Gauri Abhay Kulkarni


I work at the intersection of branding, human-centered design, cultural identity, and social impact. My design practice is rooted in purpose, empathy, storytelling, and insight-driven research. I seek to understand people in their natural environments, studying their cultures, behaviors, emotions and everyday experiences, to build meaningful connections between brands and the communities they serve.

I approach every project through a ‘what, why, and how’ lens, which reflects my core value of purposefulness. What am I solving? Why does it matter? and How will I solve it?

I love working with analog mediums, using hands-on processes like sketching and physical prototyping to explore and communicate ideas. Through my work, I strive to build brands that are authentic, culturally relevant, and cohesively rooted in their story and values. I want to build brands that make people feel seen, heard, and valued, brands that create a real emotional and social impact in people’s lives.








Work experience

Uniqlo
Sales Assistant
London, United Kingdom
November 2025 - Current
  • Delivered a consistent brand experience by engaging with a high volume of customers, translating Uniqlo’s brand values of simplicity, quality, and customer-centric approach into in-store interactions.
  • Maintained visual merchandising standards in line with Uniqlo’s global brand guidelines, ensuring consistency, and ease of navigation across the store layout.
  • Collaborated with team members to uphold store aesthetics and visual hierarchy. 
  • Developed an understanding of how physical touchpoints influence customer perception, engagement, and trust in a brand.


Godrej Capital
Brand Designer, UI Designer
Mumbai, India
January 2024 - April 2024
  • Worked on the rebranding of ‘Godrej Nirmaan’, the B2B financing business of Godrej Capital.
  • Designed a comprehensive brand guideline, website UI and marketing collateral for Godrej Nirmaan.
  • Proposed brand guidelines are in various stages of implementation, notably visible in the new website and social media presence.
  • Led the design and production of branding collaterals for ‘Building Bridges’, a flagship B2B conference event by Godrej Nirmaan.


The Blue Pond Store
Visual Designer
Mumbai, India
July 2022 - June 2023
  • Led the design of the brand’s Product Catalogue.
  • Created engaging web content for e-commerce platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra.
  • Deepened skills in digital branding and visual communication.
  • Contributed to social media design, content planning, and product shoots.



Being Digital
Graphic Designer
Mumbai, India
May 2021 - June 2021
  • I was responsible for their social media presence and identity.



Volunteering
Jai Vakeel Foundation and Research Centre
Visual Designer and Volunteer
Mumbai, India
November 2021 - October 2023
  • Designed engaging board games tailored to foster empathy and understanding of the experiences of specially-abled users.
  • Applied user-centered design principles to ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and meaningful engagement.
  • Gained valuable insight into designing with empathy, reinforcing my commitment to human-centered and impact-driven design.



Education
University of the Arts London (UAL) : 
London College of Communication
London, United Kingdom
September 2024 - September 2025 MA Graphic Branding and Identity.

Atlas Skilltech University - ISDI School of Design and Innovation
(In collaboration with Parsons School of Design)
Mumbai, India
June 2020 - May 2024B.Voc. (Bachelor in Vocational Studies) - 
Communication Design