• Sandakalum Dissanayake on how Ink N Vector hopes to reshape the digital design landscape

A new creative force is attempting to reshape the digital landscape in Colombo, leaving a trail of innovation as it grows. Ink N Vector Studios, founded by Sandakalum Dissanayake, is not just a design agency; it’s a narrative weaver, transforming brands into captivating stories.

With a passion for blending creativity with strategy, Sandakalum, who takes on the role of Creative Director, set out on this journey to bridge the gap between businesses and their visual identities. At the core of Ink N Vector’s philosophy lies the belief that design should not merely be aesthetically pleasing but should resonate deeply with the brand’s essence.

The Daily Morning Brunch had a chat with him as we took a dive into the world of Ink N Vector, uncovering the inspiration behind its inception, the philosophy that drives its work, and the challenges that have shaped its journey.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

What was the inspiration behind starting Ink N Vector Studios?

Ink N Vector Studios was born out of a desire to blend creativity with strategy. As a graphic designer and marketer, I saw a gap in the market where businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, were struggling to tell their stories visually. I wanted to create a space where design wasn’t just aesthetically pleasing but also driven by a purpose; something that could capture the essence of a brand and resonate with its audience. The idea of weaving narratives became the cornerstone of Ink N Vector, as we help businesses transform their stories into powerful, visually captivating experiences.

How do you define weaving narratives in the context of digital design?

Weaving narratives for us means crafting a cohesive story that goes beyond just the visuals. It’s about understanding the brand’s journey, its mission, and values, and then using design as a medium to communicate that story effectively. Whether through social media content, website design, or branding elements, we aim to create a narrative that speaks to the target audience, evokes emotion, and ultimately drives action. Each design element serves a purpose and is woven into the larger tapestry of the brand’s story.

What are the core values that guide Ink N Vector Studios’ work?

Our core values centre on creativity, authenticity, and impact. We believe that creativity should not just be about aesthetics but also about solving problems. Authenticity is crucial in all the projects we undertake; we want to ensure that the brand’s true essence shines through. Lastly, impact is at the heart of what we do. Our designs and strategies aim to not only capture attention but to inspire, connect, and create lasting impressions on the audience. These values guide every project, big or small.

Can you share a specific project that you’re particularly proud of?

A project that stands out is the one we did for Skills for Inclusive Growth (S4IG) and Market Development Facility (MDF) focusing on eTourism. The goal of the project was to promote the eTourism platform, a free online resource offering tourism operators training to enhance their digital marketing skills. This platform includes courses on social media marketing, website development, and how to effectively reach international tourists online.

Our role was to design and implement digital strategies to boost visibility and drive engagement for these free-to-use courses. It was rewarding because we were not just creating marketing content but helping local entrepreneurs and small businesses transition into the digital world and tap into global audiences. The project aligned perfectly with our core values of creativity and impact.

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the digital design industry?

Staying updated is key in this fast-paced industry, and it’s something we take seriously. We regularly participate in webinars, follow leading design blogs, and engage in online communities where new trends and techniques are discussed.

Additionally, our team at Ink N Vector Studios constantly experiments with new tools and technologies. Whether it’s the latest software or understanding the shifts in social media algorithms, we stay on top of the latest innovations so that our clients can benefit from cutting-edge designs and strategies.

What challenges have you faced in the design industry, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with the commercial goals of clients. Often, clients have a vision that may not align with what would work best from a design or marketing standpoint. Overcoming this required clear communication and education. We make it a point to explain why certain design choices are made and how they align with their business objectives. It’s about finding the sweet spot between creativity and functionality, and being flexible in adapting to the ever-evolving needs of the digital space.

What advice would you give to aspiring designers or entrepreneurs in the field?

My advice would be to embrace learning and never stop evolving. Design and marketing are dynamic industries where trends and technologies shift quickly, so staying curious is key. Also, always value the story behind the brand or project you’re working on. Design with purpose, understand your client’s needs, their target audience, and craft solutions that are not just beautiful but impactful.

For entrepreneurs, I’d say resilience is critical. The journey is filled with highs and lows, but staying focused on your vision and being adaptable will help you overcome challenges.

What are your future goals for Ink N Vector Studios?

Our immediate goal is to scale the agency, both in terms of clientele and service offerings. We’re looking to expand our team and enhance our capabilities in areas like short-form video creation. Long-term, we envision Ink N Vector Studios becoming a creative powerhouse that not only serves local clients but also establishes a global presence, promoting Sri Lanka’s rich culture and heritage through our designs and collaborations.

We are committed to providing opportunities for freelancers and interns, fostering their personal growth and helping to highlight talented individuals who may not yet have received recognition in the industry. By nurturing emerging creatives, we hope to contribute to a vibrant design community and inspire the next generation of designers and marketers.