Rajan Gaikwad

Results-driven Design Manager with 15+ years of experience shaping brand narratives and driving measurable growth through strategic visual communication across fintech, media, and digital marketing sectors. Proven expertise in leading end-to-end creative production — from performance marketing assets and CRM campaigns to financial infographics and motion graphics — that consistently convert and engage audiences at scale. Adept at building scalable Figma design systems, leading cross-functional collaborations, and translating complex financial data into visually compelling, investor-ready content.

Combines deep technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite with a modern AI-augmented design workflow to accelerate output, boost quality, and drive campaign performance across digital-first environments.

Manager – Graphic Design - Motilal Oswal Financial Services (Research 360)

(2024-02)

• Own end-to-end creative production for 5+ weekly CRM touchpoints — emailers, WhatsApp creatives, APNs, and in-app banners — serving 2M+ retail investors on the Research 360 platform.
• Design high-impact financial infographics and data visualisations that simplify equity research, market insights, and investment analytics into conversion-focused assets for retail and HNI audiences.
• Architected a scalable Figma component system and reusable asset library, reducing creative turnaround time by 40% and ensuring pixel-perfect brand consistency across all channels.
• Lead digital-first design strategy for performance marketing campaigns across email, push notification, and in-app channels — collaborating cross-functionally with product, marketing, and content teams.
• Introduced AI-assisted design workflow (Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, ChatGPT) into creative pipeline, accelerating concept generation and cutting ideation cycles by 30%.
• Tools: Figma · Adobe Photoshop · Adobe Illustrator · Premiere Pro · Animate · Midjourney · Adobe Firefly

Art Director - HT Media (OTTplay Premium · Slurrp.com · HT School)

(2022-04 - 2023-11)

• Directed creative strategy and visual identity for 3 distinct brands — OTTplay Premium, Slurrp.com, and HT School — delivering cohesive social media campaigns, print collaterals, and performance ad creatives.
• Produced animated GIFs, motion video creatives, and branded social reels, driving a measurable uplift in social engagement through compelling visual storytelling.
• Delivered high-volume infographic content, editorial creatives, and marketing assets consistently under tight daily deadlines, managing simultaneous workstreams across all three brands.

Art Director - Adlift (Digital Marketing Agency)

(2019-04 - 2022-09)

• Managed full creative output for marquee clients including TATA AIG Insurance, Autocar India, and Jigsaw Academy — developing social media ad campaigns, emailers, display banners, and digital marketing assets.
• Produced performance-optimised animated creatives, infographic series, and A/B-testable ad variations that improved click-through rates and reduced cost-per-acquisition across client campaigns.
• Ensured brand consistency across all deliverables while adapting visual language for diverse audience demographics, product verticals, and platform specifications.

Art Director - Network18 – Firstpost & News18

(2016-09 - 2019-04)

• Designed editorial UI, microsites, and branded content experiences for Firstpost and News18's digital platforms, shaping the visual identity of two of India's leading news publications.
• Created editorial illustrations, political cartoons, and data-driven infographics that made complex news stories visually accessible, earning consistent editorial acclaim.
• Developed animated video content and GIF-based social assets; contributed innovative concepts for ad sales inventory and interactive page design.

Art Director - DNA Newspaper, Mumbai - Mumbai

(2013-06 - 2016-09)

• Art directed high-impact campaigns including the award-winning Eco-Ganesha initiative and the nationally recognised Sachin Tendulkar tribute campaign — both praised for creativity and cultural resonance.
• Designed microsites, event creatives, promotional banners, and editorial illustrations for daily print and digital editions, maintaining rigorous quality under daily production pressures.

Visualizer - Rediff.com India Ltd., Mumbai - Mumbai

(2011-02 - 2013)

• Designed online banner ads, mobile UI layouts, deal page interfaces, emailers, and promotional creatives for one of India's pioneering internet platforms.
• Developed brand iconography, mascot characters, and product packaging concepts for Rediff's consumer-facing products.

UI Designer & Illustrator - Tata Interactive Systems (TIS)

(2011-09 - 2013-01)

• Delivered UI/GUI designs, custom illustrations, animations, landing pages, and interactive microsites for premium clients including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, VFS Global, and Vivanta by Taj.
• Created storyboards, animated intros, and instructional design visuals for e-learning and corporate training modules.