In the vibrant, culturally rich state of Goa, a new generation of artists is emerging, using their talents to shape both the artistic and social landscapes. Among these visionary creatives is Vaibhav Salgaonkar. Vaibhav’s journey from a curious young mind to a successful entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. With his unique blend of creativity, cultural advocacy, and business acumen, he has managed to carve out a niche that resonates with both art lovers and socially conscious individuals alike.
A Humble Beginning
Vaibhav Salgaonkar’s story is not one of immediate artistic aspirations. Raised in the quaint village of Calangute, Goa, Vaibhav initially had little intention of pursuing art as a career. In his youth, like many of his peers, he harbored dreams of working in science or sports. However, the presence of his older brother, who excelled in drawing contests, played a pivotal role in sparking Vaibhav’s interest in the arts. His brother’s success became a motivating factor, encouraging Vaibhav to pursue drawing and representing his school and college in various cultural events across Goa. These early experiences laid the foundation for his future as an artist.
Another key influence in Vaibhav’s artistic development was the work of Alexyz (Alex Raphael), a renowned Goan cartoonist. Vaibhav credits Alexyz as one of his most significant inspirations and further honed his skills by attending a certificate course conducted by the artist. These formative experiences shaped his artistic approach and expanded his creative horizons.
Balancing Art and Academics
While Vaibhav’s passion for art grew, he also developed a strong academic interest, particularly in the field of biotechnology. After completing his Bachelor of Science degree, he pursued a Master’s in Biotechnology, balancing his academic commitments with his creative pursuits. Despite his deep interest in biotechnology, Vaibhav never fully relinquished his artistic abilities. He began to document his journey on Instagram, launching his online platform ArtByBu, where he shared his artworks and began garnering a modest following.
During this time, Vaibhav’s professional path seemed geared toward the scientific world, and he even considered pursuing a PhD. However, the global pandemic in 2020 led to a dramatic shift in his life. With the world in lockdown, Vaibhav found the time to reconnect with his artistic side. He also became involved in social activism, using his art to support the ‘#SaveMollem’ movement, which gained considerable traction on social media. This period of reflection helped Vaibhav realize that his true calling was in art, and he decided to dedicate himself to it full-time.
The Birth of ArtByBu
In his pursuit of a viable career in art, Vaibhav sought a way to merge his creativity with a business model that could reach a wide audience. This led to the creation of his website ArtByBu.com, where he began selling personalized Goan caricatures printed on everyday items such as t-shirts, mugs, coasters, and badges. The true turning point for his venture, however, came when he set up stalls at local festival markets, which are held regularly across various villages in Goa. His products sold out within hours on his very first day, boosting his confidence and establishing his presence in the local art scene.
Vaibhav was quick to recognize the immense potential in selling art at pop-up markets, where he could engage directly with customers and introduce his unique creations to a new audience. “The energy and connection with people at these markets were what I needed,” he shares. “To this day, I still set up stalls at pop-up markets, meeting incredible people and customers.” His commitment to these markets not only boosted his sales but also allowed him to spread social awareness through his art.
Celebrating Goa’s Cultural Heritage
In his pursuit of artistic success, Vaibhav has always remained true to his roots and the rich cultural heritage of Goa. As part of his artistic journey, he introduced unique products such as calendars featuring the vibrant local village festivals of Goa and later expanded to a calendar showcasing the region’s religious festivals. These creative products reflect his passion for promoting cultural preservation through art, setting him apart from other artists in the region.
A member of the Urban Sketchers Goa, Vaibhav has also immersed himself in a global community of artists committed to sketching and documenting the world around them. The group’s workshops and sketch walks have provided Vaibhav with valuable exposure, allowing him to adopt new techniques and expand his artistic toolkit. His dedication to capturing Goan architecture and society is evident in his works, as he aims to preserve these heritage structures through his sketches. “Our future generations might not be able to see these beautiful heritage structures because of unnecessary projects that lead to their demolition,” he reflects. “That’s why I’m on a mission to document all these iconic structures.”
The Freedom of Freelancing
Today, Vaibhav finds immense satisfaction in his work, where his passion for art and entrepreneurship converge. He expresses contentment with the freedom his career offers. “I am happy with my work. I am free to do whatever I want, whenever I want, without being bound by a higher power who wants me to work a 6-8 hour job,” he shares. “That’s the beauty of freelancing.”
His success has not been without its challenges, but Vaibhav credits his family, particularly his father and brother, for their unwavering support. Their belief in his abilities has been instrumental in his growth as an artist and entrepreneur. Looking ahead, Vaibhav aims to expand his business by developing new products and collaborating with like-minded artists. One of his long-term goals is to exhibit his works at an art gallery—a dream that seems well within reach given his exceptional talent and growing recognition.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Vaibhav’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists who seek to follow their passion and build a successful career. His advice to those considering a creative path is straightforward yet powerful: “Do what you love, love what you do. If you think you have the talent, keep working on it, and choose a career path suitable for that field. Sometimes we think we need a proper, well-paid job to sustain ourselves and our family, but that’s not always the case. You can build a career out of anything; all you need is focus and determination.”
A Legacy in the Making
Vaibhav Salgaonkar, through his platform ArtByBu, has not only established himself as a successful artist and entrepreneur but has also become a catalyst for cultural preservation and social change. His art reflects the beauty of Goa, its people, and its heritage, while also championing important causes. As his business continues to flourish, Vaibhav’s work will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, both artistically and socially.
For anyone who doubts the potential of pursuing a passion, Vaibhav’s story is proof that with dedication, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose, it’s possible to turn one’s dreams into reality.
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