We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shikha Gupta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shikha below.

Shikha , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Hi, I’m a dot mandala and mixed media artist. Art has always been a passion of mine, but after graduation, I found myself working in the corporate world. It wasn’t until my maternity leave that I reconnected with my love for art. I began exploring various forms of art online, learning through countless YouTube videos and practicing consistently.

As a self-taught artist, the journey wasn’t easy. It took time to hone my skills, and looking back, the only thing I might have done differently is to seek out a mentor or coach who could have helped me grow faster. Still, perseverance was key—I never gave up, and that determination has been one of my greatest assets.

In addition to being an artist, I’m also a small business owner and content creator, which came with its own set of challenges. But the same mindset of persistence has carried me through. If you’re passionate about something, you keep going no matter what—that’s exactly what I’ve done, and I know I still have so much more to learn and achieve.

Now, I conduct art workshops for adults and teens, whether they’re looking to pursue a career in the arts or simply want a creative outlet to relieve stress. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited for what the future holds.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m a dot mandala and mixed media artist, and I specialize in conducting art workshops for teens and adults. My workshops cover a variety of art forms, including dot mandala, string art, sculpture painting, Lippan art, and brush calligraphy. Art played a crucial role in helping me cope with stress during my postpartum period and the pandemic, and I hope to share that same sense of relief and healing with others.

In addition to teaching, I also sell my artwork on Etsy and take commission orders.

Here’s my Etsy shop: https://myyellowpalette.etsy.com

You can learn more about me and my art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myyellowpalette/

It brings me immense joy when people share how art has helped them through challenging times. My mission is to connect with more people and spread positivity through the power of art.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

After becoming a small business owner, I quickly realized the importance of buying local. While big-box stores may offer discounts, they can’t match the personalized service and uniqueness that local brands provide. When you buy from local artists, you’re getting a one-of-a-kind piece, not something mass-produced.

The best way society can support local artists is by shopping locally, attending craft fairs, and ensuring fair compensation for their work. Businesses can also contribute by supporting local artists through sponsorships, art installations, or corporate partnerships. This not only enhances the business’s image but also strengthens the creative economy.

Additionally, schools and universities should prioritize arts education from an early age. Fostering creativity as part of a well-rounded education nurtures future artists and builds a society that values innovation in all fields.

Communities, too, play a crucial role. They should offer affordable or free spaces for artists to showcase their work, host performances, and collaborate with others. This helps cultivate local culture while giving artists the visibility they deserve.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Art became a lifeline for me during a crucial stage of my life. I was struggling with postpartum blues when the pandemic hit, making everything feel even more overwhelming. But I knew I had to be okay for my baby. That’s when I found solace in art. With limited supplies, I turned to YouTube and began learning new art forms. I practiced every day, and it became clear how much it was helping my mental health—it was like therapy.

Since then, I’ve made it my mission to share this art form with as many people as possible. Along the way, I’ve met so many individuals who’ve shared their own stories with me—about the hardships they’ve faced and how they’ve turned to art for healing. I’m filled with immense gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in their lives, helping them find calm in the midst of chaos.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/myyellowpalette/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyYellowPalette
• Other: Etsy : https://myyellowpalette.etsy.com

Image Credits

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