Ari in a nutshell
I am an Indian American Graphic Designer who graduated from The Columbus College of Art and Design in 2007. I started my career as an Industrial Design major having earned the Dean's Scholarship at CCAD for ID. After 2 1/2 years, I switched my major to Advertising and Graphic Design. While still retaining many of the ID skill sets, I was able to expand and learn even more, branching out to areas of Fine Arts, Illustration and 3D Illustration.
Post graduation in 2007, I moved back to my hometown of Lawrence, KS where I began working for Impulse Marketing under Principle, Chuck Junge. With a small team of 2 other Graphic Designers, an Industrial Designer, and an Interior Designer, we were able to work on a variety of projects from branding, packaging, in-store displays, POP and POS kits, and trade show displays.
In 2010, I made the leap of faith and moved to Boulder, CO. In Boulder, I was able to explore a variety of aspects of life that I didn't have the opportunity to explore before such as hiking, camping, snowboarding. At least not in such a naturally gorgeous setting that begged me to play in it. During this time of exploration, I worked at a premier brewery, allowing me to know the community in which I lived.
In 2012, I restarted my design endeavors and began working with The Byrne Group helping to establish their brand in the real estate market. Moving with them from REMAX to Keller Williams, and finally to STEPS. After working at and contributing to the start up of STEPS, I began working with the Creative Group. Having worked with a variety of clients with TCG, including as a package designer with Coleman gave me the necessary skills and experience to contract with Vail Resorts Retail. That contract eventually led to my getting hired on full time, followed by a promotion to Senior Designer of Marketing for Vail Resorts Retail, the retail segment of the ski company of the same name.
I recently moved from Colorado to Seattle after 11 years to be closer to my family and have been having a great time exploring the PNW and all it has to offer from fresh seafood and the waters to the gorgeous and lush landscape.
In my free time, I like to keep up with my fine arts and illustrations, creating new projects for myself, whether painting, sculpting, or concepting something new. I also stay active by playing soccer in a rec league multiple times a week as well as coaching for a youth league. I’ve recently had the opportunity to go up to the mountains frequently to go snowboarding, and actually call myself a snowboarder. And when the occasion or weather fits, pick up my pack and go camping.