Pushpam Mahto: I Don't Just See A Face; I Look For The Story Behind The Expression (Visual Artist, 18.9K Followers)

Pushpam Mahto Interview

While a polished portfolio is impressive, it is the unfiltered moments that build a true bond between a creator and their audience.

Q. You’re known online as pushpam.artz. When did art stop being just a hobby and start becoming an identity for you?

My journey toward an artistic identity truly solidified during my 11th standard. It began with a deeply personal project—a detailed portrait I created as a gift for my brother. That process introduced me to the grid method, which opened a new world of precision and detail in my work. While art activities had always been a staple of my school life, it was this transition into high-fidelity portraiture and experimenting with diverse media that shifted my perspective.

The real transformation occurred when I began sharing my process online. Content creation provided a platform to present my craft to the world, particularly through my "stranger portraits" series filmed during my college commutes. This series resonated deeply with a global audience. Seeing people who had never met me—and even former schoolmates who had never spoken to me—recognize and support me as an artist made me realize that art was no longer just something I did; it was who I was.

Q. Your sketches feel intimate rather than decorative. What’s the first thing you try to understand about a person before putting pencil to paper?

Before I ever touch pencil to paper, my primary focus is to capture the underlying emotional narrative of the subject. I don't just see a face; I look for the story behind the expression. For instance, when sketching a child, my goal is to distill the purity and innocence inherent in that moment. This emotional connection is why I am incredibly selective about my reference photos; the quality and "soul" of the image serve as the essential foundation for everything that follows.

For me, a portrait is never a rushed process. When I have the luxury of time, I immerse myself in the artwork, pouring my heart into every stroke and shadow. I believe that the time and intention invested in a piece are what give it a heartbeat, transforming a simple sketch into something that holds a deep, resonant feeling for the viewer.

Q. Do you believe a technically perfect sketch can still feel empty and how do you avoid that as an artist?

I absolutely believe that technical perfection alone can leave a piece feeling hollow. Art is far more than the act of duplicating a reference or creating a flawless replica; it is about the personal touch and the soul an artist breathes into their work. If a sketch is merely a carbon copy, it loses the human element that makes art meaningful.

To avoid this, I lean into my unique style. Every artist has a signature "voice" that should be visible in their strokes. Even if a piece isn’t technically "perfect" by traditional standards, if it carries genuine emotion and can please the eye through its individuality, it becomes a success. I focus on ensuring that my work communicates a feeling rather than just demonstrating a skill, as that emotional resonance is what truly distinguishes an artist's work from a simple reproduction.

Q. You take paid sketch orders. What’s one hard lesson you learned when you turned creativity into a service?

While taking paid commissions has been a wonderful way to support myself financially during college, it has also taught me a challenging lesson about the friction between business and soul. When art becomes a service, there is often a feeling of emptiness that creeps in when clients expect a portrait to be an exact, mechanical replica of a photograph. This creates an immense amount of pressure to perform as a "human printer" rather than as a creator.

The hardest part is that people often don't see the reference image through an artistic lens; they look for literal accuracy, which can sometimes stifle the very creativity that makes a hand-drawn portrait special. I’ve learned that when you work for a fee, you often have to work according to strict specifications, which can feel like you’re killing the natural flow of your creative voice. I truly believe that even in paid projects, creative freedom should be encouraged—an artist deserves the space to interpret, not just copy, to deliver something truly extraordinary.

Q. With nearly 20K followers, how consciously do you think about algorithms versus authenticity while posting your work?

Maintaining a balance between authenticity and the demands of social media algorithms is an ongoing challenge. To be honest, it is a difficult tightrope to walk. While I strive to create content that is relatable to a broad audience, I make a conscious effort to post work that might only resonate with fellow artists, pieces that focus on technical nuances or the quiet patience of the creative process. Even if I know these posts might not "go viral" or garner massive views, I believe that putting that work out there is essential for my integrity as a creator.

At times, keeping up with rapid trends can feel like a burden that distracts from the art itself. I prefer to prioritize pieces that require time and patience, works that truly feel like "art" rather than just "content." I am still learning and navigating this space, but my goal remains to stay true to my craft, even when it doesn't align perfectly with the latest algorithm.

Q. You’re studying at DU alongside building a creative brand. How has formal education shaped or challenged your artistic voice?

Being at Delhi University has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, the environment has been a massive catalyst for my brand; the vibrant campus life allows people to feel a real, grounded connection with me, which has definitely favored my content creation. However, from an academic standpoint, the degree I am pursuing doesn't align with my passion for art. This creates a significant mental burden, especially during exam seasons.

The pressure of formal education often acts as a creative block. During exams, I find that I lose my artistic momentum entirely, and the struggle to regain that "creative spark" once the books are closed is incredibly difficult every single time. This inconsistency naturally impacts my growth on social media, but I’ve come to accept it as part of my unique process. I am doing my best to navigate these two different worlds, learning to cope with the tension between academic responsibility and artistic ambition.

Q. When brands approach me, what makes me say yes and what makes me walk away, even if the pay is good?

When it comes to brand collaborations, my first priority is always authenticity and ethics. Before agreeing to any partnership, I thoroughly vet the brand to ensure they are genuine and that their message is something I can stand behind. I have never—and will never—promote a product or service that I fundamentally disagree with just for the sake of a paycheck. Regardless of how good the pay might be, if a brand doesn't align with my personal values, I will walk away.

I do occasionally collaborate with brands that aren't strictly "art-related," but these usually fall under the umbrella of lifestyle content. Since I share more than just my sketches, offering a glimpse into my daily life and personality, these partnerships still feel like a natural fit for me. For me, the most important thing is that every collaboration feels honest and doesn't compromise the trust I've built with my audience.

Q. You’ve hinted at a ‘real side’ beyond art on social media. Why is it important for creators to show more than just their polished work?

I believe it is vital to show the "real side" of our lives because the internet is increasingly craving authenticity and raw emotion. At our core, we are all human, and we naturally seek out genuine connections and shared experiences. While a polished portfolio is impressive, it is the unfiltered moments that build a true bond between a creator and their audience.

It certainly wasn't an overnight shift for me; it takes considerable time and courage to open up and speak in a way that reflects your true self. However, I have finally reached a place where I feel comfortable presenting my ideas and personality exactly as they are. I am very happy to have found that confidence, as it allows me to move beyond being just a page of drawings to being a real person who resonates with others.

Q. Have you ever hesitated to post a piece because it felt too personal? What did you do then?

In the beginning, I definitely hesitated when it came to sharing my personal life. Even now, I prefer to be very intentional about what I disclose. While I do occasionally share personal glimpses, I believe that every creator has a different comfort level, and it’s important to honor those boundaries.

For me, the best way to stay grounded and "heal" is by putting the camera away when I am with the people I truly admire and love. Intentionally keeping a part of my life private allows me to protect my peace and ensures that some moments remain sacred and just for me. I believe that maintaining that balance, sharing enough to be authentic but keeping a "real side" offline, is essential for long-term well-being in the digital age.

Q. For someone who can draw well but is scared to put their work online, what's the one mindset shift they need?

The most important advice I can give is this: stop pressuring yourself to present only "perfect" work. Instead, try to view social media as a digital library of your own growth and creative journey. While it is true that presentation matters when it comes to grabbing an audience's attention, authenticity and a unique voice are what build a truly genuine community. Rather than trying too hard to mimic what others are doing, focus on what you truly love to create.

It’s also crucial to remember that people will judge you regardless of how skilled you are. Often, the people who spend their time trolling online are those who aren't creating anything themselves. My philosophy is to stop listening to the noise, embrace your own path, and just keep moving forward. Your progress is for you, and the right audience will find and appreciate that.

Q. As your audience grows, does the pressure to 'perform' creatively increase and how do you protect your love for art?

It can be incredibly overwhelming to balance the demands of college assignments and exams with the constant cycle of filming, editing, and posting content. When the pressure mounts, it’s common for an "art block" to hit. Rather than forcing creativity or punishing myself for a lack of inspiration, I’ve learned to step away and pivot to other passions.

Singing is one of my favorite ways to refresh my mind and recharge my creative batteries. Because my audience is familiar with me as a person and not just a portfolio, I feel comfortable sharing these other sides of my life. Taking that necessary time off allows me to protect my love for art from becoming a chore. Once I’ve had space to breathe, I find it much easier to slowly rebuild my momentum and return to my sketches with genuine excitement.

Q. If Instagram disappeared tomorrow, what would art look like in Pushpam Mahto's life?

To be honest, it’s hard to imagine exactly what I would be creating right now if Instagram weren't a factor, as social media has undeniably shaped my journey and my life. However, I know deep down that my passion for creation would never stop. Without the pressure of the "scroll" or the need for constant updates, I believe my work would shift toward much more detailed, long-form projects.

In our current fast-paced world, we rarely get the luxury of spending weeks or months on a single piece of art, but if the digital noise disappeared, that’s exactly where I would invest my energy. I would focus on the kind of work that truly matters—projects that demand extreme patience and deep immersion. While I value the community I've built online, my love for art existed before the likes and follows, and it would continue to be my primary way of navigating the world.

Bio:

Currently pursuing an Economics Honours degree at Maitreyi College, Delhi University, she navigates the balance between academic rigors and my lifelong passion for fine art. Under the digital identity pushpam.artz, she has turned my craft into a professional service, taking paid sketch commissions that allow her to reinvest in her growth and skill development. While her current studies provide a strong foundation, her ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between passion and profession by pursuing a formal degree in the arts. Her work is more than just portraiture; it is an exploration of human emotion and a commitment to capturing the authentic stories behind every face she sketches.

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Interviewed by: Nidhi