Ad land’s Young Guns: Vinay Kumar Sharma, Hakuhodo Percept

Vinay Kumar Sharma, Art Director with Hakuhodo Percept, started his advertising journey in 2015 with McCann Worldgroup. Since then, he has worked on several brands like Incredible India, Paytm, Yatra.com, Perfetti, Fanta, Coca-Cola, The Beer Cafe, Orient and Canon, to name a few. 

An alumnus of BHU, Varanasi, Sharma believes that true inspiration is not found in a classroom, but rather outside it. In his free time, he enjoys sketching and painting. 

What does it takes to climb up the ladder in advertising? Here’s Vinay Kumar Sharma in his own words... 

How did you get into the role you are serving?
While I was doing my Bachelor's in Applied Arts, one thing was certain, I was sure I wanted to get into advertising. After I completed my course, I was absorbed by McCann Worldgroup. 

What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table?
I have good foresight. I visualise things not the way they are, but how they should be. I perceive everything aesthetically and that, I believe, is my biggest skill that I bring to the table. 

One campaign that you have worked on that you are particularly proud of? Please take us through the making of the campaign.
The one campaign I am particularly proud of is the ‘We Don’t Screw Your Brew’ campaign for The Beer Cafe. Being one of the biggest alco-beverage chains in India, The Beer Cafe’s biggest challenge came from the microbreweries. 

The insight was simple, though microbrewed beers are fresh, one doesn’t know about the quality of water used in it. 

This is when we came up with ‘We Don’t Screw Your Brew’. That spoke specifically about the importance of water in your beer, because good water makes good beer. 

While working on the creatives how do you prepare yourself? What goes on in your mind?
I visualise every piece of work as a masterpiece. I think to myself, what will stand out? Will this grab attention? It’s only after this that I actually get down to business and begin my execution. 

Icons in advertising you look up to and how they have influenced you and your work?
Sonal Dabral, simply because what he has achieved over the years and, not to mention, his award winning work. 

What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine?

• I start my day by going through some of the work that’s happening around the world.
• Read about some of the big campaigns.
• I am very keen to learn, so I make sure I sit with my seniors at least once a day and learn something new.
• I illustrate a lot, every day I make one illustration. I just pick up my notepad and pencil and start sketching.

Do you think a career in advertising is a viable one in the long term?
Of course, it is. There’s so much to explore in this industry. 

What does it take to succeed in a career like advertising?
Hard work, motivation and courage. 

What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry?
Advertising has a lot of scope if you want to explore. It encourages you to think above and beyond your capabilities. Advertising helps you grow and teaches you things you may never learn in a classroom. 

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Probably doing some good, award winning work. 

Is there any agency/ organisation that you would like to work with in the future?
Ogilvy.