Susmit Dhavan, a creative tattoo artist who once only dreamed of leaving his mark on the world through art, now lives that reality every day.
From a very young age, Susmit was drawn to the world of ink and the art of tattoos. His sketchbooks were filled with designs, each page a canvas for his exceptional creativity. But being raised in a traditional family meant that his passion for art was met with doubt, especially from his father, an engineer who valued stability and conventional jobs.
Susmit’s childhood was a blend of fascination and frustration. While his friends followed the regular routine of school and extracurricular activities, Susmit found peace in his sketchbooks. He would spend hours drawing, often sketching for his classmates in the backbench during free time. But these moments were often met with disapproval at home. His parents, especially his father, saw art as a hobby, not a potential career. They encouraged him to focus on his studies and pursue a more traditional career path that promised financial security and societal respect.
Following his family's wishes, Susmit pursued a degree in a corporate field and eventually landed a job as a Data Analyst at Cognizant, a well-respected profession. The corporate world, with its structured schedules and defined roles, felt like quite an opposite to the free-flowing creativity that art represented. Despite the security and routine his job provided, there was a feeling of being incomplete, a silent want for something more fulfilling. Every day at his desk, he felt the weight of unfulfilled dreams pressing down on him. His colleagues were driven by data and deadlines, but Susmit's heart was driven by the desire to create, to express, to leave a lasting mark.
Then came the pandemic, a period that forced the world into isolation. However, for Susmit, it was a time of self-realization. Working from home, away from the hustle and bustle of the office and everyday city life, gave him the space to reflect on his true desires. The lockdown allowed him to hear the loudest truth of all – his heart's beat for art. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that he couldn't spend his life in a job that didn't spark his passion. He began to sketch again, this time with a renewed sense of purpose. Each drawing felt like a step closer to his true self, a self that had been lost under layers of societal expectations.
With newfound clarity, Susmit made the brave decision to resign from his stable job. As he explored through the different forms of art, he learned about tattoo art and right then, he knew there was no turning back. In 2021, he enrolled at Aliens Tattoo School in Mumbai and became a part of the world he always dreamt of. The school became his space, a place where his creative soul could roam freely, unconcerned by the pressures of his previous life. He was surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared his passion for tattoos and understood the language of art.
By 2022, Susmit had begun his journey as a professional tattoo artist. His expertise in Black and Grey Realism, is a style that demands precision, patience, and an expert tattoo artist's touch that can breathe life into ink. Every tattoo he started designing and inking was more than just art, it was a piece of his soul, a witness to his dedication and passion. He worked tirelessly, each piece carefully crafted, reflecting his growth and evolution as a talented tattoo artist. The emotional bond he built with his clients were as permanent as the tattoos he created, each session a meaningful exchange that went beyond the needle and ink.
Susmit’s dedication, his unwavering commitment to his craft, slowly won over his family. His father, who once feared for his son’s future, became a proud supporter, celebrating Susmit’s achievements as they unfolded. The moment Susmit tattooed his first client and shared the finished piece with his family was a turning point. His father’s eyes, once filled with doubt, now sparkled with pride. It was as if he finally understood the depth of Susmit’s passion.
One of the most memorable experiences for Susmit was tattooing a portrait of a client’s late grandmother. The client shared stories of her grandmother, the bond they had, and the impact she had on her life. As Susmit worked on the tattoo, he felt a deep connection to the client and her story. When she saw the finished piece, she was moved to tears, hugging Susmit and thanking him for helping her keep her grandmother's memory alive. Moments like these sparked his decision to continue mastering the art. It wasn't just about the art, it was about the connections, the stories, and the emotions. It was about making a difference in someone's life through his work.
Today, at the age of 25, Susmit Dhavan stands as a beacon of what it means to follow one’s passion. His journey from a Data Analyst to a celebrated tattoo artist is a witness to the power of dreams and the courage it takes to chase them. Every tattoo he creates is a reminder that sometimes, the path less traveled is the one that leads to the most beautiful destinations. His journey is far from over. There is still so much to learn, so many stories to tell, and so many lives to touch. He wakes up every day excited to create, to connect, and to continue growing as an artist. The path he chose was not the easiest, but it was the one that brought him true happiness and fulfillment. He is proud of the work he does, the art he creates, and the impact he has on his clients' lives.
To anyone struggling to choose between following their passion and standing by societal expectations, Susmit’s story serves as an inspiration. He encourages others to listen to their hearts. The road may be tough, and there will be obstacles, but pursuing what you love is worth every challenge. Your passion is a gift, and the world needs your unique voice and talent. Embrace it, nurture it, and let it guide you to a life of purpose and joy.