Sruthi Mohan (22), who is currently pursuing her masters at Women’s Christian College, Chennai is a freelance digital artist. She is popularly known as smores_smohan by her followers on social media. "My art is a reflection of my mind and soul. It showcases my feelings, thoughts and what I get inspiration from," says Sruthi, speaking on how she connects with her piece of work. Academic commitments make it difficult for her to manage both but that hasn't stopped her from doing what she loves.
"I always try to narrate a story through my art. The story includes feelings and emotions that can affect anyone of us every day," says Sruthi when asked about what makes her work unique. "As a child watching Disney shows and anime shows, I’ve always wanted to create one," she adds. Apart from visually representing the norms of everyday life, she boldly speaks about mental health and wellness through her artwork. "I have always been an introvert, being an artist helped me grow as a person. Only via art, I was able to communicate effectively," explains Sruthi on how art makes her life easy.
From making drawings as a hobby to being recognised for her digital arts, Sruthi has come a long way. Sruthi stepped into digital art-making (2D) in her undergraduate days while she was studying Electronic Media at MOP Vaishnav College. The two-year-old freelancer says that learning is always fun for her and there is a lot for her to explore in terms of various techniques of art creation.
Pursuing art as a career is still looked down upon as an unconventional profession to opt for. But Sruthi’s family has always been her support system irrespective of the field she chose to pursue. Sruthi gives credit to her family in carving her as an artist and motivating her at all levels. "It is true that unfortunately in our society being an artist is a challenge in several ways. But I’m happy that there are many artists like me coming forward and doing good by breaking this stigma," comments Sruthi on how artists are striving hard for recognition.
This young artist is also an entrepreneur, who owns a start-up — Smoresart along with her two classmates Harini L and Shahista Farheen N. Smoresart makes creative notebooks, badges, posters, stickers, and customised items. The start-up makes you fall for its product with its extraordinary, attractive and comical representation of everyday life. This online store offers amazing pocket-friendly items ranging from Rs 20 to Rs 200 based on one’s preferences.
Her work on mental wellness brought her much appreciation from all around. Currently, Sruthi is working on her upcoming comic book based on co-existence. "Rubber stamp making and creating ceramics are two art forms I’m exploring right now,” says Sruthi when asked about the other options she is working on.
One can Reach Sruthi Mohan through her Instagram ID @smores_smohan, @smores_
