Leaving my Job to Fulfill my Dream of Becoming an Artist
Quitting a successful corporate job to be an artist.
“Stop chasing goals and start chasing dreams”, Shanki Suman. There comes a moment in everyone’s life when one has to choose a career – a path to lead to one’s dream destination. Sometimes the career choice is as per one’s dream and sometimes as per one’s life priorities. In my case, I was always good at painting, but back in my time, art was not treated as a career option. It was treated as a hobby. Therefore, I then chose books over brush and career stability over passion.
I studied Biotech, which was one of the booming industries at that time. I did pretty well, but the arts kept coming back to me. I ignored my calling - chose an MBA after Biotech and then joined ITC. With the first job came everything that one dreams of, money and recognition. Everything was going well, but somehow, I always felt a void.
During my maternity break, I got an opportunity to rethink my priorities. In the same period, I came across an old bookmarker that I had made 12 years back, and this was a happy reminder of what I dreamt of. I simply bought some colors and started painting again. I realized the moment I held a brush in my hand – I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. This is when I decided that it is time to stop chasing goals and start chasing dreams.
As a kid, I had done basic training in Madhubani art (also known as Mithila art). Madhubani painting is an old art – it is done using fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks, etc. It mostly is made of natural dyes and pigments and is characterized by eye-catching geometrical patterns. Making these paintings requires diligent practice and time. I started painting Madhubani art with a slightly modern twist at a very small scale, but I received appreciation from people around me. I, then, realized times have changed. Suddenly, I realized there is so much I can do with a brush in my hand! I felt happy and empowered.
Starting my own art business, a success.
I started my entrepreneurial journey very soon after the realization. In the beginning, I got a few orders from friends and family. Then, the words spread, and I got more work. I make Madhubani-patterned painting on everything you can think of – from sarees to books to mats, bags, scarves, everything. I also started learning Mandala art and enrolled myself in an institution to learn this art formally. Apart from this, I teach art to kids. Some kids come for private classes, some attend workshops and sessions I organize at a bigger scale in partnership with some art centres. The money is stable. The orders are consistent. I am not making big moolah right now, but I am quite content. My MBA degree is helping me manage my customers, while my calling for art is helping me provide them with the best product. I am at a happy place in my life. What more can I ask for in one lifetime?
Nimish Gopal
Founder & Director, CareerNaksha
Nimish Gopal is a career guidance and education professional and the Founder and Director of CareerNaksha. He focuses on career counselling, skill development, and educational opportunities for students and professionals. Through his work, he shares practical insights into career planning, psychometric assessments, education, employability, and professional growth. His experience working with educational institutions and various stakeholders supports CareerNaksha's broader mission of making career guidance more accessible. Nimish contributes to discussions around career development, higher education, entrepreneurship, and the changing demands of the professional world."