Re: What Happens When You Let Curiosity Guide Your Creative Path | Shubhangi Raheja
In this episode of the Arts to Hearts Podcast, 3D artist and NFT creator Shubhangi Raheja joins host Charuka Arora for an open, grounded, and insightful conversation about what it means to build a creative life today. From her early days in animation and freelancing to selling her first NFT for ₹80,000, Shubhangi shares how she carved out her place in the fast-moving world of digital art—one playful planter and personal project at a time.
Together, they talk about the highs and lows of the NFT space, the constant hustle of getting your work noticed, the emotional rollercoaster of sharing your art online, and the reality of being a woman navigating a male-dominated digital field. Shubhangi also opens up about almost falling for a scam, the fears that come with self-promotion, and why she’s learned to stop apologising for showing up.
If you’ve ever wondered how to start your creative journey, build a sustainable career as an artist, or find your footing in a new medium like NFTs, this episode offers a mix of real talk and practical advice. Shubhangi doesn’t just talk about success—she shows how small steps, consistent practice, and curiosity can lead to big things.
So plug in and listen to a conversation that feels like talking to a friend who’s a few steps ahead on the same road. You’ll walk away with ideas, encouragement, and maybe even a little nudge to share that project you’ve been sitting on.
About Shubhangi Raheja
My name is Shubhangi Raheja, and I am a thriving Illustrator and Animator with a diversified skill set. I have expanded my creative abilities in numerous fields, from Graphic Design to Product Branding and Packaging.
My passion for art is palpable and manifests itself in my everyday life. You often find me engrossed in doodling, clay modelling, or painting, whiling away my hours with creative endeavours that fuel my inner drive.
With a keen eye for detail and a knack for creating aesthetically pleasing designs, I am adept at producing the best visual creations. My dedication and drive for the industry are unparalleled, and they shine through my work consistently.
Through my work, I take pride in showcasing my unique style. I combine bold new ideas with classic design principles to make my work stand out in diverse fields. With unparalleled talent and a work ethic that is second to none, I am committed to creating visual art that inspires and moves the viewer.
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The Early Days: Gaps Between Projects Became Her Playground
Before entering the NFT space, Shubhangi worked in an advertising agency. The waiting time between projects turned into her creative lab. During these lulls, she began building her collection of personal projects—each one giving her a chance to try something new, play with ideas, and most importantly, have fun.
Even when juggling client work, she committed to attending her practice. “I try to be disciplined with one of these things,” she says, “because that has helped me come a long way as an artist.” Her passion series, like the ongoing dance series, is a result of this consistency.
Sometimes I do feel that way, but you know if your art is good. Somebody is going to relate one day or another. S4 E68
Entering the NFT Space: A Moustachioed Planter and a Chance Invite
Shubhangi’s entry into the NFT space wasn’t planned or calculated. It started with a small, charming project—two planters with moustaches inspired by her recent interest in gardening during the COVID lockdowns. The simple, relatable idea caught the attention of a well-known Indian artist, offering invites to a curated NFT platform. He loved her work and extended an invitation that changed everything.
From there, things moved quickly. Her first sale drew attention, and the pressure to live up to expectations came with it. She acted fast and created a second piece—a cosy winter-themed jar—which sold even quicker. “People were watching,” she says. “That made me keep going.”
Visibility Over Value? A Real Talk About the NFT Hustle
One of the biggest challenges Shubhangi noticed in the NFT space is how visibility often seems to matter more than the art itself. “It’s not always about how good your work is,” she explains. “It’s how much you talk about it.”
Marketing becomes essential. And while that can be frustrating, she believes consistency and sharing your work shamelessly are key. “One day or another, someone will connect with what you’ve made,” she says.
what happened is When your first sale happens, you come in with a lot of eyes, and then you’re supposed to pick out the second one because you can’t lose this time because everything’s watching you even if you take out your second one then.S4 E68
Facing Scams, Doubts, and the Fear of Being “Too Much”
In a brutally honest moment, Shubhangi opens up about almost falling victim to a scam by someone who seemed like a serious collector. They had a professional-looking Twitter and Foundation profile and had built trust through flattery and frequent conversation. “We artists get sold when someone praises our work,” she admits.
Luckily, a more experienced friend in the NFT space helped her spot the red flags just in time. The experience was a wake-up call about how careful one has to be when money is involved, online or otherwise.
And then there’s the fear of being “too much, ” of sharing too often, of sounding repetitive. Shubhangi used to hesitate before posting frequently until she saw a well-known NFT artist unapologetically promoting his solo show. That moment helped her reframe how she sees self-promotion.
“We get to claim it,” she says. “Why are we so scared of showing our work?”
Finding Community and Learning to Navigate Alone
As the conversation winds deeper, Charuka brings up a challenge every creative faces: figuring things out alone. Whether it’s NFTs, galleries, or freelance work, artists are often left to answer big questions on their own:
How do I price this?
Where do I find collectors?
Who’s going to care?
For Shubhangi, finding a supportive circle—even if it’s just one or two people who know more—makes all the difference. “You just need someone you can send a screenshot to,” she says, referring to her experience with the scam. “Someone who can say, ‘This is fishy.’”
She also encourages artists to be more vocal, ask questions, and stop attaching guilt to sharing their work. “You’re just showing what you created,” she says. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”
These risks can happen, but you just have to be very careful. Nobody on Earth will ask you for money before buying your stuff.S4 E68
At the heart of this episode is a message that every artist, whether just starting out or well into their journey, needs to hear: keep showing up. Shubhangi’s stories show that progress doesn’t always come from significant breakthroughs. Sometimes, it’s about playing with a new idea when you have 30 spare minutes, trying something just for fun, or posting that work even if you’re not sure anyone’s watching.
She reminds us that visibility is a slow process, community matters, and scams and setbacks don’t define the journey, but how we respond to them does. We also see that having a creative career today isn’t just about talent. It’s about learning to trust yourself, being open to change, and taking up space—even when it feels a little scary.
This episode isn’t just about NFTs or 3D art. It’s about building a creative life piece by piece, letting it shift and grow as you do. If there’s one thing we’re taking away, it’s this: your path doesn’t need to be perfect—just real, and yours.
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