Art is subtle and practiced silently, but the artwork is what makes noise. Ravikiran Patil did not have any idea about pursuing a career in Pencil Stroke Art, until one day he landed in the Oxford of the East i.e. Pune. An artist since when he began drawing in his school's notice board, Ravikiran kept on sketching without keeping eyes on the prize. It was due to the saddening demise of his father, that he had to work for his family and keep art aside. However, the way technology is growing in the fields of Music, Arts, Dance & Sports; we are sure that artists like Ravikiran are going to get huge platforms to earn the amount of recognition they deserve.

Team imd1 feels great to know about Ravikiran's inspiring story so far.

We are really keen to know; how did your journey begin?

I don't remember clearly but I know my mother once told me that I used to draw and scribble anything in my school's notice board when I was in 2nd grade. I developed liking towards drawing and my teachers encouraged me a lot. I even represented my school and won 1st prize when I was in the 3rd grade. Since then I became fond of drawing.

Know me Beyond Pencil Stroke Art

What's your success mantra?

I believe patience is very much important in the field of art. With sheer hard work, focus and patience, one can pursue a career in drawing.

What were the hardships / hurdles you have encountered during your journey? How did you overcome them?

Till college, I used to draw passionately, without an intention of pursuing a career in it. I wasn't aware of such career because my college was in a rural area. When I visited Pune, I came to know that we can make a career in art too. So, since past 1 and a half years, I am professionally drawing. I had to put this passion aside when my father passed away because I was the only one to look after my family. Coming to Pune was a turning point in my life when I again started drawing regularly.

Success is incomplete without its share of setbacks. What advice do you give to others about handling the setbacks?

If you're an artist, don't draw for the sake of earning money but do it for your own happiness. In this way you will get everything on your way.

Which was "that" moment when you considered yourself as "I Am The 1"?

My Art was always appreciated during my school and college days. When I participated in the District Level competition and was declared as a Winner, I felt as "Yes, I Am The 1", and thought that if I pursue this Pencil Art more seriously then definitely I can reach heights.

Did you get any formal training in Pencil Art? Kindly tell us about it…

I haven't taken any training even though I wanted to learn. Everything I draw is self-taught or through learning from YouTube videos.

Could you reflect on the importance of systematic training in Pencil Art?

Even I feel like I want to learn and need lots of training. Whoever is new in this field, s/he must learn the proper techniques. One must also discover self-techniques.

What are the pre-coaching essentials e.g. right age, mindset or anything else?

There is no age to pursue art. Mostly the imagining power gets developed by the age of 15-16years when once can think of making a career in art.

Technology is changing the way people get trained in Pencil Art. What's your take?

True artists prefer the same traditional method of drawing rather than opting for digital drawing tools. So for me, nothing much have changed till date. But those who are not much into the art, they mostly like the digitalized version of its practice.

Most of the knowledgeable people don't fully share their expertise to their students, fearing that students will learn and move ahead but this mentality is wrong. If I don't share my knowledge at par, then it will neither increase nor anyone would get advantage out of it. The more we share the more we learn, that's what I believe in.

If you were to bring one big change in the way people get trained in Pencil Art, what would that be?

The amount of value and demand other countries have for art, I wish in a similar way our government promotes and supports career in art. Exposure to artists on a large scale must be given in India.

Your piece of advice to parents and new generation especially when some people are skeptical about career in extra curriculum…

Only education is not beneficial nowdays. There has to be some cocurricular activity alongwith studies. Pressurizing children to study will ultimately dull their creativity.

One thing which you feel you want to change from the past while you walk down the memory lane…

My career would have been at a better stage if my father did not leave us.

How can one identify & encourage talent in the family?

Commonly such talents are discovered in schools and at times when children are doing something other than studies. Such observations make parents aware of their children's hobbies.

Any other thoughts you want to share…

Art takes time and efforts so one should not expect it to be free of cost because it takes a lot of hard work for me to make time after work hours to create sketches. Hence my friends and relatives must understand this.