Sanoli Chowdhury’s low budget line specialises in making digital art posters, with an aim to inspire artistes in the city to create affordable art. Why? Because spotting youngsters haggle for a good deal, especially when buying large-sized posters that jazz up a space, is not a rare sight. And this is exactly what inspired Sanoli Chowdhury, an 18-year-old Bengalurean to venture out with her debut line, Room Full Of Posters— a low budget line which exclusively deals with posters and bookmarks. In a candid chat, the enterprising artiste tells us more...
“I started this business just after finishing my 10th grade. It was a very casual idea — a small thing and it still remains that way. I myself design, pack and sell the posters. If need be, I sometimes deliver them myself as well. It’s more fun to be part of the entire system. In short, this venture is run only by me and hence I do all the work. However, sometimes I do collaborate with friends who like and are good at designing to help them sell their work as well,” shares the student of Christ University, who’s currently pursuing her Bachelors in Arts. While it takes superpowers to juggle full-time college with a budding start-up, Sanoli clarifies that her venture is still taking its baby steps. “To be fair, I don’t usually get a lot of orders. It’s at a very nascent stage. So, managing college and work isn’t much of a problem. However, I do keep time out for myself during the day, maybe an hour or so for work.” An eye for arts aside, Sanoli believes in doing something for causes she cares for, sometime down the line. “I am a huge supporter for women’s rights and the LGBT community. It is one of my main areas of focus. I’m a sociology student and I hope to be able to bring about a change sooner or later in my life. I also help children in need. A month or two ago, I donated a bunch of my old books to an orphanage in Bengaluru,” she tells us. Inspired by themes of abstract art, the posters are customised as per customer requirements and the artist’s quirky observations. Additionally, she likes to design music cover art, logos, typography and more.
With an intent to pursue multiple passions, the teenager asserts its parental support which keeps her going. “My parents have been very helpful, and support me completely. In fact, my mom gave me the money to start the business. My friends, of course have helped me so much. When I recently set up a stall at the Soul Sante, I had a couple of my friends and run around the place, selling products. It is definitely wonderful to get support from the people around you. I’m also a musician, so most of my free time goes in writing music and playing the guitar. I’m very passionate about music, that’s also why initially the company started selling only music posters. I’m a footballer, and I represent my college and that is also one of my most highlighted hobbies,” Sanoli elucidates.
Hopeful that her idea will build a connect among the youth, Sanoli signs off stating, “I am hoping to be able to expand the line if everything goes well. Having more designs, setting up a website, selling in more flea markets, bringing about more products and even selling varied sizes of posters. There’s a long way to go before I rest!”
