Thoughtworker Spotlight: Taliya Cohen

Taliya Cohen is our Marketing Brand Designer who excels in weaving static and dynamic imagery into compelling narratives. From branding projects to motion design and animation, you likely have seen her creations across the Thoughtworks brand channels. As a lifelong artist, her journey ignited with art school, where she honed her craft and showcased her talent in galleries. Did you also know she embarked on a decade-long adventure in the circus before landing in the vibrant world of design? Now, she brings her extensive skillset and boundless imagination into every project, collaborating with our teams on captivating designs.

Outside of work, her passion for the arts continues to thrive, as she unleashes her energy through DJing, vibrant aerial performances and cherished moments with her playful pup and wonderful toddler. Can you guess what Taliya’s favourite product is? Hint: It blends human effort with mechanical magic. Find out more in this week’s Thoughtworker Spotlight!

Tell us about what you do!

I love to use static and moving images to convey abstract concepts and ideas. As a Marketing Brand Designer working on a global team, I handle diverse projects from branding to social media content, using static and moving images to bring ideas to life with creativity and precision.

What’s the most interesting challenge you're working on?

Lately, I’ve been focused on motion design and animation. Currently, the most challenging thing is learning how to animate efficiently by using expressions. It’s a whole different language!

What inspired you to have the career you have today?

I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I went to art school, showed in galleries, and then took a detour and joined the circus for over a decade. When the pandemic struck, I decided it was time to monetize my visual talents and give my body a break. I went back to school, got a certificate in graphic design and the rest is history!

What achievement are you most proud of in your career to date?

I’m really proud of the animations I’ve created at Thoughtworks. But most of all, I’m proud of my ongoing journey of learning new skills, constantly evolving and expanding my repertoire.

If you could go back in time and give yourself career advice, what would it be? Keep learning, keep growing and keep finding ways to infuse your career with your passions. And never stop drawing!

What do you love to do outside of work?

Although I have transitioned from aerial circus to design in my professional life, my personal life is still full of circus! I train 3 to 5 times a week, and still perform sometimes! I also spend time DJing at events, making gigantic charcoal drawings and hanging out with my hilarious muppet dog, Hinchley.?

Outside of work, my number one favorite thing to do is dancing, playing, singing and making art with my delightful and mischievous 2 year old!

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what album, movie, and book would you take with you?

Album – Aenima - Tool

Movie – Where the Wild Things Are?

Book – The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

And finally, what’s your favorite product and why?

My favourite product is my bicycle. It is the perfect synthesis of human and machine. Of course, on a professional note, I’d say the Adobe Suite. I couldn’t do my job without it, and Adobe After Effects constantly amazes me with its capacity in particular.?