A Graphical World | The Entrepreneurs of India Magazine Article of Ami Gandhi

Ami is a Graphic Designer and Visualizer by education and profession, having studied at MS University, Vadodara, and Academy of Art College, San Francisco.

She had her own design studio, Novel Compugraphics, and Vadodara for 8 years, where she'd create logos, collaterals, and newspaper advertisements. After that, she worked remotely, part-time, for 10 years with ed-tech start-up, Stones2Milestones, Gurgaon as a Lead- Creative, creating collaterals, children’s books, design slides for their app, FREADOM.

In 2010, she wanted to gift her daughter something memorable and significant for her 10th birthday - a photobook with her growing-up photos and mini memories. She would have loved to make a handmade scrapbook for her, but she was not a crafter. She tried to make one online, but there were limitations in designs and kits. Eventually, she made one on her own using the digital scrapbooking technique with design software she knew and from there it all started.

Gathering photos from different sources, and sending reminders for contributions can get daunting at times. But the outcome is very overwhelming. Being a photobook designer is very rewarding for her. When her clients share the photos and memories, they share the happy moments, achievements, and love for the person they are customizing the photo book for.

It’s a very happy process. There is an unsaid trust between them, that the content will not be used improperly.

These lines have been etched in her mind. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. The Road Not Taken Robert Frost

Even after 12 years of making her first photobook, the idea of a photobook designer is a very new concept in India and a very niche service. It’s a profession that requires a bit of explanation of the work she does.

Her family has supported and encouraged her to make it from a hobby into a profession.

A photo gallery can become very overwhelming. Take out time to organize your photos. Sort them into folders, and delete the ones that are duplicates. Select the best ones and make it a habit to print them. Plan to make at least one personal photobook.