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The Artpreneur's Journey: Behind the Scenes

byRachna TakawaleShips across India; Studio in Chembur, MumbaiStarts from2,200 Per Bottle / SetView full gallery

This isn't a highlight reel. It’s the messy, honest, and sometimes exhausting truth of quitting a corporate job to build a life out of art.

I've been a calligrapher for years, but recently, art started taking the lead. This photo was taken as I was transitioning my work and my website to reflect where I am now. It's me, surrounded by my new direction.

Eight years ago, I bet my whole life on art. All I had was a stubborn love for creating. This image, with the text overlay, is part of a series reflecting on my journey.

Part of my 8-year reflection series. I've worked with so many brands I once only admired from afar. This photo of me at a Dior event is a reminder of how far I've come.

The journey has been exhilarating and exhausting. There were days I questioned every choice. This candid shot of me working from home captures the reality of building a business.

My first time being featured in a print newspaper, the Sunday Midday. Seeing my work and my story in print was a surreal and incredibly proud moment after eight years of hard work.

A screenshot of the "Artpreneur is upon us" article I was featured in. It was an honor to be part of a conversation about how artists are transforming their art into thriving businesses.

Balancing being an artist with the dream of becoming a tattoo artist. Here's a look at my desk, where I'm designing a custom calligraphy tattoo on my iPad.

A closer look at the digital tattoo design process. I love exploring new ways to apply my calligraphy skills, and tattoo design is a passion I'm excited to pursue.

Don't just believe me, hear what my past students say. These are real reviews from my online calligraphy workshops, a part of my business I'm very proud of.

A throwback to 2017 and my first project after quitting my corporate job. I collaborated with 7 other artists to create this moving piece of art on a taxi for Asian Paints. It was terrifying and magical.

About The Artpreneur's Journey

People see the final painted bottle or the clean calligraphy on a scroll, but they rarely see the prep that goes into it. Whether I’m packing kits for a workshop or prepping my gear for a long live engraving session, the reality is a mix of rigorous planning and physical stamina. You’re paying for the art, yes, but you’re also hiring someone who treats a short event appearance with as much precision as a week-long painting commission.

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