Our 10 Futurists series features designers, technologists, and visionaries who are changing the live entertainment industry. We start this month with Kanthi Ananthagopal, experiential designer with MODE Studios, who brings a new perspective encompassing her experience as a real-world architect and virtual artist to help define the next step for live entertainment.
Name: Kanthi Ananthagopal
Age: 27
City, State of residence: San Jose, California
Position/title: Experiential Designer
Current projects: Web3 Immersive Experiences
Most notable achievements: I think my greatest professional achievement is to be able to work with and learn from the experienced and industry veterans at MODE.
Date started in the industry: 2019
What attracted me to the industry: The opportunity to be able to create experiences that explore new ways to inspire audiences and influence cultures and communities.
Professional influences: Stufish was my inspiration to seamlessly transition from architecture to entertainment.
Worst advice I've ever heard: "Pursue a sensible career" - I definitely raised many eyebrows switching careers but as long as you follow your passion, success and happiness will follow.
Best advice I've ever heard: Every individual you encounter has the ability to open up new doors for you, whether personally or professionally. Build good bridges!
My favorite thing about the industry: There's never a dull moment at work. All the effort pays off when you see your creation being enjoyed in real-time.
Favorite design/programming/technical trick: My favorite visualization combo is Sketch-up and Photoshop for quick and dirty concept development.
Other interests/side gigs: My other interests include creating digital art and illustrations capturing memorable moments
Plans for the future: The future is promising and I'm very excited to dive deeper into creating Metaversal experiences and blurring the lines between virtual and reality.
Awards, honors: Recipient of the Lillian Disney Scholarship at CalArts
Organizations, memberships: TEA, IAAPA
Favorite social platform and accounts I follow: Instagram is my favorite platform to be able to connect and follow some amazing designers in the entertainment industry! Here are some of my favorites:
@nicolemadethat @_fran_rossi @geo.jerm @vartikaaa_97 @hashmukh