TK Sajeev Kumar
Current Title: Founder and Editorial Director
Organization: NewspaperDesign.org
Country: India
Candidate for: Director
Vision for SND
As an Indian professional with over three decades in visual journalism, my vision for the Society for News Design (SND) is to build a truly inclusive, global community where design excellence reflects the diversity of cultures, languages, and storytelling traditions. News design must not only inform but also connect people across geographies, and SND should remain at the forefront of shaping that dialogue.
Being part of SND is something to be proud of because it represents a global fellowship of storytellers, innovators, and leaders who believe that visual journalism strengthens democracy and builds trust with readers. Membership gives us a shared identity as professionals who are raising the standards of design and newsroom innovation across the world.
To attract new members, SND must expand its reach through training programs, mentorship opportunities, online learning platforms, and regional events—especially in underrepresented regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America. By showcasing success stories, celebrating diverse cultural perspectives, and making learning resources more accessible, SND can inspire young designers, students, and newsroom leaders to join and contribute.
My vision is for SND to remain both a guardian of journalistic values and a pioneer of digital transformation, blending tradition with technology to create design systems that enhance reader engagement, accessibility, and trust. Together, we can ensure that visual journalism not only adapts to change but also leads it—globally, inclusively, and responsibly.
About TK
I am an editorial leader and visual journalism professional with over three decades of experience in print and online media. Throughout my career, I have championed excellence in newspaper and magazine design by combining innovation, strategy, and thought leadership.
As the Founder and Editorial Director of NewspaperDesign.org , the world’s leading platform for news design innovation, I bring together expertise in print, digital, and visual storytelling with the mission to inspire, educate, and raise global standards in design.
I am also the first Indian to serve on the Society for News Design (SND) Board of Directors, where I have consistently advocated for diversity and inclusivity in visual journalism. My work bridges traditional journalism with digital transformation, building design systems that engage readers while upholding journalistic integrity.
Career Highlights
* Redesign Expertise: Led three transformative redesigns of Kerala Kaumudi (Malayalam newspaper, Kerala, India), modernizing visual clarity and enhancing reader experience.
* Founder & Visionary: Established NewspaperDesign.org (formerly newspaperdesign.in), a global platform sharing insights, tutorials, and case studies with editors and designers worldwide.
* Competition Leadership: Organized seven editions of the International Newspaper Design Competition, attracting 200+ publications across continents.
* International Jury Service: Served on juries for the WAN-IFRA Asia Media Awards (2012–16, 2025) and the SND Middle East–Africa Competitions, helping shape global benchmarks in design excellence.
Awards & Recognition
* Board of Directors, Society for News Design (2024–25)
* Regional Director (Asia–South Pacific), SND (2011–2017)
* Kerala Government Media Academy Fellowship – for outstanding contributions to journalism and media
* Press Club Award – two-time recipient for excellence in editorial layout and design
* Author of All About News Design (Kerala Media Academy) and books on cricket and soccer
Global Presence
My thought leadership has been featured on platforms such as Nightingale DVS, where I have shared insights and interviews with leading journalists, typographers, and data visualizers shaping the future of storytelling. With an active presence in the international design community and a proven record of cross-cultural collaboration, I continue to work as a connector, innovator, and mentor dedicated to advancing visual journalism worldwide.