AT A GLANCE
Kannan Mehta
Area of Practice:
Visual Communication Design, Design Strategy, Design Education, Human-Animal Relationships
OVERVIEW
Kannan is a design educator and practitioner with over a decade of expertise in visual communication design. As a faculty member, Kannan fosters a dynamic environment where students are encouraged to explore, play, think critically, and develop their unique creative voices.
Beyond design, Kannan has a deep interest in canine studies, particularly animal behaviour, anatomy and physiology and the human-animal bond. This passion enriches her approach to design, emphasising empathy, communication, and connection. Her work is defined by a methodical yet open-minded approach. With a commitment to both her own growth and the development of her students, Kannan is dedicated to making a positive impact in both the design and canine communities.
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EDUCATION
Srishti School of Art Design & Technology — Professional Diploma, Visual Communication Design
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Faculty at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art Design and Technology, Bengaluru (2022 – Present)
- Independent Graphic Design Professional, Bengaluru (2015 – Present)
- Visiting Faculty at Srishti School of Art Design & Technology, Bengaluru (2015/2016/2018/2021)
- Consultant, TeamIndus for Google Lunar X-Prize (Axiom Research Labs Pvt. Ltd.) Bengaluru (2015 – 2016)
- Graphic Designer, TSK Design, Bengaluru (2013 – 2014)
- Design Intern, Deutsche Telekom (Creation Center), Berlin (2011)
- Design Intern, Idiom Design & Consulting, Bengaluru (2011)
INTEREST AREAS
Kannan’s work extends beyond traditional design practice, delving into the concept of empathy particularly through the lens of canine studies, where she explores the emotional and communicative bonds between humans and animals. This curiosity informs and enriches her approach to design. Kannan is also deeply interested in the broader social and environmental impact of design, continually seeking ways to apply creative methodologies to address complex, real-world challenges.
Key words: Visual Communication, Brand Strategy, Empathy, Human-Animal Connection, Design Thinking, Social Impact, Sustainability.
CURRENT PRACTICE AT SRISHTI
Kannan facilitates units in the Visual Communication and Strategic Branding (VCSB) programme, covering areas such as Publication Design, Brand Identity Development, Brand Strategy, Visual Tools, Packaging Design, and Illustration for Communication. In the BVoc programme, she guides students through industry processes, Typography, Layout, and Print/Post-Production techniques. Within the MA in Visual Communication (MAVC) programme, she facilitates courses on Theory of Typography and Packaging Design. In the Foundation Studies Programme (FSP), Kannan has facilitated workshops to help students develop Design Thinking skills.
TEACHING PORTFOLIO
- Publication Design
- Brand Identity Design
- Brand Strategy
- Visual Tools
- Packaging Design
- Illustration for Communication
- Industry Processes
- Typography Basics
- Layout Basics
- Print and Post Production
- Theory of Typography
CREATIVE PRACTICE & OUTREACH
- Visual Communication Design
- Design Strategy
- Design Education
- Human-Animal Relationships
