Suzannah Mathur, Creative Lead
Analytical and logical, Suzannah is a thinking designer – one who thrives on the conceptual aspects of design. She believes that all good design stems from a strong concept and enjoys the challenge of coming up with that unique, winning idea.
After completing her undergraduate studies in Graphic Design at University of Cincinnati, Suzannah pursued her dream of becoming a designer in New York City. During a stint in New York as a graphic designer and product developer in the apparel industry, she had to examine the assembly line of which she had become a part. Facing the age-old artist’s dilemma, the choice became apparent: to create or to sell. When one of the company’s prototypes came back from the factory reeking of toxic fumes, Suzannah left to pursue solutions. She was determined to reconcile design with commerce and sustainability.
Unable to find a relevant course of study in the States, Suzannah moved to the United Kingdom to pursue a Masters in Sustainable Product Design. This experience gave her the know-how to apply the theories of sustainability across different design disciplines. Since moving to Los Angeles and founding Guftagu Creative, she has made a concerted effort to work with clients that share her concerns regarding social innovation and sustainability.
Credentials
Art Direction and Brand Development
Creative brand content, identity development, graphic design and production for advertising campaigns, marketing collateral, and new media for a variety of cause driven organizations, arts organizations, social enterprises and organizations within the corporate sector (see client list)
Graphic Design Instruction
- Instructed Fundamentals of Design and Color Theory at the Art Institute Los Angeles
- Developed course for new Sustainable Packaging Class at the Art Institute Los Angeles
Product Development
- Developed product concepts, two and three dimensional designs, point of purchase displays and packaging for product and gift set lines distributed at Target, Kmart, Walmart, Sears, Dillard’s and JC Penny
- Managed licensed product lines for both Walt Disney and Mary Engelbreit Inc.
- Merchandise Design for Los Angeles Philharmonic and City of Culver City
Education
- MSC Sustainable Product Design, Bournemouth University, United Kingdom
- BSC Graphic Design, University of Cincinnati School of Design, Architecture Art & Planning