About Me – Manoj Kurian

My name is Manoj Kurian Kallupurackal and I work as a cultural manager and art director for clients and projects valuing diversity, equity and social justice.

My areas of expertise range from creative consultancy and media design to the development of strategic communication concepts for brand and community building.

In addition I run Masala Movement e.V. a non-profit organisation, creating more visibility for underrepresented creatives and their projects and offering a transcultural platform for inspiration, professional collaboration and cultural education.


2014 – today	Creative Director at Masala Movement, Köln
2013 – 2015	Creative Director at 1ofa100, Zurich
2012 – today	Independent Art Director for various clients
2011 – 2012	Art Director at Interbrand, Köln/Zurich
2009 – 2010	Lecturer for Interaction Design, Germany University Cairo
2008 – 2011	Design Director and Co-Founder, Kurian Ghoting LLC, Cairo
2007 – 2008	Designer at Silverkey Technologies, Cairo
2005 – 2006	Designer at Tequila Myalo / TBWA, Kuala Lumpur
2004 – 2007	Studies in Communication Design, University of Applied Sciences Bielefeld
2003 – 2004	Studies in Media Design, University of Bielefeld
2002 – 2003	Designer at Banten & Humann GmbH, Köln
2001 – 2003	Studies in Design, Köln International School of Design
2001	Design Internship at Brandrelation, Köln
2000	Design Internship at Lowe Lintas & Partners, Bangalore
2000	Design Internship at Times of India, Bangalore

Before even knowing what design meant, it was an important part of myself. Expressing things visually always helped me to deal with different identities and to reach out to other people. Finally, I chose to study design and even developed the belief that it can make the world a little better.

Since my studies I have been working for several multi-national agencies, clients and institutions in Germany, India, Malaysia, Egypt and Switzerland. Today I am based back in my hometown Köln.

Was it the right decision to become a designer? How important is design? Am I designing for society, my clients or my ego? What does success mean to me and when do I feel satisfied in life? These are only a few questions that I keep asking myself. Feeling unsure about a challenge isn’t a problem, it is the beginning of a solution. Because as a designer it is my role to focus on finding answers.

So if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out! I’m always happy to meet new challenges .. and new people 🙂