Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Santosh Mande. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Santosh thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
At SanArt, our approach to art diverges from the conventional industry norms by blending creativity with precision to craft intricate carvings on pencil graphite lead. Unlike traditional forms of art that rely on expansive mediums, we focus on the smallest canvas possible—pencil lead—transforming it into extraordinary, detailed sculptures that captivate the imagination.
What sets us apart is our commitment to personalization and storytelling through miniature art. Each piece we create is customized to reflect the unique sentiments and stories of our clients, making our work more than just art—it becomes a cherished keepsake. This level of personalization and craftsmanship is rarely seen in the industry, and it’s what keeps our clients coming back.
One moment that truly exemplifies this difference was when a customer approached us to create a miniature sculpture of a wedding proposal. We meticulously carved a couple kneeling with a ring into a pencil’s lead. The result was not just a gift but an unforgettable moment that brought tears of joy to the recipient. Stories like this highlight why our divergence from industry standards matters—our art creates emotional connections and memories that last a lifetime.
By combining innovation with a deeply personal touch, SanArt is redefining how art is experienced and cherished in everyday life. This uniqueness has earned us recognition in prestigious platforms like the World Book of Records and made us a favorite among art enthusiasts and gift seekers alike.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello! My name is Santosh Mande, and I am the founder and artist behind SanArt, a brand that celebrates the beauty of miniature art through intricate carvings on pencil graphite lead. My journey into this unique craft started as a passion for creating art that challenges the boundaries of precision and detail. What began as a personal hobby has grown into a full-fledged artistic venture that touches lives across the globe.
At SanArt, we specialize in crafting customized pencil carvings—each piece a tiny, intricate sculpture that serves as a unique keepsake. From names and symbols to detailed figurines, our works are tailored to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and corporate events. Our art solves a delightful problem for our clients: how to gift something truly personal, meaningful, and unforgettable.
What sets us apart from others in the industry is the level of precision, customization, and emotional connection we bring to each creation. Unlike mass-produced gifts, our pencil carvings are one-of-a-kind treasures that capture the essence of the moment or the person they’re made for. Every piece tells a story—whether it’s a miniature rendition of the Charminar that earned us a place in the India Book of Records, or a heartfelt carving that became a bride’s cherished wedding favor.
I am most proud of how SanArt has become more than just an art brand; it’s a way for people to express their emotions and preserve their memories in a unique and tangible form. Beyond that, I am currently exploring new frontiers by integrating robotics with micro art, a concept I call micro-robotics, which has the potential to revolutionize how we experience and interact with art.
For anyone discovering SanArt for the first time, I want you to know that every piece we create is a labor of love and precision, crafted to bring joy and inspiration to your life. Whether you’re looking for a truly unique gift, a collectible, or an artistic marvel, SanArt is here to turn your vision into a miniature masterpiece.
I invite you to explore our art, share your ideas, and let us create something extraordinary for you. Your support not only fuels our creativity but also allows us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in miniature art. Thank you for being part of our journey!
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was that success is solely measured by financial gains and rapid growth. Coming from a background in engineering project management and IT consulting, I was conditioned to believe that scaling fast and maximizing profits were the primary indicators of success. However, when I started SanArt, I realized that true success lies in passion, impact, and authenticity rather than just numbers.
In the early days of my journey, I focused on expanding my miniature art business rapidly—taking on multiple orders, trying to cater to a wide audience, and setting ambitious sales targets. However, I soon realized that my art was deeply personal, and rushing the process took away the very essence of what made it special. Some of my best work required patience, precision, and emotional connection, which couldn’t be forced into a traditional business model.
The turning point came when I was working on a custom pencil carving for a grieving family—a tribute to their late loved one. The emotional weight of that project made me step back and appreciate that my work was not just about selling art; it was about creating something meaningful that resonated with people’s emotions.
I unlearned the idea that growth must be aggressive and instead embraced a quality-over-quantity mindset. This shift allowed me to stay true to my artistic vision, focus on meaningful creations, and build deeper connections with my clients. Today, SanArt thrives not just as a business but as a brand that brings joy, emotions, and artistry into people’s lives.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots in my life was transitioning from a career in engineering project management and IT consulting to becoming an entrepreneur and micro-artist with SanArt.
I moved to the USA on an F1 visa for my masters in project management and then worked in IT consulting and business development. While I was building a career in the tech industry, I always had a passion for miniature art. I started carving pencil graphite as a hobby, but over time, my work started gaining recognition, leading to features in newspapers, exhibitions, and even the India Book of Records for my intricate Charminar carving.
The real pivot happened when I realized that my art had the potential to be more than just a side passion—it could be a business that combined creativity with purpose. I took a leap of faith and launched SanArt, focusing on personalized miniature carvings for gifts, collectors, and art enthusiasts. This transition wasn’t easy—I had to balance my IT career with building a brand from scratch, learning about e-commerce, marketing, and the intricacies of running an art-based business.
The moment that solidified my decision was when I received my first bulk order from a gift dealer in India. Seeing my handcrafted art being sold and cherished by people was the validation I needed to fully embrace my entrepreneurial journey. Today, I’ve expanded SanArt beyond traditional miniature carvings, working on integrating robotics with micro-art (micro-robotics) and exploring new opportunities in the art and tech space.
This pivot taught me that passion and business can coexist, and sometimes, taking a risk on your creativity can open doors you never imagined.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sanart.in
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santhoshstark
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/bhanu-k-0512b338
Image Credits
Sri Bhavya Chakka