CREATIVE DIRECTOR, S&P CAPITAL Q, NEW YORK NY
As a young girl, Shani Sandy wanted to be a fine artist. She went on to pursue studies at The Museum School and Tufts University earning a BFA in Studio Art & Computer Art and a BA in Art History. It was during this time that she found promise at the intersection of art and commerce in graphic design. Her stint as a Creative Intern at Young & Rubicam fostered a passion for the design and creative discipline. Today, Shani is the Creative Director at S&P Capital IQ, a financial data and technology firm. In this role, she heads branding, graphic design, and interaction design for the business’s global marketing and communication activities. Throughout her tenure, Shani has had the opportunity to transform the company’s identity. She believes in leading by design and has developed an inhouse capability and team focused on creative excellence. Shani attributes her success to her ability to motivate team members to be leaders themselves. She embraces a design process that encourages collaboration and sparks creativity. Shani is currently on the Board of Directors of InSource, the place for inhouse design directors and managers in pursuit of design and design management excellence. She is also currently pursuing an MBA at the Berlin School of Creative Leadership.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Ultimately, you are a practitioner. Your craft should be your one number focus and you should always strive for excellence throughout your career. When you are committed, you find opportunity in the most unexpected places. Be brave and start now.
HOW DOES WHERE YOU WERE BORN, GREW UP OR LIVE NOW EFFECT YOUR DESIGN SENSIBILITY OR STYLE?
I was born in NYC. Surrounded by bold contrasts, limitless combinations, and family and friends from every corner of the world. Always embracing differences in cultures and experiences, I thrive on harmonizing unlikely elements. My style is ever-evolving as I am in constant pursuit of diverse and divergent ideas.
FAVORITE COLOR?
Blue Topaz
FAVORITE TYPEFACE?
House Industries’ Chalet
FAVORITE APP?
Spotify
FAVORITE WEBSITES?
magazine.good.is, brainpickings.org, psfk.com
FAVORITE TV SHOW?
Twilight Zone, the original series
FAVORITE BOOKS?
The Power of Now
FAVORITE MOVIES?
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
FAVORITE MUSICIANS OR BANDS?
Love music and always have a heavy rotation. The Roots are in my top 5 this week.
FAVORITE FINE ARTISTS?
Basquiat, LeRoy Clarke, Dali, Frida Kahlo, Kara Walker
GREATEST STRENGTH AS A DESIGNER?
Focus
WEAKNESS?
I assume everybody is purpose driven
TALENT YOU WISHED YOU POSSESSED?
Singing from my soul like the incomparable Sarah Vaughn
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Professor of Philosophy
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. — Marianne Williamson
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