Unveiling Triumph with notdev: Insights from Innovation and Design
Hey there! Let's chat with Dev Gupta, the mastermind behind notdev – the unconventional design studio that dives into the deep end of every project, except for development! These lads and lasses draw boxes, ramble about their feelings, and meme like there's no tomorrow. Navigate through corporate giants like Toyota, Google Maps, and Twitter, they've left quite a mark.
Sharing the Secrets of Their Success
DEV: Hey, I'm Dev. You know, we're not your typical consultants. Our clients hire us when their houses are on fire, and we thrive in chaos. We dive right in without getting flustered: "Oh, last week's priority isn't important anymore? Great!" Our strategy? Start with design first. Things that make sense in a deck rarely work in application, so we focus on pixels 👾. No more arguing in the abstract – we like to show, not tell, so we can lock down the conversation with practical examples.
A Random Walk through Design
How did this all start? Well, it feels like a series of random events that somehow linked together. I went to school for finance but stumbled upon "Flash for Dummies" and landed my first job. I worked as an art director, taught college courses, and ran the design team at a startup in San Francisco. Eventually, I stumbled into opening my one-man shop, which eventually grew into notdev.
As for the team, I like to hire designers with non-traditional backgrounds because they're not afraid to tackle new challenges. My belief? Whatever the ask, I could figure it out. That's why culture at notdev matters. Our mantra? "Care without caring."
Working the notdev Way
- Work how you want: We believe in the importance of freedom. No office, no constraints – work when you want, where you want, and how you want.
- One for all, all for one: Life's complicated. Don't hide your struggles – share them with your team. Whether it's a crumbling relationship or just an off day, we've got your back.
- Be more than your work: You're not your work, you're a person. Prioritize life over work – do good work with good people and then go home.
Tips for the Road Ahead
If you're just starting your agency journey, remember this – invest in people:
- Invest in your clients: Show empathy and understanding toward your clients. Referrals from satisfied, long-term clients can be a powerful force.
- Invest in your team: Foster a culture that makes everyone feel comfortable, authentic, and emotionally supported. A happy team leads to better work.
Want more insights on how to build a successful agency? Check out Courtside, our blog for stories from the industry. Have a suggestion for a great interview or article? Drop a line at stories@our website. 😎👾💘
"Dev Gupta, the mastermind behind the unconventional design studio, notdev, shares that their success lies in their emphasis on technology, focusing on pixels and practical examples instead of abstract discussions."
"Thinking back on how he started notdev, Dev mentions that his non-traditional background, primarily in finance and art direction, helped him tackle new challenges and build a team that also values diversity and non-traditional backgrounds in design."
