Meet our new Artist of the Month... Nikkita Kole! @strokart_studio. Nikkita has always been drawn to the elegance of traditional design, and now she infuses that passion into her calligraphy on her ten year creative journey. Those that know her work will easily recognise her signature style of beautiful flourished letters and shimmery inks. Read on to find out more...
What is your background and when did your passion for Calligraphy and learning begin?
Painting and art have been a part of my life since childhood. It all began when I was in class four, watching my sisters paint. It wasn’t about whether their paintings were good or bad—what fascinated me was the way they held their brushes. Out of my own interest, I enrolled in a small drawing school near my house. It wasn’t a fancy place, but the teaching was excellent. That’s where I truly started learning about drawing, beginning with oil pastels. From that moment, art became a permanent part of my life. Over time, my passion grew as I explored different art forms, learned new techniques, and found inspiration in the creativity around me. However, when it came to choosing a career, I was uncertain. Following my family’s advice, I pursued a BCom degree for a stable career. After completing my graduation, my involvement in art significantly decreased. I could only find time to paint on Sundays to stay connected with my passion. Then, the pandemic happened, and unexpectedly, art made a strong comeback in my life. With more time on my hands, I immersed myself in painting again. Meanwhile, my sister started teaching students online through social media, and I helped her with the classes. That’s when I realized that I could turn my passion into a career. I started teaching art myself, and today, I work as an art teacher at an academy. Teaching and creating art bring me immense joy—it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. Though my journey had its ups and downs, I’m now truly happy and fulfilled, pursuing what I love.
Who / Where do you take your inspiration from?
When I first started my journey in art, my inspiration came from my elder sister. She was the one I looked up to and followed. Even today, she continues to inspire me with her work and dedication.
What in your opinion is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative industry?
Believing in myself and supporting my own journey, proving that I can build a career in art. It’s not just about career growth but also about finding inspiration from other artists, staying consistent in my work, express myself through art. The most rewarding part is seeing my achievements, which may seem small to others but feel huge to me. The way people appreciate my art, find inspiration in it, and want to learn from me makes all the challenges worthwhile.
Do you have a favourite style?
Yes, my favorite style is realistic portrait using graphite and charcoal because it allows me to capture precise details and create completely handmade artwork.
What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?
One of the most exciting projects I worked on was a collaboration with my sister, where we created a portrait for a BTS ARMY fan. The challenge was to sketch the entire BTS group along with one individual person in between, as it was meant to be a special gift. This project was particularly exciting because we had to draw and sketch eight people on an A1-sized sheet, which required a lot of precision and effort. Currently, I am working on a project for our academy, where I am developing a structured syllabus for a two-month summer course. The course focuses on shading techniques and tips for beginners, helping them improve their skills step by step.
How does your work relate to your everyday life?
Art is deeply connected to my daily life. Whether I am teaching, practicing, or simply observing the world around me. Teaching and social media plays a big role in my artistic journey. I get to share my passion with others and learn new things also.
What are your favourite tools to use?
My favorite tools are paintbrushes and colors because they made me interested in art and started my art journey.
What would your advice be to people new to the creative industry and any tips on how to get started?
My advice to those new to the creative industry is to always stay creative and never stop exploring. Get inspired by others, and do what you truly enjoy—whether it’s painting, sketching, or working with any medium. Don’t be afraid of whether your work turns out good or bad, or if it looks exactly how you imagined. Just keep creating. As for tips, remember that no one starts as a pro. Everyone has to learn and practice, so take your time and go at your own pace. Don’t try to rush into everything at once. Avoid setting rigid boundaries for yourself, and most importantly, follow your heart. I believe that art chooses us and if it does both are deeply connected . Lastly enjoy your journey.
To see more of her beautiful work you can follow her Shruti Prasad (@shrutiprasadarts) and remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month!
