Who are they?

I’m at Costa Coffee having an espresso, and I’m in the mood to write. So let me tell you about two people who inspire me the most in my career. But they are not designers.

Who are they?

1) Rajnikanth. Yeah, the style hero from the South Indian film industry.

2) Steve Jobs. Did you murmur, ‘cliche'? :)

Why this combination?

There are many talented actors in the Indian film industry. Mention their names to the Japanese, and they’re not likely to know them. But utter the name ‘Rajnikanth’ and everyone knows him. Globally. He has his own signature style in his profession. That makes him unique. I believe, everyone should have his/ her own style of doing things.

Look at an iPhone's box/package. Its design says it all. Even the small box has its own beauty. I love Jobs’ passion for details; God is in the details. His attitude of challenging himself. He doesn't care about competitors. His focus has only been to make Apple's products better each time. Even though every product was not a huge success, Apple has made improvements every time they announced a new one. And lastly, I love his presentation.

Something these two people share in common is that in their personal lives, they both dress simple. Rajni doesn't use make up or wigs if he is not on set. Jobs always wears a black turtle neck t-shirt and blue jeans.

So my take away from these two people? Style, Details, Attitude and Simplicity.

:)