Meet Ankita D’Souza | Art Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ankita D’Souza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ankita, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
What makes me happy are the small, everyday moments that spark creativity and connection. As an art director, I spend a lot of time thinking, observing, and making, so there’s something magical about moments where an idea clicks, or when I get to bring a concept to life that makes someone stop, smile, or feel seen.

I’m also happiest when I’m surrounded by people who inspire me. Moving to Atlanta gave me a new community – friends who feel like home, conversations that turn into ideas, and a sense of belonging that fuels my work.

And honestly, the quieter rituals matter just as much: my morning coffee, doodling in my sketchbook, finding color palettes in everyday life, or cooking something comforting on a long day. Those little moments ground me, remind me why I create, and help me stay connected to myself.

In short, what makes me happy is the combination of creativity, good people, and small joys. They keep me curious, grateful, and excited for what I get to build next.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At my core, I’m a visual storyteller. My work sits at the intersection of design, culture, and emotion, whether it’s a campaign, an illustration, or a tiny detail in a layout, I’m always trying to spark a feeling or a moment of connection. I love creating work that’s thoughtful but still has personality… something a little witty, a little unexpected, but grounded in real human insight.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just create things to look good; I care deeply about why they exist. A lot of my work is driven by conversations – about identity, belonging, humor, sensitivity, and the tiny things people often overlook. I enjoy blending strategy with intuition, and I think that balance gives my work both clarity and soul.

I’m most excited about the projects where I can bring my whole self into the craft – campaigns that stretch the idea, visuals that feel bold and playful, and personal projects that pull from my cultural experiences growing up in India and moving to Atlanta. Those layers always find their way into what I make.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Moving countries, starting over in a new creative landscape, and proving myself in a completely different environment came with a lot of uncertainty. There were moments I felt behind, moments I felt invisible, and moments I questioned whether I belonged. What helped me push through was staying curious, staying open, and reminding myself that growth comes from the uncomfortable parts too.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t need to have everything figured out to move forward. You just need to take the next step – ask the question, try the idea, send the email, make the thing. Consistency builds confidence. And community makes everything easier.

What I want people to know about my story is simple: I create from a place of honesty and optimism. I like work that feels human – relatable, playful, meaningful. My brand, if anything, is about sparking conversations that matter, whether they’re small or big. I want my work to make people feel something, or see something differently, even for a second.

I’m proud of the journey so far, but I’m even more excited about what’s next – more ideas, more experimentation, and more opportunities to create work that feels true to who I am.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d take them through the version of Atlanta that feels like “my Atlanta” – the places I love, the ones I keep going back to, and the ones that make me feel at home here.

Day 1
We’d start simple with brunch at Cafe Intermezzo, dessert for breakfast is basically a love language. Then a slow wander through Piedmont Park to shake off the travel fatigue. In the evening, we’d grab dinner at PONCE CITY MARKET and head up to Skyline Park for views, photos, and a little nostalgia.

Day 2
We’d spend the morning at the High Museum of Art because I can never get enough of that space. After that, we’d wander over to Caribou Coffee at Colony Square for a slow coffee and some people-watching. In the evening, we’d head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for their night lights – it’s one of the prettiest, most magical ways to see the city glow.

Day 3
This would be our “walk, talk, snack, repeat” day. We’d start at Krog Street Market, then stroll along the BeltLine, stopping for murals, photos, and end at New Realm Brewing for rooftop drinks. It’s one of the best ways to feel the energy of the city.

Day 4
We’d spend the day at the Georgia Aquarium, which is one of my favorite places in Atlanta. There’s something incredibly calming about wandering through the exhibits – it always feels like stepping into another world. If we still have energy afterward, we’d wander around the nearby area for a bit before heading home.

Day 5
We’d visit some local bookstores like Charis Books & More, explore Little Five Points, vintage shop, and end up at The Vortex for burgers. Night plan: a comedy show at Dad’s Garage or live music somewhere in East Atlanta Village.

Day 6
We’d spend the afternoon at Lenox – a mix of browsing, window shopping, and accidentally finding something we “didn’t plan to buy.” In the evening, we’d head to Atlantic Station, especially if it’s all decked up for the holidays – lights, music, and that cozy festive chaos. We’d end the night with dinner at Delbar, which is one of my absolute “you have to try this” spots in Atlanta.

Day 7
On the last day, we’d keep things mellow. Maybe a quiet coffee at Brash Coffee, followed by a deep talk stroll through Inman Park, or one last loop around Atlantic Station, and then just talking until it’s time for the airport. A simple, cozy send-off.

Atlanta, for me, isn’t just about the big places. It’s the mix of art, bookstores, parks, lights, and little adventures – the kind of everyday magic that makes the city feel warm and personal. That’s the version of Atlanta I’d want my best friend to experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who’ve shaped my journey, but if I had to dedicate my shoutout to anyone, it would be my family and the small circle of friends who’ve become my anchor.

My parents have always been the quiet, steady force behind everything I do. They never pushed me into a “safe” path, they trusted me to chase the creative one, even when it didn’t make sense on paper. Their belief in me has carried me through every big move, every late-night project, and every moment of doubt.

I also owe a lot to the incredible people I met after moving to Atlanta. Grad school can be intense, especially in a new country, and I’m lucky to have found friends who turned that chaos into something fun, supportive, and inspiring. They’re the people who’ve sat through my brainstorming spirals, celebrated my wins louder than I did, and reminded me to breathe when things got overwhelming.

And finally, I have to mention the mentors and professors who treated me like more than just a student, they pushed me to experiment, to take creative risks, and to find my own voice instead of fitting into someone else’s mold.

My story isn’t a solo journey at all. It’s stitched together by the people who showed up for me – with advice, encouragement, tough love, and sometimes just a coffee and a “you’ve got this.”

Website: https://ankitadsouza.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankita-dsouza