Read our exclusive interview with Toronto-based creative powerhouse Aditya Mehta, who has spent the last decade redefining how the world discovers artists. As the founder and CEO of Art&Found, Aditya has built what he calls a “creator search engine”. A platform designed to connect brands and individuals with creatives across every discipline, from art and design to music and storytelling.
What started as a side project while working as a Senior Art Director at Ogilvy has evolved into a global movement that’s already attracted the likes of Nike, Levi’s, LVMH, and Starbucks. In 2025, Aditya relaunched Art&Found with a bold vision: to make finding “the creator” as instinctive as searching the web.
Based in Toronto’s vibrant Liberty Village, Aditya’s world blends city energy with calm perspective, often found sketching ideas on his balcony overlooking Lake Ontario, beer in hand, watching planes and trains pass by. His approach to creativity mirrors that view: expansive, connected, and always in motion.
For Aditya, design isn’t just about visuals, it’s about discovery, play, and staying true to yourself. As he puts it, “Be a scrunchie. Get stretched, twisted, turned, be flexible, but don’t change. Snap back to your original self.”
How did you get into your creative practice, was there a turning point?
I started Art&Found as a side project while working as a Senior Art Director at Ogilvy. Since 2014, Nike, Levi’s, Starbucks, LVMH, Hermes, Dell, Pepsico, Instagram are some of the brands who found and worked with creators via Art&Found. We’ve done a lot of things. But when it comes down to ONE thing, it’s this: we’ve found THE creator. The next obvious question: how to scale this infinitely? So in 2025, I relaunched Art&Found as a creator search engine.
Describe your workspace in three words.
Absolutely Stunning Views.
Your Local Guide…
Favourite café or spot to grab a drink and think?
Pennies for the $15 Blonde Pitcher
Go-to restaurant, food truck or hole-in-the-wall gem?
Best independent shop for books, magazines, zines or stationery?
I like picking up graphic novels or comics in local bookstores or off the street when I’m traveling.
Where do you go to feel inspired?
On my balcony with two cans of Sapporo beer looking out to Lake Ontario, the expressway, planes taking off, trains passing by and a lot of green.
A local brand, studio or artist you think deserves more attention?
Design, Style & Culture…
Favourite fashion or lifestyle brand, local or global?
Nike Air Max.
A piece of clothing or accessory you wear constantly and why?
Levi’s Trucker Jacket Military Green that I’ve customised with a gangsta watermelon patch in front and “Bombaat” at the back which translates to awesome, fantastic, brilliant!
Any brands, designers, or creatives in your city that you think people should follow?
A design object, tool, or printed item you treasure?
This book of childhood family photos that my Dad gave me with the greatest piece of advice: “So many people try to grow up too fast and it’s not fun! You should stay a kid as long as possible!”
What’s a recent purchase you’re obsessed with, printed, crafted, or otherwise?
My pool cue. I play 9-ball pool.
Print, Books & Film…
A book or magazine that never leaves your shelf?
Quadrivium: The Four Classical Liberal Arts of Number, Geometry, Music, & Cosmology
A film, documentary, or series that’s influenced your creative journey?
Arrival by Denis Villeneuve.
A print-based product, shop or initiative you admire and want to shout out?
I love artists and athletes who keep redefining their craft and elevating their performance for 2-3 decades so I’m going to go with Paused in Cosmic Reflection: The definitive, fully illustrated story of The Chemical Brothers.
Final Thoughts & Advice
What advice would you give to emerging creatives in your field?
Be a scrunchie. Get stretched, twisted, turned, be flexible but don’t change, snap back to your original self.
What’s your personal motto, phrase or philosophy you keep coming back to?
Again and against all odds.
marcroy@peopleofprint.com
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