1. What led you to discover the Artpreneur Program?
Since my childhood I have had a passion towards art. Despite participating in and winning a lot of art contests, I never considered pursuing art as a career. However, art has always been with me as a talent, favorite pastime, hobby, passion, and an act that brought immense joy to my soul.
Being equally good at academics, I chose a different career path, getting carried away by the conventional world. After earning a Masters from a prestigious university of Melbourne and working as a Salesforce Business Analyst, the thought of turning to art professionally neither crossed my mind nor it was even an option. It was only during a career break, driven by curiosity about digital art, a friend introduced me to this program.
The decision to step into an unknown possibility of making a living out of my passion, potentially at the cost of a high-paying job, wasn't easy. Yet, I was somehow drawn to the program, and it turned out to be the best decision I've ever made.
Conceptualised and Illustrated by Gowthami | an Artpreneur Program Alumni 2021-2022 | Realm of Dragonflies Batch
2. Among the various Western Art courses known for their reputation in technology and creativity, what drew you to and made you join the Artpreneur Program?
Definitely, it was the curriculum. I always thought that creativity was something that could never be taught and art is something that could only come as a gift. Oh boy! I was wrong! While most Western Art courses primarily focus on the tools, the Artpreneur program's curriculum is expertly curated to teach both the tools and interesting art styles, especially the Indian folk art forms.
The testimonials from the alumni were promising enough and the reassurance given by the mentor and educator helped in clearing all the initial apprehension I had which made me comfortable enough to take that leap of faith and join the program.
Conceptualised and Illustrated by Gowthami | an Artpreneur Program Alumni 2021-2022 | Realm of Dragonflies Batch
3. What inspired you to transition from a business analyst to a creative entrepreneur? How did your family respond to this career shift?
Naturally, I was a person inclined towards creative fields, but I never really encountered an opportunity to pursue my passion as a career. When the opportunity finally knocked, it felt like a 'now or never' moment. While part of my family was supportive, a couple of them were definitely reluctant.
However, I decided to go through with it, pursue my dreams, and I am glad I did. Despite some initial reluctance, my family became increasingly supportive throughout the program, and they are even more so now.
Conceptualised and Illustrated by Gowthami | an Artpreneur Program Alumni 2021-2022 | Realm of Dragonflies Batch
4. How did you develop a strong connection to children's book illustrations, which is clearly evident in your portfolio?
Children’s books are a whole new magical world full of joy and colours, offering a vast scope for imagination and creativity. Innately, I'm drawn to quirky and cute characters, and I see that most of my work has that naturally. Illustrations open so many unexplored doors in storytelling, allowing me to delve into diverse tales inspired by real-life experiences.
Bringing someone's dream to life through my art is a fulfilling journey. The feeling that my illustrations might stir a sense of joy and help in some way for the overall development of a child, gives an immense satisfaction that could never be put into words.
Conceptualised and Illustrated by Gowthami | an Artpreneur Program Alumni 2021-2022 | Realm of Dragonflies Batch
5. In what ways did the Artpreneur Program contribute to your personal growth and development beyond just technical skills?
It had been quite a learning right from joining the program itself. I've always been someone with a 'fear of missing out', especially when faced with making decisions. Joining the Artpreneur program was the first huge unconventional decision I've ever made in my life.
Since then, my journey has been a learning curve not just with respect to the curriculum but with some major life lessons. Right from handling uncomfortable situations in a better way to sticking to timelines and making decisive choices and never looking back. These lessons have stayed with me post-program, and I'm sure that these are indispensable assets that truly can only be learnt through experience.
Conceptualised and Illustrated by Gowthami | an Artpreneur Program Alumni 2021-2022 | Realm of Dragonflies Batch
6. What is your vision for the next five years?
I aspire to work with authors from various cultural backgrounds, focusing on various inspiring stories that would create a positive spark in both the children and in the society. I'm eager to explore interesting information and facts pertaining to different backgrounds. Five years from now, I would be glad for 'Vivids and Pastels', my studio, to be known for children’s books I had Illustrated for and cherish every single step and moment of this journey.
Conceptualised and Illustrated by Gowthami | an Artpreneur Program Alumni 2021-2022 | Realm of Dragonflies Batch
7. Living overseas, how did you manage to adapt to different time zones and commit to daily sessions lasting over 8 hours?
The timing was one of the main challenges I faced when I started, as I reside in Melbourne, Australia, which operates in a completely different timezone. It definitely is a big deal with the time difference, coupled with factors like daylight saving, can be quite challenging. But it is a commitment one has to take and stick to. I believe nothing comes easily and this is something minimal when compared to what one will learn or get back from the program itself. When I felt down or couldn’t cope up, I had told myself the discomfort is temporary and the learning is life long. That pushed me to not fall back and to keep going.
Conceptualised and Illustrated by Gowthami | an Artpreneur Program Alumni 2021-2022 | Realm of Dragonflies Batch
8. How self-reliant do you feel in terms of taking on and successfully completing projects after the Program?
One of the key take aways from the program itself was the decision-making and being independent. Today, after collaborating with a handful of clients, I feel that I can take my own decisions and stick to it no matter what. Each day and every experience is a learning - good or bad and I keep growing with every project, becoming more self-reliant as the experience grows.
Conceptualised and Illustrated by Gowthami | an Artpreneur Program Alumni 2021-2022 | Realm of Dragonflies Batch
9. How effective were the educator and mentor in helping you achieve your goals in your opinion?
SCD Balaji had been an inspiration and was very supportive throughout the program. He had been instrumental in making me realize my true potential and his feedback helped me evolve into a self-reliant entrepreneur.
My educator Abhinaya had always been the go-to person who helped me navigate every challenge I faced throughout the program. Her patience and wisdom are something I look upto. And I would say she is the best educator one could ever ask for!
Conceptualised and Illustrated by Gowthami | an Artpreneur Program Alumni 2021-2022 | Realm of Dragonflies Batch
10. Would you recommend the Artpreneur Program to someone who is a complete amateur but aspires to pursue a creative career path?
Absolutely! As long as there is true passion and commitment.
I recommend Artpreneur Program to anyone who wants to transform themselves into a creative professional. It would not be a walk in the park for sure, rather would be a roller coaster ride that could turn you into someone that you never knew you could be!
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Enquire your doubts by filling out the below form,
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The Program Coordinator and Mentor will brief you on the Program Orientation, Program Structure, Program Time, Fee Structure, Technical Requirements, Portfolio Mentoring, Career Guidance, and other topics via a scheduled Zoom audio + screen sharing session.
Thank you for enquiring with us and providing your preferred date and time. Our program coordinator will promptly contact you to schedule a meeting based on your availability within the next 24 hours.
FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE PROGRAM
CONTACT:
Mrs. Niveditha
(Program Co-ordinator)
+ 91 96004 41080
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