Senior Art Director and Visual Concept Designer with 25+ years of international agency and Canadian brand experience, specializing in integrated visual storytelling across print, digital, OOH, transit, and experiential activations. Hands-on visual thinker who translates multicultural insights into clear campaign platforms and design systems. Award-recognized leader focused on big-idea creative territories, typographic and image-making direction, and client-facing creative decks—collaborating with writers, illustrators, photographers, and production teams while mentoring creative talent and coordinating vendors through final execution.

Nandu Oturkar

Senior Art Director and Visual Concept Designer with 25+ years of international agency and Canadian brand experience, specializing in integrated visual storytelling across print, digital, OOH, transit, and experiential activations. Hands-on visual thinker who translates multicultural insights into clear campaign platforms and design systems. Award-recognized leader focused on big-idea creative territories, typographic and image-making direction, and client-facing creative decks—collaborating with writers, illustrators, photographers, and production teams while mentoring creative talent and coordinating vendors through final execution.

Available to hire

Senior Art Director and Visual Concept Designer with 25+ years of international agency and Canadian brand experience, specializing in integrated visual storytelling across print, digital, OOH, transit, and experiential activations. Hands-on visual thinker who translates multicultural insights into clear campaign platforms and design systems.

Award-recognized leader focused on big-idea creative territories, typographic and image-making direction, and client-facing creative decks—collaborating with writers, illustrators, photographers, and production teams while mentoring creative talent and coordinating vendors through final execution.

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Language

English
Fluent
Hindi
Advanced
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Senior Designer / Freelancer at PointClickCare
April 30, 2025 - July 26, 2025
Provided senior design services on a freelance basis, contributing creative expertise and design solutions to enhance brand visibility and user engagement for PointClickCare.
Senior Designer / Freelancer at PointClickCare
April 30, 2025 - July 14, 2025
Worked as a senior designer on freelance projects delivering innovative design solutions and visual storytelling for the client PointClickCare, contributing to brand visibility and engagement.
Senior Designer / Freelancer at PointClickCare
April 1, 2025 - September 10, 2025
Led design projects for various healthcare applications, improving user experience and design consistency across platforms. Collaborated closely with product managers and developers to ensure designs align with business goals and user needs.
Senior Designer / Freelancer at PointClickCare
April 1, 2025 - September 10, 2025
Worked as a Senior Designer, focusing on UX/UI projects to enhance user experiences and streamline digital interactions.
Senior Art Director / Designer at Monsoon Communications
January 1, 2025 - Present
Art directed Civic Sense, an integrated multicultural campaign focused on civic behaviour in newcomer communities through illustration, print and integrated communication. Developed visual direction and campaign assets from concept through final presentation in collaboration with senior creative leadership. Campaign work recognized with Special Jury Prize for Illustration, Silver for Print and Bronze for Integrated Campaign at the 2026 Marketing Awards.
Senior Art Director (Freelance) at Monsoon Communications
January 1, 2025 - Present
Art directed Civic Sense — an integrated multicultural campaign addressing civic behaviour in newcomer communities. Won Special Jury Prize for Illustration, Silver for Print, and Bronze for Integrated Campaign at Marketing Awards 2026. Collaborated directly with CCO Sachi Mukerji on concept development and visual direction.
Senior Art Director at Ethnicity Matters
December 31, 2024 - July 26, 2025
Led art direction efforts to deliver high-impact visual storytelling and creative projects that elevated the Ethnicity Matters brand across various media, enhancing audience engagement.
Senior Art Director at Ethnicity Matters
December 31, 2024 - July 14, 2025
Led creative direction and managed high impact projects for Ethnicity Matters, producing top-quality visual story telling and design solutions that enhanced brand presence.
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR at Ethnicity Matters, Toronto, Canada
December 31, 2024 - July 11, 2025
Led creative direction and art direction for advertising campaigns targeting multicultural markets.
Senior Designer at PointClickCare
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Designed brand-consistent digital and print marketing materials for a North American healthcare technology company. Managed independent design production across product lines and communications needs with strong emphasis on layout, typography, and brand consistency.
Senior Designer (Freelance) at PointClickCare
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Designed digital and print marketing materials for a leading North American healthcare technology company. Developed brand-consistent visual assets across multiple product lines and communication channels. Managed design production independently from concept through to final delivery.
Senior Art Director at Dreyfuss+Blackford Architecture
January 1, 2024 - September 10, 2025
Oversaw all visual output for this architectural firm, ensuring that all design aspects convey the brand’s message while being aesthetically pleasing. Managed a team of designers while maintaining high-quality standards.
Senior Art Director / Freelancer at Cineplex Inc.
December 31, 2023 - July 26, 2025
Delivered freelance senior art direction, managing creative design and storytelling projects that enhanced the brand presence of Cineplex Inc.
Senior Art Director at Barrett and Welsh Inc
December 31, 2023 - July 26, 2025
Directed creative projects and visual design initiatives to ensure brand consistency and innovative communication strategies for Barrett and Welsh Inc.
Senior Art Director / Freelancer at Cineplex Inc.
December 31, 2023 - July 14, 2025
Freelance senior art direction role, delivering innovative and creative visual solutions to enhance brand engagement for Cineplex Inc.
Senior Art Director at Barrett and Welsh Inc
December 31, 2023 - July 14, 2025
Directed senior art projects producing strategic visual creative outputs that helped elevate client narratives for Barrett and Welsh Inc.
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR / FREELANCER at Cineplex Inc., Toronto, Canada
December 31, 2023 - July 11, 2025
Responsibility for art direction and senior creative contributions to brand and experiential projects.
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR at Barrett and Welsh Inc, Toronto, Canada
December 31, 2023 - July 11, 2025
Directed and managed creative direction and production of campaigns contributing significantly to client success.
Senior Art Director at Ernst & Young
December 1, 2023 - September 10, 2025
Oversaw branding and design for major client initiatives, ensuring visual consistency and adherence to corporate identity.
Senior Art Director at Ethnicity Matters
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Led creative direction for multicultural 360° campaigns targeting South Asian, Chinese, and Black Canadian communities. Directed integrated campaigns for TD, Visa, Fido, Realtor.ca, Metrolinx, BetMGM, RCSS, Chatr, and Toronto Blue Jays. Oversaw concept development, visual direction, and production across print, digital, OOH, and experiential. Collaborated with copywriters, illustrators, photographers, and digital production teams.
SENIOR DESIGNER / FREELANCER at PointClickCare, Toronto, Canada
January 1, 2023 - Present
Freelance senior designer role contributing creative design expertise to digital and print projects.
Senior Art Director / Freelancer at Pizza Nova
December 31, 2022 - July 26, 2025
Provided freelance senior art direction services focusing on visual and creative storytelling to support Pizza Nova’s marketing campaigns.
Senior Art Director / Freelancer at Pizza Nova
December 31, 2022 - July 14, 2025
Provided senior art direction and freelance creative design solutions, contributing to brand campaigns and visual storytelling for Pizza Nova.
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR / FREELANCER at Pizza Nova, Toronto, Canada
December 31, 2022 - July 11, 2025
Freelance senior art direction delivering compelling marketing communications and advertising material.
Senior Art Director (Freelance) at Cineplex
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Art directed promotional and brand campaigns for Canada's largest entertainment company. Created visual systems across digital, in-theatre, and out-of-home advertising touchpoints.
Senior Designer / Freelancer at The Glimpse
January 1, 2022 - September 10, 2025
Engaged in freelance projects, providing creative direction and design solutions for various clients across multiple industries.
Art Director at Rogers Communications
December 1, 2021 - September 10, 2025
Created and executed designs for marketing materials, including campaigns and direct mail pieces aimed at increasing brand awareness and customer engagement.
Freelance Art Director / Designer at Cineplex / Pizza Nova
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Provided freelance art direction and graphic design for Canadian entertainment and food-service brands across promotional, in-theatre, OOH, print, digital and packaging-related communication. Maintained brand consistency while adapting layouts, visuals and messaging across seasonal and tactical formats.
Senior Art Director (Freelance) at Pizza Nova
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Led brand and promotional art direction across print, digital, and packaging. Maintained brand visual consistency across seasonal, tactical, and product campaigns.
Senior Art Director at Barrett and Welsh
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2023
Concepted and art directed multicultural campaigns for TD Bank, Simplii Financial, and Walmart Canada. Delivered campaign work across digital, social, OOH, direct mail, and print channels. Worked directly with Creative Directors and senior brand stakeholders on campaign strategy and execution.
Creative Director / Partner at Printery
December 31, 2020 - July 26, 2025
As a partner and creative director, led the creative vision and project execution for Printery, spanning diverse campaigns and delivering high-quality visual communications.
Creative Director / Partner at Printery
December 31, 2020 - July 14, 2025
Served as Creative Director and Partner overseeing creative strategy, direction, and design leadership, driving the company's creative projects in Dubai.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR / PARTNER at Printery, Dubai, UAE
December 31, 2020 - July 11, 2025
Oversaw creative direction and partnership leadership for advertising and branding projects in the UAE market.
Senior Designer at Freelance
January 1, 2020 - Present
Worked with multiple clients on graphic design projects, from branding to advertising, building a strong portfolio while managing projects and timelines effectively.
Creative Consultant at FP7, BBDO, DDB, Partnership, Y&R
December 31, 2016 - July 26, 2025
Provided creative consulting services to leading advertising agencies in Dubai, delivering innovative visual communication and design strategies to high-profile clients.
Creative Consultant at FP7, BBDO, DDB, Partnership, Y&R
December 31, 2016 - July 14, 2025
Provided consultancy services on creative projects, collaborating across various agencies to enhance campaign designs and strategy in Dubai.
CREATIVE CONSULTANT at FP7, BBDO, DDB, Partnership, Y&R, Dubai, UAE
December 31, 2016 - July 11, 2025
Provided expert creative consultancy services for major advertising campaigns across multinational agencies.
Creative Director & Partner at Printery Dubai
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020
Founded and led a full-service creative and print production studio in Dubai. Directed all creative output — brand identity, packaging, campaigns, environmental, and print production. Built and managed client relationships, creative teams, and end-to-end production workflow.
Head of Art, Associate Creative Director at TBWA\RAAD
December 31, 2010 - July 26, 2025
Led the art direction team and creative development at TBWA\RAAD in Dubai, managing multiple projects that enhanced brand storytelling and visual impact.
Head of Art, Associate Creative Director at TBWA aaad
December 31, 2010 - July 14, 2025
Led art direction teams and served as associate creative director to deliver high-profile creative projects and brand campaigns in Dubai.
HEAD OF ART, ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR at TBWA\RAAD, Dubai, UAE
December 31, 2010 - July 11, 2025
Managed art department and served as associate creative director leading high-profile advertising projects.
Creative Consultant at FP7 / BBDO / DDB / Y&R
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2016
Delivered senior art direction and creative leadership across four of the world's top international agency networks. Worked on brand campaigns for regional and global clients across diverse categories and markets.
Head of Art / Associate Creative Director at TBWA\RAAD
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2010
Led the art department for one of the Middle East's most respected and awarded creative agencies. Directed integrated campaigns for Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air India, HSBC, Nissan, Nivea, and Shangri-La Hotels. Managed, mentored, and inspired a team of designers and art directors across all campaign disciplines. Established visual standards and creative benchmarks that defined the agency's regional reputation.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts at Sir J. J. Institute of Applied Art, India
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1994
Post - Graduate Diploma at Sheridan College
August 1, 2001 - July 31, 2002
Level One – Workshop at Sheridan College
June 1, 2000 - April 30, 2001
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Sir J. J. Institute of Applied Art
June 1, 1984 - April 30, 1989
Post - Graduate Diploma at Sheridan College
August 1, 2001 - July 31, 2002
Level One – Workshop, Motion Picture Camera Assistant at Sheridan College
June 1, 2000 - April 30, 2001
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Sir J. J. Institute of Applied Art
June 1, 1984 - April 30, 1989
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Sheridan College
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2009
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Sheridan College
September 1, 2018 - June 1, 2022
Post-Graduate Diploma, Advanced Television & Film at Sheridan College
January 11, 2030 - June 8, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, India
January 11, 2030 - June 8, 2026
Post-Graduate Diploma, Advanced Television & Film at Sheridan College, Canada
January 11, 2030 - July 2, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, India
January 11, 2030 - July 2, 2026
Post-Graduate Diploma, Advanced Television & Film at Sheridan College
January 11, 2030 - August 10, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art
January 11, 2030 - August 10, 2026
Post-Graduate Diploma, Advanced Television & Film at Sheridan College
January 11, 2030 - August 10, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art
January 11, 2030 - August 10, 2026
Post-Graduate Diploma, Advanced Television & Film at Sheridan College, Canada
January 11, 2030 - August 10, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, India
January 11, 2030 - August 10, 2026
Post-Graduate Diploma, Advanced Television & Film at Sheridan College
January 11, 2030 - August 10, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, India
January 11, 2030 - August 10, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Financial Services, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Healthcare, Education, Non-Profit Organization
    GO Metrolinx Diwali Train
    Overview The Metrolinx Diwali Train Campaign was designed to celebrate the vibrant Indian festival of lights while connecting emotionally with the South Asian community in the Greater Toronto Area. The initiative aimed to position GO Transit as a welcoming and inclusive choice for both regular Indian commuters and potential new riders. Project Brief The goal was to create a culturally resonant campaign that honored the spirit of Diwali, strengthened community engagement, and encouraged more people—particularly within the Indian diaspora—to choose the GO Train for their holiday travel and everyday commute. Role As the Art Director, I led the visual development of the campaign from concept to execution. Drawing on my own Indian heritage and understanding of the cultural nuances, I crafted a look and feel that was both authentic and visually captivating. The campaign was adapted across various formats including train wraps, station signage, digital screens, and social media, ensuring cultural relevance while aligning with Metrolinx brand standards.