8 minute read
Shefali Gaonker
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s often difficult to find pockets of joy amid the chaos. However, one talented artist, Shefali Gaonker, has found a way to weave positivity into the digital world through her art. Born and raised in the vibrant landscapes of Goa, Shefali works as a software engineer by profession but is truly passionate about being a digital artist. Her works revolve around the beauty of everyday moments, reflecting the simplicity of life while evoking a sense of warmth and joy. Let’s dive into her creative journey, from her artistic roots to the challenges of merging art with digital marketing, and how she continues to share uplifting messages through her artwork.
Growing up in the Creative World of Goa
For Shefali, art wasn’t something that she stumbled upon. It was a part of her life from the beginning, deeply rooted in her family’s traditions. Growing up, Shefali and her family crafted Ganesh idols from scratch every year, immersing themselves in creativity. This annual ritual instilled in her the value of creation and the importance of viewing the world from a unique perspective. It wasn’t just about molding idols but about seeing the divine in everyday life and translating that perspective into art.
As Shefali progressed through school, her love for drawing and doodling became more prominent. These artistic expressions served as an outlet for her emotions, allowing her to cope with the challenges that life threw her way. Little did she know that these seemingly simple doodles would evolve into something much greater— a career path that combines technology, creativity, and positivity.
Transition from Traditional to Digital Art
Initially, Shefali’s artistic expression was grounded in traditional mediums, like pencil and paper. However, as technology advanced, so did her means of creating. The transition to digital art, while daunting at first, became a pivotal moment in her artistic journey. Moving to digital platforms allowed her not only to save on resources but also to refine her work with ease and efficiency. The ability to use digital tools like the Procreate app made it possible for
Shefali to explore endless creative possibilities, adding depth and nuance to her illustrations.
More recently, she’s begun to venture into 2D animation, further expanding her creative horizons. This shift to digital animation has allowed her to inject life into her still illustrations, making them dynamic and interactive for her audience. It’s a step forward in her quest to create art that resonates on a deeper level, connecting with people not just visually, but emotionally as well.
The Inspirations Behind Doodle Perks’ Artwork
Inspiration, for Shefali, comes from the world around her. Everyday events, personal experiences, and positive moments serve as the primary muses for her creations. Whether it’s a simple interaction with her beloved pet or a heartwarming memory from her travels, Shefali strives to capture the essence of happiness in her art. This personal touch shines through in every piece she creates, making her work not only relatable but also uplifting.
Over the past few years, Shefali has also expanded her creative pursuits into the realm of commissioned art. From creating customized portraits to designing wedding invitations, she has found a way to blend her personal style with her clients’ visions. This form of commissioned work allows her to connect with people on a deeper level, as she transforms their cherished moments into beautifully illustrated pieces of art.
The Creative Process: From Concept to Completion
Every artist has a unique creative process, and Shefali’s is rooted in observation and joy. Her process begins with taking note of the things around her that spark happiness. Whether it’s a small moment of gratitude or an interaction with loved ones, Shefali uses these observations to fuel her creativity. Once she has an idea, she sketches a rough outline of the piece, refining it until she’s satisfied with the composition.
For customized portraits, Shefali goes a step further by involving her clients directly in the creative process. She asks for photos and works to capture their unique characteristics and facial expressions accurately. This personalized approach ensures that each commissioned piece is not only a reflection of her artistry but also a true representation of her clients’ personalities and stories.
Balancing Art with a Full-Time Career
To maintain a consistent presence online, Shefali works ahead of time, preparing content in advance. This allows her to share her work regularly without feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to create something new every day. It’s a delicate balance, but one that Shefali manages through careful planning and dedication to both her art and her career.
Leveraging Digital Tools for Creativity
Shefali has fully embraced the world of digital tools, with Procreate and Procreate Dreams being her goto apps for creating both illustrations and animations. These tools offer a variety of features that allow her to push the boundaries of her creativity. From experimenting with new brush techniques to learning advanced animation skills, Shefali continuously looks for ways to evolve her artistry.
The accessibility of online tutorials has also played a significant role in her growth as an artist. She’s constantly learning and experimenting with new styles, ensuring that her work remains fresh and innovative.
Engaging with an Audience Through Social Media
For Shefali, social media, particularly Instagram, serves as the primary platform for showcasing her artwork. The platform has not only allowed her to reach a wider audience but has also given her the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate and resonate with her art. What sets her apart from other digital artists is her genuine approach to engagement. It’s not just about selfpromotion; it’s about sharing her passion and building a community of people who find joy in her creations.
The organic growth of her audience has been one of her biggest achievements, with many of her followers sharing her work simply because they find it relatable and heartwarming. This word-of-mouth approach has helped her build a loyal following that continues to support and inspire her creative journey.
Challenges and Successes in Digital Marketing
As with any artist trying to establish a presence online, Shefali has faced her fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been managing her time effectively, balancing the demands of her fulltime job with her artistic pursuits. Consistency is key when it comes to growing an online presence, and finding time to create regular content has been a challenge. However, Shefali has overcome this by staying active on Instagram, engaging with her audience, and making the most of the time she has for her art.
Another challenge she has faced is navigating the ever-changing Instagram algorithm. With the platform constantly updating how content is prioritized, it can be difficult to maintain visibility. However, Shefali has learned that by staying consistent and regularly interacting with her audience, she can keep her artwork visible and relevant.
The Future of Doodle Perks: What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Shefali has exciting plans for her art career. She hopes to continue creating relatable artwork that promotes positivity and encourages others to share her content. Her exploration of animation will also continue, with plans to bring her illustrations to life in new and dynamic ways. Additionally, with the wedding season fast approaching, Shefali has a number of commissioned portraits lined up, providing her with the opportunity to continue connecting with clients and creating personalized pieces that celebrate their special moments.
Shefali is also open to collaborations with brands and individuals whose values align with her artistic vision. These collaborations would not only help expand her reach but also offer her the chance to explore new creative avenues and further establish herself as a leading digital artist.
Conclusion
Shefali Gaonker’s journey as a digital artist is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and resilience. From her early days crafting Ganesh idols with her family to her current success as a digital artist, Shefali has always found a way to incorporate positivity into her art. Through her use of digital tools and social media, she continues to inspire her audience, sharing uplifting moments and encouraging a positive mindset. As she looks to the future, it’s clear that Shefali’s artistic journey is just beginning, and we can expect to see even more incredible work from her in the years to come.
