Based in Marcel, Goa, Sanket Lawande has built a creative life around observation, humor, and human connection. Known for his distinctive caricatures and illustrations, he works professionally as an art teacher, balancing the classroom with a deeply personal sketching practice that follows him everywhere. His sketchbook functions like a visual diary, constantly filled with fleeting expressions, everyday encounters, and spontaneous doodles that document the people and moments around him. Drawing is not reserved for studio hours; it is a continuous habit that quietly shapes how he experiences the world.
From an early age, art became both instinct and escape. As a child, he spent hours sketching portraits of politicians, actors, and historical figures in pencil and pen, refining his eye for likeness while remaining largely outside formal competitions or contests. Though studious and reserved, he instinctively returned to drawing during every spare moment, covering walls and notebooks with scribbles that gradually evolved into deliberate studies.
Inspirations Beyond the Studio
Much of Lawande’s imagination is fueled by cinema and music. A devoted cinephile, he often draws while films play in the background, allowing soundtracks and scenes to influence the rhythm and mood of his lines. Music provides tempo, while storytelling techniques from movies subtly inform the way he constructs characters and visual narratives. Even his occasional reading contributes to this layered creative vocabulary, enriching the emotional depth of his illustrations.
Finding His Voice in Caricature and Illustration
His interest in illustration deepened during art college, where the works of Mario Miranda left a lasting impression. Miranda’s playful satire and ability to capture the poetry of everyday life inspired Lawande to explore caricature, particularly the art of exaggerating features to reveal personality rather than simply replicate appearances. Childhood exposure to illustrated publications such as Amar Chitra Katha and Champak further nurtured his interest in storytelling through visuals, eventually guiding him toward children’s book illustration.
Teaching as a Creative Catalyst
Working as a high school art teacher has become an essential part of his artistic evolution. The classroom offers more than instruction; it becomes a space of exchange where ideas are tested, refreshed, and reimagined. Interacting with young, curious minds continually pushes him to rethink his methods and approach each project with renewed enthusiasm. Teaching, for him, is both discipline and inspiration, strengthening his own understanding of creativity while motivating him to stay experimental.
Commitment to Traditional Craft
In a time dominated by digital tools, Lawande remains committed to traditional mediums. Influences from Mad Magazine and artists such as Jack Davis and Mort Drucker shaped his early fascination with pen, ink, and quill work. The narrative strength of R. K. Laxman and Miranda further reinforced his appreciation for hand-drawn storytelling.
Over time, he expanded into watercolors, photo inks, poster colors, oil pastels, and acrylics, constantly experimenting to find harmony between textures and tones. Each medium offers a different emotional quality, and combining them allows him to create layered, expressive compositions that feel alive and tactile.
The Energy of Live Caricature
Caricature remains the most exhilarating aspect of his practice. Drawing live at weddings and corporate events demands speed, instinct, and confidence, requiring him to capture a person’s essence within minutes. The fast pace, spontaneous decisions, and immediate audience reactions add a dynamic thrill that studio work rarely replicates.
Rather than focusing solely on facial details, he interprets posture, mood, and personality, distilling them into a few deliberate lines. The goal is to enhance defining traits and transform them into playful, recognizable versions that feel spirited yet authentic.
Humor with Empathy
Humor and satire are central to his work, but they are guided by sensitivity. Lawande treats caricature as a shared joke rather than a critique, ensuring the subject feels included in the laughter. His exaggerations are affectionate, designed to celebrate individuality instead of highlighting flaws. This balance between wit and respect allows his drawings to remain joyful and welcoming.
Illustrations That Educate and Engage
Among his most meaningful projects is his contribution to educational materials for the State Council of Educational Research and Training, where he creates illustrations for school textbooks. Knowing that children engage with lessons through his visuals adds purpose to his craft. His drawings simplify complex ideas, making learning more accessible and enjoyable while quietly shaping young imaginations.
Challenges and a Clear Vision
Despite his dedication, the journey has presented challenges. Exaggeration is sometimes misunderstood, and audiences can be sensitive about appearance or public figures. The rise of instant digital filters and AI-generated caricatures often overshadows the time, skill, and craftsmanship involved in traditional drawing. He also believes caricature deserves greater academic recognition, hoping it will one day be formally included in art curricula.
Through it all, Lawande remains guided by a simple belief: caricature has the power to help people see themselves differently. His art encourages reflection, acceptance, and lighthearted self-awareness, transforming distortion into celebration. With every sketch, he continues to capture the humor and humanity woven into everyday life, preserving it with warmth, precision, and an unmistakable personal touch.
