In conversation with Meghana Subramanian, one of the winners in the BBC TopGear Seatbelts Save competition

What do you do?
I work as a Business Analyst with Cognizant Technology Solutions.

What interests you about advertising?
Being a B.Com and M.Com graduate, advertising was an optional part of my syllabus in the second year and being one of the top scorers in the batch was definitely a turning point. My interest in advertising comes from the way innovative ideas are executed in print and audio-visual media.

How did you hear about BrandPotion?
I stumbled upon BrandPotion through Facebook aAds.

Name some ads that have inspired you to get creative.
Vodafone's Zoozoo ads, the earlier ads of Dhara with Farzan Dastur going "jalebi", the Happydent Ad, and Amul Butter's outdoor ads, to name a few.

How does it feel to have won a prize on BrandPotion?
It feels great. I definitely feel I've achieved something. It motivates me to pursue my dreams of being in the ad world.

Tell us about the thought process behind your winning entry.
I was just thinking on the lines of ‘buckle up', and I remembered how my mother used to make sure my shoe-buckles were secured well, and that's how the idea dawned on me.

What software do you use to create your ads?
I don't use any software as such. All I use is Paintbrush and Powerpoint largely. I use Photoshop to some extent

Which has been your favourite brief to work on-in terms of which was the most fun, and the most interesting?
I have only taken part in the Seatbelts Save competition, so that, by default, has been my favourite one.

What changes would you like to see on BrandPotion?
I'd like more challenging competitions on interesting subjects, and more clarity and definition in the briefs that are put across.