From studying Textile Engineering due to family expectations to eventually following her true passion for art, Archana Itkar's journey is a story of determination and self-confidence. At the age of 29, she began her professional art career while balancing family responsibilities and health challenges, including battling cancer. Art became her therapy, helping her find strength and inner peace.

Archana Itkar is a professional artist and the founder of Archana’s Art Katta, a space dedicated to nurturing creativity and teaching art.

Since 2013, Iktar has been actively pursuing her passion for art, sharing her skills and knowledge with others. Based in Pune, she has built a name for herself as an artist who turned her passion into a successful profession.

Although Archana Iktar always loved drawing and wanted to pursue art professionally, life took a different turn in her early years. Due to family pressure, she studied Textile Engineering instead of following her artistic dreams. It wasn’t until after her marriage that she finally got the opportunity to formally study art at Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya in Pune. At the age of 29, Archana decided to make her passion for art her profession, proving that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

Her journey was not easy. While studying for her Fine Arts degree, Archana had to juggle the demands of family life and her studies, which made the process challenging. She also faced several health issues along the way. Despite these obstacles, she remained determined to pursue what she loved. Financial difficulties also added to her struggles, as she had no external support. To make ends meet, she started giving art tuitions and slowly achieved financial stability on her own. The most difficult period of her life came when she was diagnosed with cancer. During this time, art became her escape and source of strength. It gave her patience, mental peace, and the resilience to face her illness with calmness.

For Archana, creativity makes art a natural and joyful process. She believes that anyone with a creative mind can find art easy and fulfilling. Over time, her dedication to her craft earned her respect from her family and friends, who now admire her for her persistence and talent.

Reflecting on her personal growth, Archana Itkar admits she once reacted too quickly to situations. However, through life’s experiences, she has learned that it's sometimes better to let go and allow things to work themselves out. This maturity has shaped her both personally and professionally, helping her become the artist she is today.

When she’s not creating art, Archana Itkar enjoys going for walks and listening to music, both of which help her find mental clarity and peace. These simple activities allow her to recharge and stay connected to her inner calm.

For anyone aspiring to pursue art, Archana Itkar has a clear message: anyone, no matter their background, can learn and succeed in art. She encourages aspiring artists to take short courses to develop their skills and understand the details of the craft. According to her, the key to success lies in consistently polishing your skills and nurturing your creativity.

Archana’s journey is an inspiring example of following one’s passion despite the odds. She turned her love for art into a fulfilling career, proving that with determination and creativity, you can overcome any challenge and find success in what you love.