Aarti Thamma is a New York–based Art Director with a background as multifaceted as her creative vision. She brings 5+ years of experience crafting campaigns that are insight-driven, culturally relevant, and visually sharp. Aarti’s work spans social, digital, and experiential platforms, grounded in simple ideas driven by strong human insights and relatable storytelling.
How many years have you been a judge?
1-3 years
What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?
I’m excited to judge for the Telly Awards because it’s a celebration of creative excellence across such a wide range of storytelling. The chance to see fresh, innovative work from talented creators around the world and to recognize the ideas that push visual media forward is incredibly inspiring.
What project are you most proud to have worked on?
One project I’m especially proud of is a recent logo I designed for a South Asian run club based in New York City. I drew inspiration from the vibrant visual language found on South Asian trucks, matchboxes, and other everyday design elements from across the region. Bringing those cultural references into a modern identity for a community-focused group felt meaningful, creative, and deeply personal.
What do you look for to determine excellence in video?
For me, excellence in video comes down to storytelling that feels both fresh and deeply human. I’m drawn to unique perspectives that carry an emotional hook, ideas that may be simple, but resonate powerfully because they’re honest, beautifully told, and stay with you long after you’ve watched.
What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?
In my current role, I focus on visual storytelling, shaping ideas from the earliest stages of research and ideation through to full execution. I love the process of bringing a concept to life: finding the right narrative, tone, and imagery that connect with an audience and make an idea truly resonate.
Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?
I spark creativity by paying close attention to the world around me, drawing inspiration from my surroundings, conversations, and the people I meet. I also rely heavily on research to ground ideas. And when I’m feeling stuck, I’ve learned that stepping away, taking breaks, or going for a walk can make all the difference. Space often brings clarity.
What inspired you to pursue your career path?
I was inspired to pursue this career because I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and design, how visuals, words, and ideas can come together to make people feel something.
In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?
Audiences are shifting quickly toward short-form, digital-first content while still expecting the same emotional depth and impact. This challenges creators to communicate clearly and meaningfully in less time. My advice is to stay adaptable, explore new platforms and formats, and keep your storytelling honest and human. Intentional stories will always stand out.
