Hola, Readers!
I hope you read my last blog. Today, I want to share the story of an Indian Anime Artist who loves his work deeply. He puts his heart into every piece he creates. But life had different plans for him. Yet, in a world driven by financial security and career stability, many Indian Anime Artists find themselves torn between their passion and the practicalities of life. In India, where traditional career paths are often favored, pursuing art as a full-time career is fraught with uncertainty. As a result, many talented Indian Anime Artists treat art as a hobby rather than a profession. Today, I want to highlight one such Indian Anime Artist and his journey of balancing passion with reality.

 

The Story of @sletch_11: An Indian Anime Artist Who Refuses to Let Go of His Passion

 

10K Followers, Yet Lost: A Tale of An Indian Anime Artist

Meet the artist behind the Instagram handle @sletch_11. His art is a window into his soul, capturing the intricate world of anime and manga with a unique human touch. As of March 2025, he has gained a dedicated following on Instagram, where he showcases his stunning sketches.

 

 

Like many aspiring artists in India, he grew up with an immense love for sketching. His passion was evident in every stroke of his pencil, every character he brought to life on paper. Inspired by Anime and Manga, his art features beautifully detailed characters, often reflecting deep emotions and storytelling elements.

However, as he grew older, the reality of life set in. In India, the art industry does not always promise financial stability, and society often encourages young talents to pursue “safe” careers in engineering, medicine, or corporate jobs. Torn between his love for art and the need for a stable future, he chose to step into the corporate world. Yet, his artistic spirit remained unbroken.

Despite his demanding job, he never let go of his creative side. He continued sketching in his free time and started sharing his work on Instagram. Social media platforms like Instagram have become a beacon of hope for artists, allowing them to reach a global audience without the constraints of traditional galleries or exhibitions. Through his Instagram page, @sletch_11 has found a way to showcase his talent, connect with fellow art enthusiasts, and keep his passion alive.

 

The Harsh Reality: Why Indian Anime Artists Struggle to Pursue Art as a Career

 

Art is often viewed as a secondary skill in India rather than a viable career option. Many aspiring artists hesitate to take it up professionally due to several reasons:

 

1. Lack of Financial Security: Unlike conventional jobs, an art career does not guarantee a fixed income, making it risky in a country where financial stability is a priority.
2. Limited Opportunities: The Indian art market is still developing, with limited spaces for budding artists to showcase their work. Without strong connections or financial backing, it becomes difficult to gain recognition.
3. Societal Expectations: Many Indian families prioritize careers that promise stability and status, often discouraging young artists from following their passion.
4. Self-Doubt and Lack of Support: When society doesn’t validate art as a legitimate profession, artists often struggle with self-doubt, questioning whether their passion is worth pursuing.
5. High Competition and Changing Trends: Even in the digital age, where platforms like Instagram and Behance offer exposure, the sheer volume of content makes it difficult for individual artists to stand out.

 

The Rise of Social Media: A Ray of Hope for Indian Anime Artists

 

 

Despite these challenges, the digital age has opened new doors for independent artists. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Patreon have empowered artists by providing them with a global audience. Today, many artists monetize their work through:

 

 

• Commissioned Artwork: Many social media artists take on custom sketch requests from fans, anime enthusiasts, and collectors.
• Merchandise Sales: Selling prints, posters, and custom-designed merchandise has become a popular revenue stream.
• Brand Collaborations: Some artists collaborate with brands for marketing campaigns, making art a lucrative field if pursued strategically.
• NFTs and Digital Art: The rise of blockchain technology has introduced a new way for artists to sell their work as digital assets.

 

Artists like @sletch_11 are leveraging these opportunities to ensure that their passion remains a part of their lives, even if not their primary profession.

 

A Glimpse into @sletch_11’s Artistic Journey

 

To gain deeper insight into his artistic journey, we posed several questions to @sletch_11 :

 

 

• What inspired you to start sketching anime and manga characters?

Back in the day, I used to watch a lot of cartoons, and I often wondered how they were created. As I grew older, I learned about the process behind animation—the challenge of drawing countless frames to create smooth motion fascinated me. Watching shows like Art Attack and Mad further fueled my artistic curiosity. I was especially drawn to anime and manga because of their unique art style and the way they portray extreme and expressive characters. That’s what inspired me to start sketching them.

 

• How do you balance your corporate job and your passion for art?

It’s challenging, especially with exams and assignments happening alongside work. Because of that, consistency can be tough to maintain. But I make sure to set aside dedicated time for art, usually on weekends, so I can keep my passion alive despite a busy schedule.

 

• What challenges have you faced in pursuing art as a serious hobby?

Well, I wouldn’t say I’m extremely serious about it, but I also don’t want to break the chain. The biggest challenges I’ve faced are time management, creative blocks, and self-doubt. Balancing art with other responsibilities can be tough, and there are times when I struggle to find inspiration or question my skills. But despite these challenges, I keep going because I love creating.

 

• How do you approach creating a new piece of art?

I usually start with an idea or gather multiple references before sketching the basic composition. From there, I refine the details and add shading or colors, incorporating my own style into it. I also take inspiration from anime, current trends, and personal experiences, which helps bring uniqueness to each piece.

 

• How has social media, especially Instagram, helped you connect with an audience?

Instagram has been a great platform for showcasing my work and gaining followers who appreciate my art. It has even led to occasional collaboration requests. Engaging with the right audience through reels, posts, and interactions has helped me grow and stay motivated to create more.

 

• What advice would you give to aspiring artists struggling to showcase their work?

People often say, “You’re gifted,” but I want them to know that art is just as much about patience and hard work as it is about talent. An artist is simply someone who spends more time thinking about and practicing art than others. My advice would be to keep posting consistently, engage with your audience, use the right hashtags, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your style. But above all, enjoy the process and grow with the flow!

 

• Which of your artworks is your favorite, and why? (We’d love to feature it!)

There are a few that hold a special place for me. The first pinned drawing of Luffy is one of my favorites because it was the first piece that went viral and helped me connect with anime fans. Then there’s the sketch of Eren Yeager in his Titan form breaking the ship—it took a long time to draw, so it feels extra rewarding. I also really like my sketch of Khaleesi from Game of Thrones since I made it a long time ago, and Mihawk stands out because of the shading work. Each of these pieces represents a different milestone in my journey as an artist.

 

 

 

 

Supporting Artists: How You Can Make a Difference

 

Artists put their heart and soul into their work, and they deserve appreciation and support. If you enjoy anime and manga-style sketches, along with occasional portrait sketches, check out @sletch_11 on Instagram! A simple like, comment, or share can motivate him to keep creating amazing artwork.

But there’s even more you can do! If you love his work, you can also request a custom drawing of your favorite character or commission a unique piece. He also sells his artwork, so you can own an original sketch while directly supporting his passion. Every bit of encouragement—a kind message, a small purchase, or a shout-out—helps artists like him continue doing what they love.

If you’re an artist trying to balance your career and your passion, know that you’re not alone. There are many ways to keep creating, whether through social media, freelancing, or personal projects. Keep sharing your art with the world—your creativity deserves to be seen!

 

KalaSpot’s Commitment to An Indian Anime Artist

 

We www.KalaSpot.com believe in supporting artists who have been forced to treat their passion as a hobby due to financial or societal pressures. Our platform aims to promote such artists, giving them visibility and helping them reach an audience that appreciates their talent. If you are an artist or know someone whose work deserves recognition, get in touch with us. Let’s work together to create a space where passion is valued as much as practicality.

Art is not just a career; it’s an expression of human emotion, a language that speaks beyond words. And every artist, no matter their path, deserves to be heard.