Aloke Pillai

Aloke Pillai is a prominent designer and entrepreneur based in Toronto, Canada, currently serving as the Design Co-founder at Pastel, a software company aimed at enhancing collaboration for web design teams. He has held this position since August 2017, contributing significantly to the development of tools that streamline the feedback process for digital agencies.12

Professional Background

• Chachu Studio: Aloke founded Chachu Studio in May 2016, where he continues to explore ideas and invest in existing businesses.12
• HustleCase: He co-founded HustleCase in August 2017 but departed from the company in January 2020.1
• Kit.com: Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, Aloke was a founding member of Kit.com, focusing on design from November 2015 until May 2016, when the platform was acquired by Patreon.2
• Expa and Compass: His earlier roles include Product Designer at Expa and UI/UX Designer at Compass, where he honed his skills in user experience design.1

Education

Aloke holds a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree from York University, which he completed between 2010 and 2014. His education laid the foundation for his extensive career in design.1

Early Career

Aloke's career began with his own design firm, Pillai Design, founded in December 2006. He gained valuable experience through various internships, including roles as a Design Research Assistant at York University and as a UI/UX Design Intern at Jawbone.12 His early experiences helped him build a solid understanding of both design principles and client management.

Contributions to Pastel

At Pastel, Aloke has played a crucial role in creating tools that help agencies reduce website approval times significantly. The company is noted for being self-funded and profitable, reflecting Aloke's effective leadership and vision in the startup environment.3

Personal Insights

Aloke Pillai is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to design. He emphasizes the importance of balancing client work with personal projects to achieve financial freedom and creative satisfaction.3

For more insights into his work or to connect with him professionally, you can find him on LinkedIn under the username alokepillai.