Sadashiv Sawant is one of the greatest Pencil Artists, who switched from being an architectural presenter 3D visualization and computer graphics designer to a full-time Sketch Artist at the age of 46. A humble persona from Vengurla, he has never been trained professionally for this Art. His technical knowledge is the secret behind his masterpieces which even amazed the megastar Amitabh Bachchan. He now runs an academy which has successfully evolved talents and delivered happiness to more than 500 students in just 2 years. Sadashiv loves to spread the joy of this craft and he truly proves that ‘You are halfway there if someone tries to pull you down

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

I am running a business of architectural visualization since last 25 years passionately, and one day, I thought of trying to draw a pencil sketch of my son. It actually worked! I began and started experimenting more, became fond of hyper-realistic sketches. Gradually, I started workshops and as time passed by its demand expanded in Mumbai. I got a great response soon after I thought of starting an academy and now it’s been successful two years of Pencil Perceptions Academy.

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

Initially when I began my Academy and offered courses, people demotivated me and said that my courses were very expensive. It won’t work. But now it’s been two years and more than 500 students have enrolled in our online and offline courses.

Know me Beyond Pencil Art

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

Always be in the action.

Do you think Pencil Art and its learnings can be helpful in life even if one does not want to consider it as a career goal?

A lot of students have actually got rid of depression when they began pencil art, this makes me feel content about what I do and this motivates me to spread more creative joy to the youth.

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

When I presented my artwork to Amitabh ji, he was amazed and asked whether if it is actually sketched by a pencil, that was the ‘I Am The 1’ moment for me.

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

No, I did not get any training.

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

Thirteen years is approximately the right age; and for mindset, all you need is passion.

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

The social media has helped us a lot to showcase our artwork and reach a wider audience.

What qualities must one look for in a "Guru" for training in Pencil Art?

They must be technically sound in whatever they’re teaching

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

People shouldn’t waste their time in smudging the artform.

What do you suggest for better accessibility of Pencil Art training in remote parts of India?

Online courses could help. Also, some seminars and workshops can be organized later.

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

Let your kids search and discover the things they love to do.

Any message for the youth of our country?

Work in such a creative manner that you need not introduce yourself.

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

I do not have any regrets.

How can one identify & encourage talent in the family?

By allowing the children to follow their passion. Their minds might change twice or thrice but somehow, they will find a way.

Any other thoughts you want to share?

Be extraordinary in whatever you do.