Santanu Hazarika: "As An Artist, I Don't See Burnout As A Stopping Point..."| Exclusive

Social media personality and doodling expert Santanu Hazarika has exclusively connected with Jayveer Singh. In this conversation, he gets candid about his creative process, his approach to creative burnout, and much more. He also shares his thoughts on art and technology's future.

Excerpts...

Can you tell us about your journey into the world of art and what inspired you to pursue a multidisciplinary approach?

It all started with curiosity. From a young age, drawing became my way of understanding the world and expressing myself. It was more than just a skill it helped me connect with my peers when I wasn't the most popular or academically strong student. Comic books became my escape, and I would spend hours sketching characters, seeking appreciation and validation. Over time, what started as a simple hobby turned into an obsession.

Photo Credit: Instagram

As I grew older, my artistic interests expanded. I became fascinated by science, physics, philosophy, and mythology. Art became the catalyst that allowed me to merge and visually interpret these subjects. Though I pursued engineering, by my fourth year, I realized it wasn't my true calling. That phase of my life was dark I struggled with depression and ADHD but art became my coping mechanism, even before I fully recognized it as one.

By then, I had already built a reputation within the underground heavy metal and rock communities back home, creating album artwork and gaining recognition in Guwahati and Assam. One day, a friend tagged me in a Red Bull World Doodle Art championship post. I entered the competition, hoping it would be my escape from engineering and a chance to prove that art was my true path. Winning the national round and competing internationally in Cape Town was a turning point. Not only did it boost my confidence, but it also landed me my first international contract, opening doors to new opportunities and creative spaces.

As a self-taught artist, I've always explored multiple disciplines sculpture, graffiti, murals, fashion, digital art, and more. My inspirations are interdisciplinary, and I strive to bring that same versatility into my work. Art, for me, isn't confined to one medium; it's a continuous journey of experimentation and expression.

Photo Credit: Instagram 

Your artwork blends various mediums. What influences or experiences drive your creative process?

My artwork seamlessly blends various mediums, influenced by my experiences and creative inspirations. At its core, my artistic process stems from a fundamental need to express myself and cope with severe ADHD. Creating art allows me to focus intensely, it's a deeply immersive and therapeutic experience.  

When I'm in the process of creation, everything else fades away. The noise in my mind quiets, my anxiety diminishes, and I enter a state of flow a Zen-like focus where nothing else matters. This act of making art becomes a sanctuary, a space where I am completely present.  

Photo Credit: Instagram

The influences that shape my work are vast and ever-evolving. Comic books, anime, movies, fashion anything unique and creatively stimulating fuels my imagination and pushes me to explore new artistic expressions. It's this fusion of inspiration and my personal journey that defines my art, making it a reflection of both my inner world and the influences that surround me.

As an artist, how do you stay innovative and avoid creative burnout?

As an artist, I stay innovative and avoid creative burnout by maintaining a well-balanced approach to my work. I don't see burnout as a stopping point; instead, I view every phase whether actively creating or simply reflecting as part of the artistic process. Even in moments when I'm not making art, my mind is still engaged, processing ideas and drawing inspiration from the world around me.  

The key is knowing what to step away from. Stress, mental exhaustion, and physically draining tasks are things I consciously avoid, but inspiration never truly stops. To sustain my creativity, I follow a structured approach. If I have an intense work session say from 9 AM to noon I make it a point to disconnect afterward. Once I'm done for the day, I don't revisit work-related tasks or discussions. Instead, I immerse myself in video games, movies, or anything that fuels fresh ideas and perspectives.

Staying innovative for me is about being open to unexpected sources of inspiration. I thrive on metaphors, contrasting ideas, and blending influences from completely different worlds. By channeling these diverse elements through my own artistic lens, I keep my creativity alive and ever-evolving.

How do you see the relationship between art and technology evolving in the future?

Art and technology have always been deeply interconnected. Everything we see art, design, and technology exists as part of the same creative ecosystem. Art is the expression, the voice, while technology serves as the tool that brings that voice to life, enabling artists to execute their vision more efficiently and effectively. It also bridges the gap between creators and audiences, making artistic expression more accessible.  

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Throughout history, technological advancements have revolutionized the art world. From the invention of motion pictures to the development of new painting techniques like acrylics, each innovation has expanded the possibilities for artists. Today, emerging technologies like AR, VR, and AI are continuing this evolution, offering new ways to create and experience art.  

Art reflects the essence of a civilization, while technology drives progress sometimes for growth, sometimes with unintended consequences. It's only natural that they should work hand in hand. The debate surrounding AI in art, for example, is ongoing, with concerns about ethics, consent, and artistic integrity. While AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing creativity and efficiency, the ethical implications such as training AI on artists' work without permission need to be addressed. Like any technological advancement, AI comes with both challenges and opportunities, but if harnessed responsibly, it has the potential to push artistic expression forward in unprecedented ways.

He has also answered several other interesting questions. Stay tuned for part 2!