Adland Rockstars: Arnab Biswas

This week, we catch up with Arnab Biswas who's a strategy and creative consultant (branding and interactive media) currently attached with Rediffusion YR, and a partner in 2 UKTI start ups - "Hash me", a singular identity communication platform, and a technology consultancy company called Blue Whale Innovations. 

How did you get into advertising? Also, what’s your career graph been like since?

Well, my neighbor back home was in advertising and his life sounded so much more fun than the other engineering lot. So I did a quick research on advertising and it was a perfect fit for me. I did my foundation studies in Bangalore and then moved to London for my degree in design. After a couple of months of working there, I moved back to Mumbai and landed a job at the design cell of Lowe Lintas. Later on I moved to head the creatives of the interactive wing of Lowe Lintas. Early this year, I moved from Lowe to become an consultant with Rediffusion Y&R and got involved in my start ups. 

What was your first week in advertising like? Any madness you still remember?

My first week was during an internship at SSC&B Lowe and I was taken to a dance bar for brainstorming. 

Which has been the most challenging campaign you’ve worked on (and you’re most satisfied with) till date?

Well, I was working on Tata Croma and we had to set up the retail space within 14 days along with a long list of branding and design collaterals. 14 sleepless nights, loads of coffees and we pulled it off :) Apart from that I do enjoy a lot of pitches.

What do you like about working in the digital space?    

Well I love digital. It's a very inventive communication platform where I get to explore strategy, creativity and technology. 

Which is the one international campaign you wish had your name in the credits list?    

Orange balloonacy digital campaign by Poke london and "The man" campaign of FCUK.  

Who’s the one person in advertising you’d like to meet for dinner?

Mark Zuckerberg - he isn't from advertising but he changed the way people communicate completely. 

What’s the one thing you love about your job?

Being able to work an multiple sectors. 

What’s the one thing you hate about your job?

The fact that the industry has a huge problem embracing change and being short sighted. 

Hobbies & interests?

Tennis and Sailing