I am Dilip Merugu, originally from Hyderabad, and storytelling has always been at the heart of everything I do. Growing up, I was captivated by cartoons and sketching, which naturally led me to pursue six years of formal education in animation—first at JNTU, Hyderabad, and later earning a Master of Fine Arts from SCAD, Atlanta. During this time, I honed my skills in illustration, visual design, and animation, focusing on conceptual art and collaborative short films. Alongside my creative journey, I maintained a disciplined approach to athletics, a commitment that has remained a constant in my life.

After graduating, I started my career as a visual designer at a Houston-based startup, where I immersed myself in the principles of user-centered design. What began as a visual design role quickly evolved into product design, marking the start of a career shaped by continuous learning and innovation. Over the past nine years, I’ve worked across multiple startups, building impactful digital products and modular design