-term value. Many of his clients would go on to be multi-year retainers. “Luck,” he says, “is what gets you in the door. Skill is what keeps you there.”
He treated freelancing with the same discipline as a full-time job. “I needed that monthly invoice, so I treated it like a job, just on my own terms.” And so, he set fixed hours, starting 8 AM, a rhythm learned from growing up in a house of schoolteachers and architects.
Eventually, he realized his own efficiency. “I started thinking, if I can do this in four hours and get paid this much… I still have another four hours technically. Can I double that?”
He treated freelancing with the same discipline as a full-time job. “I needed that monthly invoice, so I treated it like a job, just on my own terms.” And so, he set fixed hours, starting 8 AM, a rhythm learned from growing up in a house of schoolteachers and architects.
Eventually, he realized his own efficiency. “I started thinking, if I can do this in four hours and get paid this much… I still have another four hours technically. Can I double that?”
“People assume if you care about pricing, you’re a sellout. But most good designers want to make money from the craft, not in spite of it. You’ve put in the time. You’re good at what you do. That should be enough.”
“People assume if you care about pricing, you’re a sellout. But most good designers want to make money from the craft, not in spite of it. You’ve put in the time. You’re good at what you do. That should be enough.”
“People assume if you care about pricing, you’re a sellout. But most good designers want to make money from the craft, not in spite of it. You’ve put in the time. You’re good at what you do. That should be enough.”
“People assume if you care about pricing, you’re a sellout. But most good designers want to make money from the craft, not in spite of it. You’ve put in the time. You’re good at what you do. That should be enough.”
// GOING BEYOND THE BRIEF
// GOING BEYOND THE BRIEF
// GOING BEYOND THE BRIEF
// GOING BEYOND THE BRIEF
Design as a job demands more
Design as a job
demands more
Like many independents, Arjun quickly learned that designing is often one part of what you do. “You have to become your own accountant, client servicing person, biz dev. You have to network, go to events... It's a lot.” But it didn’t feel like a burden, because the work was deeply enjoyable. “If you genuinely like what you do, you don’t realise how much of it you’re doing.”
Like many independents, Arjun quickly learned that designing is often one part of what you do. “You have to become your own accountant, client servicing person, biz dev. You have to network, go to events... It's a lot.” But it didn’t feel like a burden, because the work was deeply enjoyable. “If you genuinely like what you do, you don’t realise how much of it you’re doing.”
Arjun believes in consistently seeing
work from across different disciplines.
Arjun believes designers should see work from different disciplines.
One of his first few projects involved designing Marathi posters for a Pune-based builder. “I didn’t know the language well,” he recalls. “But I’ll always figure it out: how placement should look, how the hierarchy of information should look like even in a language I don't understand.” That instinct, to figure things out, no matter the skill gap or the subject matter, is still what sets him apart.
One of his first few projects involved designing Marathi posters for a Pune-based builder. “I didn’t know the language well,” he recalls. “But I’ll always figure it out: how placement should look, how the hierarchy of information should look like even in a language I don't understand.” That instinct, to figure things out, no matter the skill gap or the subject matter, is still what sets him apart.
// 2017 - CANVS - THE START OF A DECADE
// 2017 - CANVS - THE START OF A DECADE
// 2017 - CANVS - THE START OF A DECADE
// 2017 - CANVS - THE START OF A DECADE
Over time, Arjun's relationship with Canvs became more symbiotic.
Over time, Arjun's relationship with Canvs became more symbiotic.
A chance encounter to a decade-long association
A chance encounter
to a decade-long association
Arjun’s journey with Canvs began in 2017 with a comment on a Facebook post. He was on vacation in Chennai, scrolling in the backseat of a car, when he came across a post by Debprotim Roy (Founder, Canvs) in a design group.
“I wasn’t even looking for work,” he says. “I’ve never actively reached out for anything as an independent.” But something about the tone of the post, and the profiles of Debprotim and Premankan (CDO, Canvs), felt worth exploring. He commented. Half an hour later, while still on the same grocery run, he got a reply.
Arjun’s journey with Canvs began in 2017 with a comment on a Facebook post. He was on vacation in Chennai, scrolling in the backseat of a car, when he came across a post by Debprotim Roy (Founder, Canvs) in a design group.
“I wasn’t even looking for work,” he says. “I’ve never actively reached out for anything as an independent.” But something about the tone of the post, and the profiles of Debprotim and Premankan (CDO, Canvs), felt worth exploring. He commented. Half an hour later, while still on the same grocery run, he got a reply.
“In those days, we were both trying to prove something. He never said no to more work, and we never held back. A lot of our work was his, and a lot of his work came from us.”
Debprotim Roy, Founder - Canvs
“In those days, we were both trying to prove something. He never said no to more work, and we never held back. A lot of our work was his, and a lot of his work came from us.”
Debprotim Roy, Founder - Canvs
“In those days, we were both trying to prove something. He never said no to more work, and we never held back. A lot of our work was his, and a lot of his work came from us.”
Debprotim Roy, Founder - Canvs
“In those days, we were both trying to prove something. He never said no to more work, and we never held back. A lot of our work was his, and a lot of his work came from us.”
Debprotim Roy, Founder - Canvs
Premankan & Debprotim's take
Premankan & Debprotim's take
From Canvs's side, the impression was instant. “I told Premankan, ‘This is the only person worth talking to,’” says Debprotim. “Arjun’s Dribbble had visual design, a bit of product, and he was clearly someone who understood how apps work. If he’s this good, what’s he doing here?” That comment turned into a call, then a client project. Arjun was soon at the Canvs office in Powai, signing an NDA.
Canvs was still in its scrappy years, often working late into the night. Arjun, meanwhile, was trying to build a sustainable practice. “We were both trying to prove something,” Debprotim says. “He never said no to more work, and we never held back. A lot of our work was his, and a lot of his work came from us.”
What started as a freelance project turned into something longer, deeper, and far more symbiotic.
From Canvs's side, the impression was instant. “I told Premankan, ‘This is the only person worth talking to,’” says Debprotim. “Arjun’s Dribbble had visual design, a bit of product, and he was clearly someone who understood how apps work. If he’s this good, what’s he doing here?” That comment turned into a call, then a client project. Arjun was soon at the Canvs office in Powai, signing an NDA.
Canvs was still in its scrappy years, often working late into the night. Arjun, meanwhile, was trying to build a sustainable practice. “We were both trying to prove something,” Debprotim says. “He never said no to more work, and we never held back. A lot of our work was his, and a lot of his work came from us.”
What started as a freelance project turned into something longer, deeper, and far more symbiotic.
// A BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION
// A BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION
// A BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION
// A BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION
Working together just made sense
Working together just made sense
Something
about the fit
Something about the fit
For Arjun, good work has been a two-way street. If a client trusted him after their due diligence, he would also evaluate them just as keenly. “Part of my client choosing and retaining process was like a two-way interview. I have to see if you fit with me as well before it works.”
For Arjun, good work has been a two-way street. If a client trusted him after their due diligence, he would also evaluate them just as keenly. “Part of my client choosing and retaining process was like a two-way interview. I have to see if you fit with me as well before it works.”
"From the start, this stint with Canvs felt different. Something about the working style felt unusually easy. "They were very chill and respectful, letting me decide my own timelines. I'd never had that before."
And most importantly: “The reviews were direct and constructive, and not ‘make the logo bigger.’ I like working with decisive people.”
All of this added up, deepening the relationship in a natural way.
"From the start, this stint with Canvs felt different. Something about the working style felt unusually easy. "They were very chill and respectful, letting me decide my own timelines. I'd never had that before."
And most importantly: “The reviews were direct and constructive, and not ‘make the logo bigger.’ I like working with decisive people.”
All of this added up, deepening the relationship in a natural way.
Becoming more than a vendor
Becoming more than
a vendor
Becoming more
than a vendor
There was a phase when Arjun and Canvs didn’t work together. But when they came back to each other, something had shifted. The studio had begun to mature, doubling down on design and evolving its internal structure. Debprotim reached out with a different ask: "let's do a retainer instead of this project thing."
There was a phase when Arjun and Canvs didn’t work together. But when they came back to each other, something had shifted. The studio had begun to mature, doubling down on design and evolving its internal structure. Debprotim reached out with a different ask: "let's do a retainer instead of this project thing."
It was a turning point, "and my preferred means of working anyway," says Arjun. "The nature of the work was more evolved, there were more processes in place, and clear designer-design manager demarcations. Everyone seemed more settled into their roles.”
It was a turning point, "and my preferred means of working anyway," says Arjun. "The nature of the work was more evolved, there were more processes in place, and clear designer-design manager demarcations. Everyone seemed more settled into their roles.”
The association took on a more permanent form with a retainer.
"The nature of the work was more evolved with more processes in place, everyone seemed more settled into their roles," says Arjun of the time he was retained by Canvs.
"The nature of the work was more evolved with more processes in place, everyone seemed more settled into their roles," says Arjun of the time he was retained by Canvs.
"The nature of the work was more evolved with more processes in place, everyone seemed more settled into their roles," says Arjun of the time he was retained by Canvs.
"The nature of the work was more evolved with more processes in place, everyone seemed more settled into their roles," says Arjun of the time he was retained by Canvs.
Watch Arjun speak about:
Watch Arjun speak about:
true problem-solving
“As designers, we don’t need to say we solve problems; it’s the bare minimum. Instead, we need to learn from the problems we and other teams have solved.
I tell younger product designers: you can’t use apps like users do. You have to study patterns enough for them to become second nature.”
"As designers, solving problems is the bare minimum. The real value is in learning from what's been solved, by us or by others. If you're a young product designer, you can't use apps like users do. You have to study them until patterns become second nature."
One of Arjun's pet peeves is product designers calling themselves problem-solvers, since is a function of the job itself. He feels a better approach is to learn from previous solutions, and condition yourself to look every product under the hood.
One of Arjun's pet peeves is product designers calling themselves problem-solvers as is a function of the job itself. A better approach would be to learn from previous solutions, and look every product under the hood.
DESIGN MANAGEMENT AT CANVS
“Canvs has always had DMs. It lets designers focus on what we’re best at with clear, timely input that keeps output high. And because our DMs are designers too, they translate things well.
But we also have to articulate our intent clearly so DMs can represent it right. That’s what makes it work.”
“Canvs has always had DMs. It lets designers focus on what we’re best at with clear, timely inputs. And since our DMs are designers too, they translate things well.
But what makes it work is sharing our intent clearly, so they can represent it right.”
Design is multifaceted, with its mix of business, craft and relationships to uphold. Arjun points out how Canvs has always had design management baked in, and how having designers as design managers makes all the difference.
NURTURING long-term associations
“One of the most important things you’ll build is an interpersonal relationship with clients.You have to be someone they can rely on. You can’t walk in thinking your solution is the only one.
You have to understand their business realities and know that not every fight is worth having. There’s no good design without compromise."
Building a long-sustaining client relationship takes time, effort, understanding, and being open to feedback - something Arjun strongly believes more designers should develop as a skill.
“Canvs seemed like a natural next step - a place where I wouldn’t feel like an outsider.”
“Canvs seemed like a natural next step - a place where I wouldn’t feel like an outsider.”
“Canvs seemed like a natural next step - a place where I wouldn’t feel like an outsider.”
“Canvs seemed like a natural next step - a place where I wouldn’t feel like an outsider.”
From running a studio to joining one
From running a
studio to joining one
Arjun didn’t formally join Canvs until much later, but the commitment began long before the title. “Work was great. My own company was doing well. Canvs was a big part of that, being consistent and long-term.
But post-2020, something shifted. Canvs was growing fast with more designers, animators, and managers. The energy was different, and Arjun, already deeply involved, started feeling the pull. “It seemed like a natural next step… a place where I wouldn’t feel like an outsider.”
Arjun didn’t formally join Canvs until much later, but the commitment began long before the title. “Work was great. My own company was doing well. Canvs was a big part of that, being consistent and long-term.
But post-2020, something shifted. Canvs was growing fast with more designers, animators, and managers. The energy was different, and Arjun, already deeply involved, started feeling the pull.
Arjun stepped in to Canvs to build something long-term
There was also the question of visibility. “I was doing 95% of the design work going out from Canvs,” he says. But as a contractor, there were limits - to access, to influence, to shaping how design and talent evolved.
Coming onboard formally meant stepping into the right inflection point where he could make a difference as an experienced designer. “You want to help build something. But why would the larger team trust a contractor with that?”
“You find the kind of people you want to work with. And then you just do the work,” says Debprotim. Sure enough, by 2020-21, Arjun was officially spearheading design at Canvs.
There was also the question of visibility. “I was doing 95% of the design work going out from Canvs,” he says. But as a contractor, there were limits - to access, to influence, to shaping how design and talent evolved.
Coming onboard formally meant stepping into the right inflection point where he could make a difference as an experienced designer. “You want to help build something. But why would the larger team trust a contractor with that?”
He has influenced the studio's design voice for a decade
Arjun stepped in to build something long-term
"I'd not tell junior designers to find a work-life balance. Just doing your job won't make you better. You have to put in the reps outside of that."
"I'd not tell junior designers to find a work-life balance. Just doing your job won't make you better. You have to put in the reps outside of that."
"I'd not tell junior designers to find a work-life balance. Just doing your job won't make you better. You have to put in the reps outside of that."
"I'd not tell junior designers to find a work-life balance. Just doing your job won't make you better. You have to put in the reps outside of that."
A Principal
who is hands-on
A Principal
who is hands-on
Arjun’s operational load involves setting processes, systems and documentation to make sure Canvs runs like “a well-oiled machine.” Despite this, Arjun hasn’t let go of the craft. “I don’t see a difference between a mundane task like populating a design system with 250 components, and making a new screen for an entirely new feature. Both are interesting design tasks to me.”
“You find the kind of people you want to work with. And then you just do the work,” says Debprotim. Sure enough, by 2020-21, Arjun was officially spearheading design at Canvs.
Arjun’s operational load involves setting processes, systems and documentation to make sure Canvs runs like “a well-oiled machine.” Despite this, Arjun hasn’t let go of the craft. “I don’t see a difference between a mundane task like populating a design system with 250 components, and making a new screen for an entirely new feature. Both are interesting design tasks to me.”
Staying close to the work is less about control, and more about being continually hands-on. “If I step away and come back three weeks later questioning decisions, it undermines the team. I have to be in on it from the start.”
He’s also clear about design being the thing that still anchors him. “If I stop doing the work and just get promoted a couple more times, I’d genuinely wonder what I’m doing here.”
Staying close to the work is less about control, and more about being continually hands-on. “If I step away and come back three weeks later questioning decisions, it undermines the team. I have to be in on it from the start.”
He’s also clear about design being the thing that still anchors him. “If I stop doing the work and just get promoted a couple more times, I’d genuinely wonder what I’m doing here.”
// HIGH-TOUCH WITH THE WORK
// HIGH-TOUCH WITH THE WORK
// HIGH-TOUCH WITH THE WORK
// HIGH-TOUCH WITH THE WORK
Keeping a process-oriented system running is tough
"We know how to do great design. We know how craft can be mastered and how to get a really, really, good output. What we don’t know is how to run like an agency, and that's what sets us apart. It is what keeps us a true design studio."
"We know how to do great design. We know how craft can be mastered and how to get a really, really, good output. What we don’t know is how to run like an agency, and that's what sets us apart. It is what keeps us a true design studio."
"We know how to do great design. We know how craft can be mastered and how to get a really, really, good output. What we don’t know is how to run like an agency, and that's what sets us apart. It is what keeps us a true design studio."
"We know how to do great design. We know how craft can be mastered and how to get a really, really, good output. What we don’t know is how to run like an agency, and that's what sets us apart. It is what keeps us a true design studio."
Staying close to the team is a big part of Arjun's process
Creativity beyond
everyday tasks
Creativity beyond
everyday tasks
// AFTER WORK HOURS
// AFTER WORK HOURS
// AFTER WORK HOURS
// AFTER WORK HOURS
For Arjun, the work of staying creative isn’t confined to designing; it comes from getting far away from all of it. “If I want to stay creative with this,” he says, “I need to do other things.” Long-distance cycling, cooking, even 3D printing, these are more than just hobbies for him. They’re what help him process, reset, and think differently.
For Arjun, the work of staying creative isn’t confined to designing; it comes from getting far away from all of it. “If I want to stay creative with this,” he says, “I need to do other things.” Long-distance cycling, cooking, even 3D printing, these are more than just hobbies for him. They’re what help him process, reset, and think differently.
He’s quick to point out that this isn’t about being productive outside work. “Forget anything creative. Do something non-creative. Just do something. I channel all that extra anxiety into these things, without them, I won’t survive.” For him, creative energy is deeply tied to lived experience. “You can’t just keep doing app screens for two years and wonder why you're not progressing.”
He’s quick to point out that this isn’t about being productive outside work. “Forget anything creative. Do something non-creative. Just do something. I channel all that extra anxiety into these things, without them, I won’t survive.” For him, creative energy is deeply tied to lived experience. “You can’t just keep doing app screens for two years and wonder why you're not progressing.”
“While I’m going on a 130km ride for five hours, I physically can’t take my phone out. It’s just me trying not to get killed by traffic,” he laughs. “I'm also bound to hit some pain points, but once I’m back, recovered, eaten some food… then the ideas start." For instance, once he faced an issue on the ride and it got him thinking, "What if I had a map that showed me clean bathrooms, rated by other cyclists?” The act of stepping away often becomes the spark: “You’ll start seeing inspiration everywhere.”
“While I’m going on a 130km ride for five hours, I physically can’t take my phone out. It’s just me trying not to get killed by traffic,” he laughs. “I'm also bound to hit some pain points, but once I’m back, recovered, eaten some food… then the ideas start." For instance, once he faced an issue on the ride and it got him thinking, "What if I had a map that showed me clean bathrooms, rated by other cyclists?” The act of stepping away often becomes the spark: “You’ll start seeing inspiration everywhere.”
Generalists and AI in
the future of design
Generalists and AI in
the future of design
From heavy PS files to collaborative, code-friendly tools that let you ship entire products, Arjun has seen the shift. “What took months now takes hours. You don't need an After Effects course just to animate a button.”
From heavy PS files to code-friendly tools that let you ship entire products, Arjun has seen design shift. “What took months now takes hours. You don't need a course just to animate a button.”
“AI is trying to make tools that don’t need you to drive. If you’re not ahead of that, you’ll get left behind.”
“AI is making tools that don’t need you to drive. If you’re not ahead of that, you’ll get left behind.”
“AI is trying to make tools that don’t need you to drive. If you’re not ahead of that, you’ll get left behind.”
“AI is trying to make tools that don’t need you to drive. If you’re not ahead of that, you’ll get left behind.”
Beyond designing great-looking screens, one should be able to ship it all as well. "Everyone throws around the word "generalist,'" Arjun says, but it’s less about doing it all, and more about having the curiosity to understand how things connect.
Beyond designing great-looking screens, one should be able to ship it all too. "Everyone throws around the word "generalist,'" Arjun says, but it’s less about doing it all, and more about having the curiosity to understand how things connect.
“Sure, specialize, but also be knowledgeable enough to get around. That’s the kind of designer I want to work with.”
“Sure, specialize, but also be knowledgeable enough to get around. That’s the kind of designer I want to work with.”
Noise, substance, and the importance of community
Noise, substance
and the importance of community
One of the traps for designers today, according to Arjun, is the allure of aspirational shortcuts like NFTs and social media fame. People end up being wowed by MRR tweets and influencer aesthetics.
One of the traps for designers today, according to Arjun, is the allure of aspirational shortcuts like NFTs and social media fame. People end up being wowed by MRR tweets and influencer aesthetics.
“You’re either building skill or chasing a gold rush.”
“You’re either building skill or chasing a gold rush.”
“You’re either building skill or chasing a gold rush.”
“You’re either building skill or chasing a gold rush.”
Arjun's not interested in chasing virality. But he does care deeply about what gets rewarded in this ecosystem, and wants to be part of building something better.
Arjun's not interested in chasing virality. But he does care deeply about what gets rewarded in this ecosystem, and wants to be part of building something better.
For instance, in India, there’s still a lack of community that truly raises the bar together. “Abroad, when designers are loud, they’re usually also good. Here, being loud gets you attention, but doesn’t guarantee substance. We need better spaces, conversations, and standards.”
For instance, in India, there’s still a lack of community that truly raises the bar together. “Abroad, when designers are loud, they’re usually also good. Here, being loud gets you attention, but doesn’t guarantee substance. We need better spaces, conversations, and standards.”
The studio in his image
The studio in his image
There are people who design for a living. And then there are people like Arjun, who’ve built a life around design. It’s tempting to frame Arjun’s trajectory as a moral win: the passionate creative who resists noise and stays true to the work. But that would be only half the story.
There are people who design for a living. And then there are people like Arjun, who’ve built a life around design. It’s tempting to frame Arjun’s trajectory as a moral win: the passionate creative who resists noise and stays true to the work. But that would be only half the story.
“People who stay at a place long enough tend to shape it in their image. That’s literally true of Arjun. He’s helped shape the studio’s taste, aesthetic, its process, how the studio operates, and even its people.”
Debprotim Roy, Founder - Canvs
“People who stay at a place long enough tend to shape it in their image. That’s literally true of Arjun. He’s helped shape the studio’s taste, aesthetic, its process, how the studio operates, and even its people.”
Debprotim Roy, Founder - Canvs
“People who stay at a place long enough tend to shape it in their image. That’s literally true of Arjun. He’s helped shape the studio’s taste, aesthetic, its process, how the studio operates, and even its people.”
Debprotim Roy, Founder - Canvs
“People who stay at a place long enough tend to shape it in their image. That’s literally true of Arjun. He’s helped shape the studio’s taste, aesthetic, its process, how the studio operates, and even its people.”
Debprotim Roy, Founder - Canvs
”That kind of influence doesn’t come from a title. It comes from presence,” continues Debprotim. And yet, Arjun doesn’t overstate his own success. He sees it as a long game, still unfolding.
”That kind of influence doesn’t come from a title. It comes from presence,” continues Debprotim. And yet, Arjun doesn’t overstate his own success. He sees it as a long game, still unfolding.
“After 10 years, I still feel like this is the beginning of my career. There’s so much to learn, so much changing around us.”
“After 10 years, I still feel like this is the beginning of my career. There’s so much to learn, so much changing around us.”