Sujata Keshavan

Sujata Keshavan (Born 1961) is an Indian graphic designer and entrepreneur best known for her work in corporate identity design and fashion. She is the co-founder of Ray+Keshavan, a brand design firm, and Varana, a luxury fashion brand.

Keshavan was raised by artistic and offbeat parents who instilled in her a deep appreciation for creativity and design. Her mother, Shanta Keshavan, was a painter, writer, and avid reader who experimented with various art forms like batik. This artistic upbringing shaped Keshavan's path towards design.

Keshavan graduated from the National Institute of Design in 1984 and later pursued a Master of Fine Arts in graphic design from the School of Art at Yale University in 1987. At Yale, she studied under renowned designers like Paul Rand, Bradbury Thompson, and Armin Hofmann, who further honed her skills and influenced her design philosophy.

In 1989, Keshavan co-founded Ray+Keshavan, one of India's first design firms, at a time when the country was not yet ready to support women entrepreneurs. Despite the challenges, Keshavan and her team set out to create a new market for design services in India.

One of Ray+Keshavan's early projects was commissioned by a contemporary art gallery, which drew immediate attention for its cerebral and innovative design approach. As the firm grew, Keshavan focused on strategic design, immersing herself and her team in every aspect of the client's business before proposing a particular narrative and aesthetic.

Under her leadership, Ray+Keshavan has worked with various large corporations like Himalaya Wellness, Canara Bank, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, CEAT Tyres, Bank of Baroda, Airtel, Hindustan Lever, Infosys, Vistara Airlines, among many others. Keshavan's ability to bridge Indian culture with Western design sensibilities made her a valuable asset for companies looking to explore foreign markets. In 2006, Ray + Keshavan was acquired by WPP Group Plc where Sujata continues as managing director and executive creative director till 2014.

In 2015, Keshavan co-founded Varana, a luxury fashion brand that combines Indian craft techniques with contemporary design. The brand aims to showcase the rich heritage of Indian textiles and craftsmanship to an international audience.

Varana's designs employ traditional techniques like hand-weaving, hand-embroidery, and natural dyeing, while maintaining a modern aesthetic. Keshavan's vision for the brand is to create timeless pieces that celebrate the beauty of Indian craftsmanship and appeal to a global market.

Over the years, Sujata Keshavan has received numerous accolades for her contributions to design. She has been recognized both in India and internationally, not just for her design work but also for her role as a thought leader in the industry. Through Ray+Keshavan and Varana, Keshavan has showcased the power of design to bridge cultures and create timeless, meaningful experiences. Her work continues to inspire and influence the next generation of designers in India and beyond.

Visual Identities designed by Ray+Keshavan :