October 25, 2024

Behind the Design: A Conversation with Rhea Banerjee, Lemonade India’s Creative Head

By Gunjan Malhotra
Behind the Design: A Conversation with Rhea Banerjee, Lemonade India’s Creative Head
Let’s sit down with Rhea Banerjee, the creative force behind Lemonade India’s design magic. As one of our founding members and Design Head, Rhea has been shaping the brand’s aesthetic from day one. She’s responsible for the personalized touch on every product, ensuring that every order meets customers’ personalization text requirements while keeping the overall cohesive vibe of our website intact. Beyond her creative expertise, Rhea brings warmth and positivity to the team, and we all look forward to her biryani during Durga Pooja!
Not only does she lead our creative direction with grace, but Rhea also runs her own platform, Pretty Little Blog@pretty.littleblog, where she shares her love for design. We’re incredibly grateful to have Rhea as part of our Lemonade India family, and her creativity, attention to detail, and dedication make every project special.

Let's chat! 

1. How do you maintain a cohesive aesthetic across our website while still keeping each product design unique?

Rhea:
It’s all about consistency with creativity! I stick to a core color and font palette that aligns with our brand’s identity, which helps create a cohesive look across the website. At the same time, I make sure each product feels unique by paying close attention to its purpose and the customer’s needs. Soft tones and subtle designs are a big part of our brand communication, and avoiding overly saturated designs keeps things fresh. Our brand book also helps guide the process and ensures that everything stays aligned with Lemonade India’s aesthetic.

2. What are some of the most memorable design requests you’ve worked on?

Rhea:
I’ve had the chance to work on so many wonderful projects, but a few really stand out. One of my favorites was designing customized gifts for Tyaani Jewellery by Karan Johar—it included everything from cards to mugs, and it was such a fun collaboration. I also loved creating a wedding announcement foldable card, which felt so special. Festive-themed bulk orders and personalized baby shower gifts for an office favourite customer were also incredibly rewarding projects to work on! You can view them on our instagram here

3. What design trends are currently influencing the world of personalized gifts?

Rhea:
Right now, I’m seeing a big shift towards quick and easy gifting. Customers want products that can be personalized and made within a short time frame, but still look thoughtful. I’ve also noticed a lot of trends geared towards Millennials and Gen Z, like gifts inspired by K-dramas, sports themes, or women empowerment. Another trend is the rise of video and infographic content—visual storytelling is becoming more important, and it’s something I love incorporating into my designs.

4. How has your design style evolved over the past four years with Lemonade India?

Rhea:
I’ve had the chance to explore so many different styles! When I first started, I leaned toward a monochrome color palette, but now I’m all about pastels and warm tones. I’ve worked on a wide variety of products, from personalized noodle bowls to wax seals, and each one has pushed me to grow as a designer. Over the years, I’ve also focused more on providing a holistic shopping experience—adding little touches like free goodies and gift wrapping helps make the entire process more memorable for customers.

5. What are some of the fun personalization requests you’ve worked on?

Rhea:
Oh, there have been some really cool ones! One of the most fun projects was designing baby announcement surprise gifts for a family—it was such a personal and joyful task. I’ve also done custom fortune cookie messages, which were so unique and hilarious! And creating inside prints on mugs is always a quirky challenge that I enjoy. It’s these little touches that make the job so rewarding!

6. What are your top three favorite products from your designs?

Rhea:
That’s a tough one! But if I had to choose, I’d say our personalized notebooks and personalized notecards—they’re so versatile and stylish. I also love the personalized playing cards, which are a fun twist on a classic item. And of course, the white cappuccino mug holds a special place in my heart—it’s elegant, and I enjoy coming up with new designs for it.

7. What advice would you give to up-and-coming designers in today’s landscape?

Rhea:
My biggest piece of advice is to stay unique. It’s tempting to follow trends, but creating something that’s truly your own will set you apart. Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from different sources, but never copy a design—it’s all about finding your own voice. Also, pay attention to the little details in everyday life—they can spark amazing ideas. Lastly, collaborate with others in the creative field. You’ll grow and learn so much more by sharing ideas and working with like-minded people.

Now let me share some of our office favorites Rhea has designed!

1. Personalized Notecards - Lemonade

One of Rhea’s absolute favorites is the Personalized Notecards. These chic, minimalistic cards are perfect for adding a personal touch to any message. Whether it’s for corporate gifting or personal use, the sleek design and customizable elements make these notecards a customer favorite. You can explore more about this product here

2. Personalized Travel Mug - Zodiac
Rhea loves the Personalized Travel Mug - Zodiac, a stunning combination of practicality and personalization. The sleek design with zodiac-inspired details makes it an ideal gift for astrology lovers or anyone who enjoys a stylish way to keep their drinks hot or cold. Perfect for gifting or for personal use, you can get one here.

3. Personalized Metal Keychain - Gold Scanner
This Personalized Metal Keychain in gold is another product Rhea adores. Its elegant and functional design features a sleek gold finish, making it not just a keychain but a stylish accessory. The personalized option adds a special touch, making it perfect for gifts or corporate branding. Find it here. May I add, the font is just gorgeous! 

4. Personalized Gold-Printed Playing Cards - Matte Finish
For a touch of luxury, Rhea has designed our Personalized Gold-Printed Playing Cards. These cards elevate any game night, thanks to their sophisticated matte finish and customized gold print. Perfect for gifting or personal use, these playing cards add a fun and classy element to any occasion. Check them out here.


5. Personalized Gold-Printed Notecards - Feather
Another one of Rhea’s top picks is the Personalized Gold-Printed Notecards - Feather. These notecards feature elegant gold foil details and a refined feather design, making them ideal for sending heartfelt messages or for use in premium corporate correspondence. Their luxurious look and feel make them stand out, and you can see them here.


Conclusion
Rhea Banerjee has been a pillar of creativity at Lemonade India, and her ability to balance consistency with personalization is what makes our brand so special. From unforgettable design projects to her own unique flair, Rhea continues to inspire us all with her passion and dedication. We’re beyond grateful to have her as part of the Lemonade India family.
Want to see her designs in action? Check out our notebooks and notecards collection or grab a custom cappuccino mug for yourself!



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