We recently connected with Arohi Sawant and have shared our conversation below.
Arohi, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Building confidence for me was never an instant revelation or a single moment of bravery; it was a long, winding journey of self-discovery. I spent countless hours sketching, experimenting, and refining my skills—not just to get better, but to find my voice. There were days filled with doubt and others brimming with excitement, but through it all, I knew I was carving out something uniquely mine.
Every challenge brought its lessons, and I learned to stay grounded in my passion, no matter how difficult the path felt. It was this constant push toward growth and authenticity that laid the foundation of my self-belief. I realized that my work had to be more than just aesthetically pleasing; it needed to feel true to who I am.
Today, each illustration I create is anchored in a guiding principle: it has to reflect my roots and honour my craft. That connection to where I come from and what I value most serves as my compass, ensuring that I’m not just creating art, but something that resonates deeply with my identity. This sense of purpose fuels my confidence. It reminds me that my path—though sometimes challenging—is one I can trust because it’s built on everything that matters most to me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey as an artist is deeply personal, shaped by the love and resilience of my single mother, who was my earliest supporter and creative influence. Growing up, my mother would take me to Indian classical music and art classes around town, often juggling her responsibilities just so I could pursue my passions. Those weekends spent learning, competing, and soaking in different art forms were transformative. They instilled in me not only a love for Indian classical music but also a passion for vibrant, expressive visual storytelling.
A few years ago, my life took a surprising turn when my friends pooled together to gift me an iPad. This thoughtful gift reignited my passion for drawing, and I found myself exploring digital art with excitement and curiosity. What began as a casual pursuit quickly evolved into something more; that same year, I received my first commission for a portrait and later, a wedding card design. These projects marked the beginning of my journey as a digital artist, and today, I’m proud to say this is my sixth year in digital illustration.
Over the years, I’ve invested deeply in my craft, working with clients on projects ranging from book covers to wedding invitations. Each project has been an opportunity to stay true to my art while telling stories that reflect a shared heritage. This year, I achieved a milestone that’s been on my bucket list—I had my work selected for an exhibit at Waterloo City Hall, a proud moment that feels like a testament to the journey I’ve taken.
Looking forward, my dream is to collaborate with South Asian-focused brands, helping bring their visions to life through meaningful, culturally resonant design. Through each project, I aim to carry forward the rich, vibrant influences that have shaped my work and connect with audiences who share an appreciation for stories rooted in heritage and authenticity.
Today, my art brand is a celebration of that journey and the beautiful heritage I come from. My inspiration often comes from traditional Indian art forms, and I’m drawn to the bold colours and intricate patterns seen in Indian tapestries. Each piece I create is a homage to those early memories, capturing the richness of my roots with a contemporary twist.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey as an artist, three qualities have profoundly shaped me: persistence, dedication, and a keen eye for inspiration in everything around me.
Early on, I learned the value of *persistence*—the more artwork I created, the more mistakes I made, and the more I learned. I came to believe that each time I stumbled, it was simply part of a process that made me stronger. The act of falling down and figuring out how to get back up taught me resilience. I showed up day after day, knowing that each misstep was a stepping stone to growth.
*Dedication* to my craft has also been crucial. I’ve always felt that true artistry requires not just talent, but a constant commitment to improving and honing my skills. Whether I’m experimenting with a new medium or refining a familiar technique, this dedication has been my foundation, shaping my style and allowing my work to feel like an extension of who I am.
Finally, I’ve embraced inspiration from every detail around me. I challenge myself to notice unique patterns and color combinations in everyday objects, and each week, I set aside time for what I call “bento box sketching.” I’ll take a picture—maybe of a flower, a street scene, or even just a collection of items on my desk—and break it down by drawing distinct elements into separate “bento boxes.” This practice keeps me observant and reminds me to look closely at the finer details, adding fresh perspectives to my art.
Together, these qualities have guided me through every stage of my journey, fuelling my growth and shaping the artist I am today.
In the end, it’s all about showing up consistently and creating as much as possible. When you start, it’s less about perfecting each piece and more about building your skills and discovering your voice. Begin with what you have—whether it’s free apps, a basic tablet, or just pencil and paper. Each sketch, each experiment, each mistake, teaches you something new and brings you closer to your own unique style. Over time, quantity becomes quality, and with persistence and dedication, every piece becomes a step toward the artist you’re meant to be.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always excited to collaborate with people who, like me, are passionate about celebrating our South Asian roots in fresh and meaningful ways. My journey as an artist has been all about bridging my heritage with contemporary creativity, and I’ve found that some of the most powerful projects come from joining forces with others who share this vision.
I’m especially drawn to working with South Asian-led brands, whether it’s a music producer looking to capture cultural depth in album art, an artist seeking unique visuals, or any creative wanting to blend their heritage into their work on a global stage. Each collaboration is an opportunity to tell a story that resonates deeply, honouring our shared heritage while reaching new audiences.
If this sounds like the kind of project you’d like to bring to life, I’d love to connect. Feel free to explore my work at [www.arohisawant.com](http://www.arohisawant.com/) and reach out—I’m eager to see where our creativity can take us together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arohisawant.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aarohisiillustrates
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arohisawant
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