Sumeesh Chempoor is a visual artist, independent designer and art educator based in Kerala, India. His practice exists across art, design, typography, visual communication and education, with an ongoing interest in how ideas can be translated into visual and material forms.
As an independent designer, Sumeesh develops projects both independently and through his studio, Thi & Mee, which he runs with artist and designer Athira Kuttiyil. The studio serves as a space for independent design practice, experimentation and collaboration, working across identity, typography, lettering, graphic design and visual communication. Rather than operating within a conventional client-led design model, his independent practice allows him to initiate projects from personal interests, observations and questions, often taking the form of self-directed explorations.
Typography and lettering occupy a particular place in his practice. He explores type not only as a tool for communication but also as image, form, material and cultural expression. His projects often investigate Malayalam and English lettering, vernacular visual culture, handmade processes and the possibilities of creating new visual languages.
His artistic practice moves between different media and approaches, often beginning with an observation, material, question or everyday experience. Making is central to this process. He is interested in experimentation, repetition and discovery, allowing the nature of each project to determine its form rather than working within a predetermined medium or discipline.
Alongside his independent practice, Sumeesh teaches Applied Art at the College of Fine Arts Kerala. His approach to education is closely connected to his own practice, with an emphasis on learning through making, thinking and doing. He encourages students to question conventions, develop individual visual languages and understand art and design as practices of observation, experimentation and critical thought.
Across his work as an artist, independent designer and educator, Sumeesh is interested in maintaining a space between disciplines, where art, design, material, typography and ideas can inform one another. His practice is largely self-initiated and driven by a belief in making things not simply to fulfil a brief, but because there is something worth exploring.
Experience
June 2023 - Present
Lecturer in Applied Art
College of Fine Arts Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Lecturer in Applied Art
College of Fine Arts Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
June 2022 - June 2023
Graphic Designer
Foley Designs
Bangalore, Karnataka
Graphic Designer
Foley Designs
Bangalore, Karnataka
March 2019 - May 2022
Creative Director
Breakthrough Brand & Business Consulting
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Creative Director
Breakthrough Brand & Business Consulting
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
March 2015 - July 2016
Art Director
Saatchi & Saatchi Focus
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Art Director
Saatchi & Saatchi Focus
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
July 2014 - March 2015
Creative Visualizer
Asiavision Advertising
Dubai, UAE
Creative Visualizer
Asiavision Advertising
Dubai, UAE
June 2013 - June 2014
Visualizer
Brandway
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Visualizer
Brandway
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
March 2009 - May 2011
3d Animator
Kaleido Animations
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
3d Animator
Kaleido Animations
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Exhibits & Features
2026
Exhibited works at 'Unshelving Memories', an exhibition of artist's books, curated by Prof. Shijo Jacob. At the College of Fine Arts Gallery, Thiruvananthapuram.
Exhibited works at 'Unshelving Memories', an exhibition of artist's books, curated by Prof. Shijo Jacob. At the College of Fine Arts Gallery, Thiruvananthapuram.
2025
Exhibited work at BroadEnd 2025, the Teachers' Fraternity exhibition held as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the College of Fine Arts Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.
Exhibited work at BroadEnd 2025, the Teachers' Fraternity exhibition held as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the College of Fine Arts Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.
2024
Presented 'Storytelling with Type' at Leap Year, the degree show of students at Govt. College of Fine Arts, Thrissur.
Presented 'Storytelling with Type' at Leap Year, the degree show of students at Govt. College of Fine Arts, Thrissur.
2023
Presented 'Storytelling with Type', a slide presentation on my works and practice at the SEE – Annual Show 2023, College of Fine Arts Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.
Presented 'Storytelling with Type', a slide presentation on my works and practice at the SEE – Annual Show 2023, College of Fine Arts Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.
2019
Indernet, an exhibition curated by Mr Manoj Kurian and organised by Masala Movement in Köln, Germany.
Indernet, an exhibition curated by Mr Manoj Kurian and organised by Masala Movement in Köln, Germany.
2017
Silver for Print Collateral at the Big Bang Awards by Ad Club Bangalore.
Cover artwork and feature published in Creative Gaga Magazine, Issue 38.
Silver for Print Collateral at the Big Bang Awards by Ad Club Bangalore.
Cover artwork and feature published in Creative Gaga Magazine, Issue 38.
