How Degooum Didi is Designing Her Path to Digital Art Success

@degooum's Instagram Feed

At the intersection of creativity and technology, Rajni Singh, better known as Degooum Didi on social media, is carving out her path in the world of digital art. With nearly a decade of experience as a graphic designer, she aims to simplify the complexities of digital design and share her expertise with aspiring illustrators and graphic designers.

Degooum Didi's journey as a digital artist was fueled not by formal training, but by deep curiosity and love for creativity since childhood. Digital art is a form of art that is created using computers, software, or other electronic devices. Digital art includes techniques like drawings, paintings, illustrations, photos, videos, and sculptures, as long as they're created, enhanced, or displayed digitally.

Growing up in an era where art was often seen more as a hobby than a career, Singh didn't pursue a degree in graphic design or digital art. Instead, she earned a Bachelor of Arts (English and Maths) from Delhi University as she was unaware of fine arts colleges or career opportunities in graphic design at the time.

Rajni Singh also known as Degooum Didi on Social Media

Hoping to land a job in data entry or back-end support, Singh enrolled in a three-month computer class. There, she was introduced to Adobe Photoshop, along with other Adobe programs and Microsoft Office. Soon her passion for Photoshop grew quickly and she found herself experimenting with the software on her own, leaving the course midway. Eventually, she did an internship as a graphic designer and then worked for the Indian National Congress' digital team, building connections and cementing her career as a graphic designer.

The 29-year-old's foray into the world of digital art began with a spark of curiosity and desire to create something unique. "I discovered my passion while experimenting with digital tools and techniques, learning from YouTube, and observing inspiring artists around me," said Singh. Her love for creating grew deeper after she realized that art helped her to express herself and connect with others. "That's when I realized how much I truly enjoy it," she added.

While browsing social media, Singh was captivated by the impressive digital art shared by other creators. It was a moment of realization that she too could create such work. Motivated by this newfound inspiration, she decided to invest in a tablet and start drawing digitally.

She then made an Instagram account called 'Degooum Didi', a name with a cute back story. "There was a kid who lived right next to my house who would struggle to say my name ( Megha - my family calls me by that name) and would keep saying degooum didi and I just decided to go with it," Singh recalled.

Degooum Didi also started a YouTube channel around the same time but was not very active on either YouTube or Instagram. Previously, she experimented with daily vlogging but quit as it didn’t receive much traction. Singh would also occasionally post her artwork on Instagram.

As a full-time graphic designer at a software company in Bangalore, she doesn't follow a strict routine for creating new art. She also did not post regularly until one of her reels, an illustration she made for her friend, went viral unexpectedly. "My biggest achievement so far has been getting 4 million views on one of my reels," said Degooum Didi. "The attention I received so far has been overwhelming and unexpected, so I'm still figuring out what lies ahead," she shared.

Digital Art Created by Degooum Didi

At first Degooum Didi started doing paid illustrations to create a filter on the number of requests she got. "It was right after one of my reels went viral," said Singh. Her first customer was a social media account manager who wanted an illustration for a recently deceased family member. "I didn’t charge her but that in a way also gave my page more traction," she added.

Since then, Singh has completed around 15-20 paid illustrations and an equal number of collaborations. Her rates vary based on the project’s requirements, typically ranging between Rs. 800 and Rs. 1000 for a still illustration. On a day off, she can complete two illustrations, while on a regular day, she manages to finish one. Each illustration takes her about two hours to create, while editing a reel or video adds another couple of hours to her work.

A week ago she also became active on YouTube, sharing digital art tutorials to support and inspire aspiring creators and artists.

Illustration Created by Degooum Didi

Singh's goal goes beyond selling digital art, she is passionate about teaching others the process in a simple and approachable way. "Everything I’ve learned so far is either from YouTube, my seniors, or my own experiences," said Singh. "I want to pass on the same to other illustrators/graphic designers who are just beginning to start," Singh added.

One of the biggest challenges in her path is the common misconception that artists should create for free. She also said that many people don't consider art as a real profession. "As a full-time employee, time is already limited, and it can be disheartening when people undervalue the effort and skill it takes to create digital art," Singh shares. Yet, she remains focused on those who genuinely appreciate her work and support her journey.

At times Singh experiences self-doubt when she encounters incredible artwork, thinking, "I wish I could create something like that." These moments serve as reminders that she still has a long way to go, Singh said. However, the support of her family helps her overcome these challenges and keeps her moving forward.

Rajni Singh's Digital Artwork

Looking ahead, Singh wants a successful life as an artist. "I hope to one day feel comfortable calling myself an artist," said Singh. "My focus has primarily been on other aspects of my life, and I create art whenever inspiration strikes," she added.

She hopes her work can inspire others to take up art, regardless of their experience level. "I want to help people who may not be professional artists but want to draw for fun. I want to help them explore their creativity, without the pressure to be perfect,"

Degooum Didi's advice for budding digital artists is simple yet profound: "Just keep practicing, and don’t be shy about trying new things." Through perseverance, curiosity, and a commitment to learning, Singh is slowly turning her passion into a career, one digital artwork at a time.

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