We recently connected with Shivali Chauhan and have shared our conversation below.

Shivali, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Yes, I’ve been fortunate to earn a full-time living from my creative work.
But it definitely wasn’t like that from day one. My journey began quite simply—with a desire to decorate my own space and learn something new. That’s when I discovered dot mandala and mandala art. What started as a personal creative outlet quickly turned into a deep passion.

I immersed myself in the process, spending hours researching and experimenting with different brushes, tools, and color combinations. I wasn’t just learning techniques—I was exploring ways to express myself and developing a unique style that felt authentic to me.

Over time, as I shared my work online, I started receiving encouraging feedback and interest from people who connected with my art. That gave me the confidence to explore the idea of turning this passion into something more.

Some major milestones along the way included launching my social media presence, participating in exhibitions, hosting workshops, and setting up an online store. Each of these steps helped me build a community and connect with people who appreciated the thought, detail, and emotion in my work.

Looking back, I think I could have sped up the process if I had more clarity in the beginning about branding, pricing my work, and building a stronger online presence. But honestly, every step—every trial and error—was part of the growth. I’ve learned that success in a creative career isn’t just about talent; it’s about persistence, passion, and believing in your vision even when the results aren’t immediate.

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?

My name is Shivali Chauhan. I’m a self-taught, full-time Dot Mandala artist and Art Educator based in the Bay Area, California.
My creative journey began in 2019, sparked by a simple idea—to add a touch of handmade beauty to my own living space. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a deep, fulfilling passion that eventually turned into a full-time profession.

I specialize in the intricate and meditative art of Dot Mandala painting. Using tools and brushes, I create detailed dot work on a variety of surfaces including canvas, wood panels, coasters, vases, figurines, candle holders, and even handmade jewelry. Each piece is a celebration of symmetry, color, and mindfulness, carefully crafted to bring beauty and calm into the spaces they inhabit.

One of the things I truly enjoy is working on custom orders. Whether it’s a wall piece for someone’s home, personalized decor for a special occasion, unique jewelry, or more, I love connecting with clients to understand their vision. I take the time to learn their preferences—what colors they’re drawn to, the type of surface they’d like, and the overall feeling they want the artwork to evoke. I keep them involved throughout the process, sharing updates and ensuring timely delivery. Every custom project becomes a collaboration, and that makes the creative process even more meaningful.
In addition to creating, I’m also an art educator, and I find so much joy in sharing my passion for this art form with others. I always strive to connect and resonate with people in a way that makes the art experience both accessible and inspiring. Through all of this—creating, teaching, and collaborating—I find even more love and peace through my art.

What sets my work apart is the attention to detail, the level of personalization, and the energy I infuse into each piece. Every dot is placed with intention, and I always aim to create art that resonates deeply with people—not just visually, but emotionally.

What I’m most proud of is the way this art form has allowed me to connect with people from all over the world. It brings me so much joy to know that something created with my hands can bring peace, beauty, and inspiration into someone else’s life.

For anyone discovering my work for the first time, I’d want them to know that behind every piece is a story, a process, and a passion. Whether you’re looking for something personal, a gift, or just want to bring a little more calm and color into your space, I’m here to create something special for you.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, society can best support artists and creatives by truly recognizing the value of art—not just as decoration, but as a vital part of culture, wellbeing, and community.

Art has the power to heal, to inspire, and to bring people together across backgrounds and beliefs. Supporting artists means more than just purchasing artwork—though that’s always appreciated. It’s also about creating space for creativity to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

There are so many ways we can build a thriving creative ecosystem:

Encouraging art education and creative exposure from an early age is essential. Schools and community programs should treat the arts with the same importance as academics, helping young people discover the power of creative expression.

Providing platforms and opportunities for artists to showcase their work makes a huge difference. I’ve experienced this firsthand—last year, I participated in the Sunnyvale Art Fair, and also had the honor of exhibiting my artwork at the Sunnyvale Public Library. These experiences not only gave my work visibility but also allowed me to connect with the community on a deeper level. Events like these make art more accessible and give artists a real sense of belonging.

Supporting small and independent artists—by attending events, sharing their work, leaving reviews, or choosing handmade over mass-produced—can go a long way. These simple gestures show appreciation for the heart and effort we pour into our craft.

Investing in public art and creative initiatives also has a lasting impact. Cities that incorporate art into public spaces tell artists that their voices matter and that creativity is part of the community’s identity.

I think it’s important to move away from the idea that art is simply a luxury or a hobby. For many of us, it’s much more than that—it’s our life’s work. Supporting creatives is about recognizing the value of storytelling, beauty, and emotional connection. These are essential elements that contribute to building a more vibrant, empathetic society.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to create something that connects with people on an emotional level.
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that a piece you created with your hands, time, and heart can bring someone joy, peace, inspiration—or even healing. Art has this quiet yet powerful way of speaking when words fall short.

For me, every time someone tells me that my work made them feel calm, or that a custom piece I created became a meaningful part of their home or a special gift, it reminds me why I do what I do. It’s those moments of connection that are truly priceless.

Also, being an artist means I get to keep learning and evolving. Every project is a new challenge, a new opportunity to explore ideas, techniques, and color combinations. It keeps life interesting and meaningful.

But beyond all that, I think the greatest reward is the freedom to express myself authentically—and to have others resonate with that expression. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t just about making things—it’s about making meaning.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lets_explore_art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exploredotsndecor
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ExploreDotsnDecor