Labelling New Life – From Pixels to People

Hello and welcome! I’m a Visual Designer turned Project Manager based in Ahmedabad, India. I blend over a decade of design experience with leadership in project delivery, currently managing a talented cross-functional team of designers, developers, and QA analysts.

But this isn’t just about what I do—this is about the journey that brought me here.

🌱 Humble Beginnings

Born on January 16, 1988, I was the second child of Amrish and Devyani Pandya. My early academic performance was modest, but over time, I found my rhythm and began to shine during my later school and college years.

As a 9-year-old, I watched the movie ‘Border,’ which sparked a deep fascination with the army. My father enrolled me in the Rifle Club, hoping I might join the Indian Air Force. But destiny had other plans, leading me instead into the world of design and technology.

My love for computers began early, spending time with cousins who owned computers and learning software like Photoshop 6, Macromedia Flash, CorelDRAW, and even 3ds Max. Thanks to my sister, who shared her NIFT projects with me, I began using these tools by the time I reached 12th Commerce.

🎓 The Student Who Taught

With a solid foundation in computer tools, I pursued graduation in Commerce while working as a Hardware Engineer. I assembled PCs, installed Windows 98, and also conducted private and group tuitions in design software, accounting, and Microsoft Office. I even co-trained a corporate session on Advanced Excel at Essar Steel in Surat.

After graduation, I discovered a new design course—M.Des.—at DA-IICT, a prestigious institution. But my commerce background disqualified me. They advised me to gain a 6-month certification and some experience first. Following this, I enrolled in a PGDM in Multimedia at Explorra School of Design & Technology (formerly Xplora Design Skool), where I pursued dual specializations in Web Designing and Animation—becoming the only student to complete both.

During this time, I freelanced in logo design for KrishaWeb to build experience. And more importantly, I met a girl at Explorra who later became my wife.

💼 The Freelancer Years

I enjoyed freelance life—earning and learning. I gave private computer coaching across all age groups. One of my memorable students was a 60-year-old photographer who learned Photoshop from me and later turned out to be connected to my in-laws.

But despite the joy, my journey lacked direction—a rudderless ship, as we say in Gujarati શઢ વગર નું વહાણ. I wasn’t satisfied. I declined over 24 job offers through my recruitment-guarantee institute because most opportunities were uninspiring. I failed one interview. That was my tipping point.

I wrote an email to my freelance client—KrishaWeb—expressing my wish to work seriously as a professional logo designer. My boss called me for a meeting. He said, ‘I’ll only hire you if you dedicate eight full hours daily.’ I agreed.

On September 1, 2010, I joined KrishaWeb officially as a Graphic & Web Designer—and that marked the beginning of my true career.

🚀 The Breakthrough

My initial days were filled with excitement. I worked on everything from logos and brochures to landing pages and complete websites. My breakthrough came with a ‘Squeeze Page’—a new concept then—that I nailed on my first try. From then on, I was entrusted with bigger challenges.

Soon came my first foreign client project under a ‘dedicated hiring’ model—just six months into my role. I worked evening shifts, often stretching beyond the two-hour slot due to sheer passion. That experience taught me communication, commitment, and consistency.

By 2012, I was asked to mentor a new designer. I accepted, unknowingly stepping into a leadership role. Our team grew to six by 2014, handling graphic, web, and branding work across industries.

By 2019, I had become the go-to person for several clients, managing both design and development with full accountability.

💡 The Shift to Project Management

During COVID-19, remote work intensified. I started clocking 12-hour workdays, delivering high-quality websites with my team. That phase revealed my potential to lead not just design—but complete projects.

In 2021, I reached out to our Delivery Director, Mitesh Kadvani, seeking a growth opportunity. He encouraged me to get certified as a Scrum Master. I did, and by April 2021, I was leading WordPress and Drupal teams. With mentorship from Girish Panchal, I successfully navigated both platforms.

Later in 2022, I embraced a tougher challenge—leading a custom development team. It was daunting at first, but with time and support, I grew into the role. Today, I manage a diverse team of 16 professionals—from design to QA.

🌟 Today & Tomorrow

Today, I’m a Project Manager who started as a designer—someone who still carries creative instincts into every project I lead.

I believe in continuous growth, in challenging comfort zones, and in mentoring others. I’ve trained juniors, inspired peers, and delivered complex digital solutions. Outside work, I’m a nature enthusiast with a camera in hand, a family man, and someone who dreams of owning a bunch of dogs.

The journey from pixels to leadership has been anything but ordinary. And yet, I know the best is still ahead. I’m open to whatever comes next—and excited for every surprise on the way.