We had the good fortune of connecting with Shreyas Sonwane and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shreyas, how do you think about risk?
I think taking risks is one of the most important and crucial steps towards achieving something big in life. I have been at crossroads many times where I could have chosen the easy route but in the words of Robert Frost, “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference”. The very first decision that I had to make as a high-school graduate was to pursue my passion in the creative field as a 3D Generalist and Filmmaker. I had to convince my parents initially to study for a non-mainstream field which, according to society, was a fool’s errand. Later on, after seeing my enthusiasm, my family became one of my biggest supporters and have been with me every step of the way. Once I realized that the resources and opportunities back home were limiting my potential, I had to take the gamble of leaving my family and country behind to come to the United States and try to make it big in the land of dreams. With a huge student loan to repay, the going was never easy for me, but the dreams in my eyes were too big to be intimidated by such problems. My determination and the love and faith of my close ones have always made my fights easier. There is always a lingering sword of failure, of letting the hopes of my family down, and of being in financial chaos, but that is the path I have chosen to tread. I believe, with all my heart, that all these risks are paramount in reaching one’s goals and making the journey worthwhile. To sum up in the words of famous Indian Industrialist and Philanthropist Mr. Ratan Tata, “I take decisions and then make them right”.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I primarily work as a freelance 3D Generalist and I am also a filmmaker with a Master’s from the Savannah College of Art and Design. My forte of work includes 3D Commercials/Explainer Videos, Motion Graphics, Filter Creation, Sticker Animation, and Film Coloring. What makes my work unique is that I excel in various types of Digital Arts. I am unorthodox in my work style which gives me an edge. I provide excellent services to my clients and make sure that they love the work delivered to them. To achieve this I fully understand the clients’ vision and provide my personal inputs to enhance it further.
One of my remarkable projects for Windsor Apartments in Midtown. I provided 3D renderings for their renovation project. The best part of this project was that people would be able to see and admire it in real-life.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
After spending more than 4 years, I don’t think I’ll love any city more than Atlanta. You could never get bored of the surprises that this city has. There are a lot of places to eat, drink, or just hang out with friends and admire the view. My favorite spot is Piedmont Park, I like to go there for a stroll in the evening and enjoy the serenity of the place. Another place to visit would be the Beltline area to visit various food joints. If you love authentic Asian cuisine then visiting Doraville and Duluth is a must. If you get a chance, the light show in the Atlanta Botanical Garden is an amazing experience. Atlanta has a vibrant nightlife too, and if you like clubbing you’d love to visit Midtown. My favorite club is the Havana Club in the Buckhead area.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As I have mentioned earlier, there are a lot of people who are responsible for where I am today and for my success so far. Some of them were family and others became family over time. First of all, I’d like to show my acknowledgment to my parents and my elder sister Bhagyashree Sonwane who are the foundation upon which I am building my future. Without my family, I’d have never imagined dreaming so big and trying to make it a reality. I’d also like to give a huge thanks to Professor Mr. Michael Kinney who has been my mentor and a life coach for the past few years. Apart from teaching filmmaking, he has taught me a lot about the nuances of being an artist. I’d like to give kudos to my friends Patrick Foley and Triny Beaty, who have been a blessing ever since I have landed in the US. They are amazing people and a great influence to keep me motivated towards my goals. Lastly, I’d like to thank my friend Piyush Mishra who has been a constant support and a great listener with whom I have had inspiring conversations and come up with amazing ideas.
Website: https://sonwaneshreyas.wixsite.com/website
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyassonwane/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyas-s-47315289/