Open Talk @DSIM
An Interview with Debprotim Roy, Co-Founder and CEO of Canvs.in
Canvs.in. is an online platform where you can come to explore creative work, find creative people to work with, get opportunities & solve your queries and more. In simpler words, it records works of Graphic Artists and Designers and provides exposure to them. An individual can become a member and upload his/her work on an elegant portfolio, meet community designers and artists, sell the work, find jobs & projects and conduct exhibitions and workshops.
Q1. Hi Debprotim, Tell our readers the story of how “Canvs.in” started and the challenges you have faced so far?
Ans. Canvs.in was launched in June 2015, after me and my friends; Vikash Choudhary and Ankit Agarwal went through a long research in the Design sector. We found the most pressing problems in the space and work opportunities so that correct worth of talents can come out as a clear winner.The primary challenge as in case of any community is to live up to its expectations. Communities are built on trust and a sense of mutual benefits. As people keep on joining, despite the network serving effectively, it becomes a challenge to keep up with the increasing exposure.
Q2. So, what is the vision behind the company?
Ans. The company’s vision is to become synonymous with holistic design approach. If a designer has a problem; whether it is work-related or academic, we should be able to take care of it.
Q3. How did you decide the name for your start-up? Do you have any covered story to share for?
Ans. ‘Canvs’ as a name was coined visibly from the word ‘Canvas’ which gave it a sense of an open slate for designers in various disciplines and wherein they can come together and build something beautiful.We were critical in terms of the idea and had spent a considerable amount of time executing it, knowing that the face of a Designing Community must be well-designed. However, we got to know from feedbacks that we are living up to that expectation.
Q4. So, tell us what are the most effective ways for a company to promote itself online? What does digital marketing do for your business?
Ans. The online space is becoming confined every month. To get a strategic advantage online in today’s time means to be on top of the game and adaptive to new technology coming in your way.Snapchat proved its worth when early users flocked to do it; Vine did it too, despite being shut. As of today and soon; AR and VR will definitely unlock new avenues to get explored.
Q5. Debprotim, can you share your business model? As of now, do you have any defined revenue stream?
Ans. Canvs profits arise from offering business to its communities. We bring projects and collaborate with employed designers working on the project and ask for minimal profit. Unlike many other platforms we keep smaller margins.
Q6. What about the brand’s future? Where do you plan to go from here?
Ans. We believe in growing slowly but steadily and this is our best followed approach to bring development and growth to Canvs. Today we are in friendship with 7000+ designers and wish to have more & more during the years to come.
Q7. What would be the best advice you would give a venture that is looking for better analytics on their online presence?
Ans. It’s really simple: Understand sentiments and don’t be ashamed to ride the wave, i.e. whenever you find you need to seek changed approach to further grow & develop, never get hesitant.
Q8. According to you, what are the top three essential skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans. “Hard work and Smartness, a Personality that resembles an all-rounder and an Obsession to solve problems at hand.” This is what I think is needed most.
Q9. It was pleasure talking to you and would request you to address our readers to start using ‘Canvs.in’; you have 50 words in your hand?
If you are a Designer, you will find yourself here sooner or later and then, you would get to know the reason why we built it. If you aren’t a Designer, well everything magical you will be able to see around yourself that is happening inspired by the preferences that are actually responsible for making Canvs.in. So you should have a look. 🙂
“Thank you so much for your time. DSIM wish you a very good luck in reaching the top of your game.”