Applying knowledge on science, human anatomy, and researching technical concepts around medical words, to visually communicate to a diverse audience, requires foundational skills in science and art !
Vinaya Kumar BV, our next pathbreaker, Team Lead Medical illustrator at Novo Nordisk, develops infographics, videos, scientific material, and collaborates with scientific advisors and project managers on medical communication projects.
Vinaya talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his visual design skills, combined with his post-graduate education (Physics), which have been instrumental in shaping his career in Medical Illustration.
For students, remember that becoming a skilled illustrator takes time, effort and persistence. Be patient with yourself, embrace learning opportunities, and continuously challenge yourself to grow as an artist and a professional.
Vinay, Your background?
I, Vinaya Kumar, was born in the colorful and culturally vibrant neighborhood of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. When I was 3 years old, I moved and settled in Davanagere. I grew up under the loving guidance of my parents. My father, a skilled drawing teacher (now retired) was & is my first guru, and so is my mother, a talented tailor and homemaker. I was immersed in a world of creativity from an early age.
Surrounded by art and imagination, it was no surprise that I developed a strong passion for drawing and design throughout my childhood. I enthusiastically participated in numerous drawing competitions, always securing one of the top three places with my imaginative illustrations. My artistic experiments knew no bounds as I fearlessly used toothbrushes, fingers, pieces of cotton, and various other tools to create striking and technically impressive paintings.
As the years passed, My interest in art and aesthetics grew deeper, and it laid the strong foundation for my future career as a graphic designer/medical illustrator. I did not know that this passion would lead me on an extraordinary journey, shaping my destiny and allowing my creativity to touch the lives of many.
What did you do for graduation/ post-graduation?
After completing my BSc Degree in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, I found myself torn between my passion for art and design, and the responsibilities that life had presented to me. Eager to pursue my creative dreams, I had set my sights on Bengaluru, Karnataka. However, my personal circumstances and my father’s wise guidance led me to make a difficult decision.
In 2005, I chose to extend my education for an additional two years, ensuring that my two younger sisters would complete their education by 2007 before I embarked on my journey to Bengaluru. During this time, my father recommended pursuing a post-graduation in Physics at Kuvempu University, Shivamogga, as it offered a free seat and he believed it might be beneficial for my future with a Master’s Degree under my belt.
Though my heart yearned for art and design, I embraced the opportunity to further my academic pursuits, knowing that my father’s advice would prove valuable in the long run. I did not know that this detour would shape my character, instilling patience, and determination, and that it would ultimately lead me down a path where both my passion for creativity and academic achievements would come together in a remarkable way.
What were some of the influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and uncommon career?
From a young age, I found myself captivated by the world of drawing and art. Thanks to my father’s artistic influence and support, I was exposed to a realm of creativity that ignited a fire within me. As I grew, my passion for the visual arts only intensified, and I eagerly engaged in extracurricular activities related to art.
From the tender age of 9 years until my graduation, I actively participated in various competitions, fearlessly challenging myself against fine arts students. To my delight, I emerged victorious, securing the prestigious 3rd Prize. This achievement not only brought me joy but also boosted my confidence, affirming my decision to pursue a career in the realm of creativity.
These early experiences were the building blocks of my journey toward graphic design. They played a crucial role in honing my creative abilities and molding a distinct artistic perspective that would become the hallmark of my successful career as a graphic designer. The passion that fueled me from those early days still burns bright, driving me to create captivating designs and leaving an indelible mark in the world of art and design.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path
Upon completing my post graduation, I relocated to Bengaluru with my entire family, determined to embark on a career in graphic design. In 2007, instead of idling away, I took the initiative and landed my first job as a DTP operator at a local DTP center. As a fresher, I handled graphic works like logos, banners, and presentations using CorelDraw and PowerPoint, skills I learned from a helpful friend who had already been living in Bengaluru for many years.
After four weeks, I responded to an advertisement in a Free Ads magazine and found myself in a startup advertising company. Here, I had to juggle multiple roles, serving as a graphic designer, administrator, tele-caller, and even a delivery person. This diverse experience gave me valuable insights into managing a business on my own. During this time, I honed my skills in design applications like Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, becoming proficient in creating various print materials.
At the beginning of 2008, an exciting opportunity arose, and I joined Yell Adworks India Pvt. Ltd, a multinational company. This exposure allowed me to explore the corporate world, working in a larger environment and collaborating with diverse stakeholders from different countries.
Throughout my journey, I continued to explore new and trending areas in the design field. I worked initially on Yellow Book telephone directory ads and gradually moved onto video ads, community magazines. I have always been eager to upskill myself and stay relevant in the industry. These skills helped me to explore different roles such as Creative Branding Designer where I created Flyers, brochures, office supplies and logos at Ad2Pro Media Solutions Ltd, as a Web Designer at Briskon Technologies in designing webpages using Photoshop, and for a brief period as a mobile app designer designing android mobile app interfaces using Photoshop.
In 2015, I found my current home at Novo Nordisk, initially as a Package Labeling designer to create cartons, labels and manuals for our products and later, making an internal move as a Medical Illustrator to develop scientific presentations. My design skills, combined with my post graduate education, have been instrumental in shaping my current role as a Team Lead Medical Illustrator, where I support our headquarters in Denmark by developing medical communications material.
Throughout this journey, I have held a firm belief in the importance of continuous learning. I have utilized the open-source learning platform, YouTube, as my go-to Learning Guru, helping me stay updated and improve my skills even today.
In summary, my unyielding pursuit of learning and adapting to new challenges has allowed me to thrive in the ever-evolving world of graphic design, and my post-graduate education has been an invaluable asset in shaping my successful career.
How did you get your first break?
Working at Yell Adworks India Pvt Ltd., a multinational company, marked a significant turning point in my life, as it not only provided financial stability but also allowed me to pursue my passion for art and design.
During my tenure at a startup company, we had a visit from a computer repair technician. As we engaged in conversation, he learned about my educational background and my keen interest in the creative realm. This kind-hearted technician recognized my potential and encouraged me to go the extra mile by referring me to a well-known multinational company in February 2008.
This referral turned out to be a game-changer, opening doors to new opportunities and setting me on a path where I could channel my artistic talents while maintaining a stable and fulfilling career. Yell Adworks India Pvt Ltd. became the platform where I could excel professionally and nurture my creative aspirations, a journey that continues to shape my life positively.
My other break was when I joined Novo Nordisk in Dec 2015 under their Regulatory department developing Packaging materials using Adobe InDesign skills as a temporary employee which was suggested by my wife who asked me to attend the interview. Otherwise, I would have missed this opportunity. She forced me to attend this interview to analyze my knowledge level. Luckily, I got selected.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenge 1:
After a year at Novo Nordisk, I recognized an opportunity to apply for a medical illustrator role which was totally new for me and for the Novo Nordisk as well. I had to develop scientific presentations using PowerPoint which was totally new to me. If you would notice my career, I always took up challenges to learn new skills by applying for new roles. Similarly, here also, I took the help of my Learn Guru ‘YouTube’, submitted interview case studies and got selected as the first medical illustrator in a big organization. I really thank to Dr. Prasanna Kumar T S for the trust they had in me. Within a month, I had an opportunity to support one of the global event where my presentation was well appreciated which increased my confidence.
Challenge 2:
After getting selected as a Medical Illustrator, I took this challenge as opportunity where I had to setup the processes and documents through learnings and exploring related materials inside and outside the organization to understand this role. I am proud to say, I was the first medical illustrator at that time and now we have a team of 15 medical illustrators.
Now we have a team of diverse skill sets such as PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After effects and 3D maya skills to develop various scientific materials.
Where do you work now? Tell us about your current role
I am currently working at Novo Nordisk as a Team Leader under the same department where I joined as medical illustrator. I solve team coordination issues, and project management challenges, and ensure smooth workflow and communication.
What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire the skills?
Skills needed for the job include basic knowledge on science, human body parts. analyzing/researching the concept from scientific/medical words and visualizing them to deliver to the audiences without changing the meaning out of it. These audiences would be majorly, medical advisors, health care professionals and key opinion leaders from different countries. I acquired these skills through experience, training, and continuous learning.
What’s a typical day like?
A typical day involves developing infographics, videos, scientific medical communication materials, and collaborating with scientific advisors and project managers.
What is it you love about this job?
I love the job because it is creative, I could provide my uniqueness for every job I do. I also have an opportunity to explore new skills and witness the collective effort leading to successful project outcomes.
How does your work benefit society?
My work in the Pharma industry has had a profound and positive impact on society by improving healthcare outcomes, saving lives, and contributing to global health initiatives.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
Every work I do, when my presentations are presented at global scientific events, seeing my illustration on the big screen is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that my work could aid medical practitioners in diagnosing and treating these delicate cases has brought a sense of fulfillment and purpose to my career as a Medical Illustrator. It is a reminder of the significant role I play in the medical field, contributing to the advancement of healthcare through visual communication.
Sure, Here find my Behance profile where you can see most of my works.
https://www.behance.net/vinaykumarbv
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Develop a Strong Art Foundation: Begin by honing your artistic skills through drawing, painting, and studying the fundamentals of design. A solid art foundation will form the basis of your illustrations.
Embrace Continuous Learning: The graphic design field is constantly evolving, and new discoveries are made regularly. Stay updated on the latest advancements, techniques, and technologies to ensure that your illustrations remain current and relevant.
Build a Diverse Portfolio: Showcase your versatility by including various types of graphic designs in your portfolio as per current trends.
Seek Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Connect with experienced illustrators and seek mentorship or guidance. Attend conferences, workshops, and industry events to network with professionals and learn about potential job opportunities.
Adaptability and Communication: Be prepared to adapt to different projects and stakeholder preferences. Effective communication with stakeholders is essential to ensure that your illustrations meet their specific requirements and goals.
Attention to Detail: Illustrations require precision and attention to detail. Double-check your work for accuracy to avoid any potential misinformation in your materials.
Embrace Technology: Stay up to date with digital illustration tools and software used in the industry. Embracing technology can enhance your efficiency and the quality of your work.
Pursue Internships: Gain real-world experience through internships. Practical experience will not only strengthen your skills but also help you build a professional portfolio.
Stay Passionate: Passion for both art and digital illustration is the driving force behind successful graphic designers/medical illustrators. Keep your passion alive and let it fuel your dedication to this unique and rewarding career.
Remember that becoming a skilled illustrator takes time and persistence. Be patient with yourself, embrace learning opportunities, and continuously challenge yourself to grow as an artist and a professional. With dedication and hard work, Students can carve a successful path in the world of graphic design/medical illustration.
Future Plans?
My future plans as a Medical Illustrator revolve around continuous growth, specialization, technological innovation, and contributing to the advancement of medical education and communication through visual artistry. I am committed to making a positive impact on the medical field and society through my passion for art and science.