From Uber Ride to Design Revolution
How did a simple Uber ride turn into an award-winning design studio called Studuo?
In 2020, during the global pandemic, two designers, Saurav Pathak and Drashti Vora, sat in the same Uber cab travelling to their 9-to-5 jobs. The two got into a very animated conversation. After talking about the limitations of being in the traditional corporate set-up, Saurav and Drashti took a bold step: to make a place where creativity wouldn’t know any bounds. And thus, Studuo was born-a design studio with you at the very core of it, quite literally. Its services nowadays deal with personalized branding and UI/UX solutions that are representative of who-the-client-really-is. This will be viewed as a journey from an Uber ride to being an award-winning studio and as a challenge that was silently won by thinking differently. At Studuo, we don’t only design; we bring someone visions to life with a unique mix of artistry and purpose.
The Name Defines Us
We wanted a name to define us. And that is exactly what we did with Studuo – A studio by a duo. More than the creativity in the name, it entails our philosophy of being collaborative and innovative. Because we are more than business partners; we are creative forces cojoined by passion for using design as storytelling medium. Every project we take one reflects our commitment to innovation, collaboration and taking the audience beyond boundaries.
Breaking Barriers in Design
Our biggest difficulty starting out was in fighting that high-quality design is for big brands with deep wallets. Design has generally been a very non-inviting space for people, we are challenging it by making branding and UI/UX open so that even the smallest business can prove that out of all design, it creates value.
At Studuo, we believe design should be inclusive, not exclusive.Quality branding and digital experience often come at a premium and are available only to the multinationals with comfortably large pockets, leaving the small companies and unheard voices in the corner. We are addressing this global problem by democratizing design so that best-in-class branding and UI/UX can be accessed by everyone and given flexible, scalable solutions to empower start-ups and non-profits as well as companies from all walks of life to increase their impact through thoughtful, inclusive design. At Studuo, we inspire creativity without borders; great design is a right, not a privilege.
Essential Attributes for a Successful Designer
Success in branding and UI/UX design requires a combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and flexibility. Besides good story-telling for building good brand stories, empathy is necessary for a user-centered approach to solutions. You are good at having a strong eye for detail and good mastery with tools, but worked well with good collaborative and communication habits. Finally, innovation and curiosity keep things moving at the forefronts of an ever-evolving industry.
Lessons from the entrepreneur: Begin before you are ready
At Studuo, we say “one day” into “day one.”. Too many aspiring entrepreneurs spend too much time living in that illusion of waiting for the ‘right time,’ stymied by their own doubts, outside reasons, or some ridiculous notions of perfectionism. But remember, success is not a matter of waiting; it’s really a matter of starting out. That’s what differentiates entrepreneurs: actually diving into it, learning along the way, and most importantly, enjoying the ride with vigor and persistence. The best time to start isn’t someday it’s today.
Looking Ahead: Designing the Future
Studuo is not only designing but also setting trends in designing. As we carry on with our growth, Studuo proudly pursues new avenues of creativity, innovation, and accessibility in the world of design. To us, great design should not be a few privileged individuals but an avenue for everyone to be able to use.
The journey of Studuo is a source of inspiration to many potential entrepreneurs, proving that great ideas come when least expected. A simple Uber ride gave birth to an emergent design powerhouse that backs the idea of taking risks and believing in the infinite power of creativity. For more stories of inspiration, keep visiting Gujpreneur. So, what is holding you back? The next inspirational journey could be yours!
