Shanmathy Kumaravel: An Indian Designer Making Waves on the International Stage

Kumaravel’s international portfolio extends beyond award-winning brochures.

Shanmathy Kumaravel: An Indian Designer Making Waves on the International Stage

Shanmathy Kumaravel

Shanmathy Kumaravel has rapidly established herself as a leading figure in the world of graphic design, earning international recognition for her innovative and impactful work across India and the United States. Hailing from India and now based in Baltimore, Maryland, Kumaravel’s career is a testament to the global reach and influence of Indian creative talent.

Her most recent and notable achievement came in 2024, when she was awarded the prestigious Catherine Durda Award by the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) in the United States. This award, which celebrates excellence in marketing and design for Foreign-Trade Zones, was presented to Kumaravel for her outstanding work on the FTZ 74 Roadshow Event brochure. Her design was selected from submissions by leading organizations across the country, standing out for its clarity, effectiveness, and visual appeal. The brochure’s impact was further amplified when it was featured in the Port of Baltimore Directory, a key resource for the maritime industry, showcasing her ability to create work that resonates with both professionals and the wider public.

Kumaravel’s international portfolio extends beyond award-winning brochures. As an Associate User Interface Designer at Human Fractal, a design consultancy with offices in Bangalore and the U.S., she played a pivotal role in the development of the Resolute App, a preventive healthcare platform. Her leadership in redesigning the app’s Benefits & Rewards feature led to an 80% improvement in HR benefits utilization and helped onboard more than 25 B2B clients. The app’s success was recognized by the National Health Authority and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in India, which named Resolute one of the Top 10 Startups in Digital Health. Major Indian media outlets, including YourStory, Times of India, and Economic Times Healthworld, have highlighted the platform’s achievements, underscoring Kumaravel’s influence in shaping the future of digital health.

Her expertise in branding and identity design was instrumental in the rise of Vega Jewellers, a brand known for blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Kumaravel developed a comprehensive visual identity for the company, which contributed to its recognition as the Emerging Retail Startup of the Year at the MD & CEO Awards in Mumbai. Her work helped Vega Jewellers establish a strong presence both online and in flagship stores, demonstrating her ability to create cohesive and adaptable design systems that support business growth and cultural storytelling.

Kumaravel’s talents have also been sought by international brands such as FutureCard, a U.S.-based fintech company focused on sustainability. As the lead designer for branded experiences at high-profile concerts and events, she ensured that FutureCard’s eco-conscious mission was consistently communicated across all touchpoints, from event activations to digital campaigns. Her work has contributed to the brand’s growing recognition in the competitive climate fintech space.

In addition to her commercial successes, Kumaravel has made significant contributions to civic and economic development projects in the United States. As Graphic Design Specialist for the Baltimore Development Corporation, she played a central role in shaping the visual identity of Baltimore’s citywide economic development strategy, Baltimore Together. Her work on key publications and event collateral was instrumental in the initiative’s recognition at the International Economic Development Council Awards, further establishing her reputation as a designer who bridges cultures and drives community impact.

Kumaravel’s academic journey includes an MA in Graphic Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art, where her project "Voice" was featured in international design showcases for its sensitive exploration of memory and the human body. She has also been recognized as a winner at the 2025 Indigo Design Awards, further cementing her status as a designer of international calibre.

From her roots in India to her achievements on the global stage, Shanmathy Kumaravel exemplifies the new generation of Indian designers who are redefining the boundaries of creativity and influence. Her work not only brings international acclaim to Indian design but also inspires young creatives to pursue excellence and make their mark on the world.