The Early Spark

My creative journey started early at the age of six. I loved drawing, and studying in a Christian school made me even more inclined towards Biblical art. My grandfather was my biggest supporter; he encouraged me to explore my creativity and try new things.

I wasn’t just into drawing; I enjoyed experimenting with materials, building things, and participating in interschool art competitions. Seeing the positive reactions from judges and peers kept me motivated to create more. As I got better at drawing portraits, I started taking commissioned work. The excitement of earning through my art pushed me to hustle harder. I never took pocket money from my parents because I loved that feeling of being self-sufficient.

Discovering Digital Art & Animation

In high school, my love for art blended with my love for science — especially biology, where I got to sketch intricate human anatomy and botany diagrams. I was also fascinated by comic book and anime characters. As I drew them repeatedly, I became intrigued by how they were brought to life through animation.

This curiosity led me to pursue a B.Sc in Multimedia and Animation. College introduced me to digital tools, and suddenly, a whole new creative world opened up. I spent extra hours after class collaborating with faculty, taking freelance work for comic books, character designs, and magazine covers.

The early 2010s was a groundbreaking period for digital art. blending traditional techniques with new technology and paving the way for modern digital creativity. Concept artists for gaming, film, and animation industries saw an increased demand. During this time, I participated in national-level competitions, winning a few gold medals.

My dedication to my craft helped me build a strong portfolio early on, which helped with attracting opportunities rather than chasing them. I was hired even before I completed my final semester, stepping into the professional world with excitement.

A Decade of Growth & Learning

Over the past 10 years, I’ve explored various creative fields, including concept art, photography, motion design, UI/UX, and more. I also worked at an agency, collaborating with diverse clients ranging from startups to major MNCs. I have always been drawn to the gaming industry and actively sought opportunities to be a part of it. That’s when I joined Gameskraft, exploring the Real Money Gaming (RMG) sector. The experience has been fantastic, and I recently completed three years at the company, and it has been a great journey of learning, improving project leadership, taking ownership, and understanding the business.

How Fitness Changed Everything

As creativity grew in me, I realized I was neglecting something crucial — my health. Long hours of sketching, designing, and brainstorming left me drained. I used to lead a lazy, unhealthy lifestyle and gained a lot of weight as a result. Sitting for long hours took a toll on me, leading to sciatica issues. That’s when I started taking fitness seriously, and to my surprise, it not only boosted my energy but also sharpened my creativity. I started with morning runs, then joined the gym, eventually competing at the state level — not to win, but to push my limits. Physical movement became my secret weapon, breaking mental blocks and sparking fresh ideas.

I never thought I’d be the kind of person who’d say, “Fitness changed my life.” But looking back, it really did. For years, smoking and drinking were just part of my routine — social habits that felt like they defined my downtime. I’d tell myself, “I’ll quit one day,” but that day never came. Until I made a different choice: I committed to fitness.

Over time, I’ve learned that when you focus on the journey rather than the end result, you truly enjoy the process, and the outcome becomes a natural byproduct. This mindset applies to both my sketching and fitness journey. I genuinely enjoy working out daily and eating clean — it’s simply part of my routine. The best part? You start looking better too. But for me, it’s never just about appearance; it’s about feeling better every day. The results? They just follow naturally.

Debunking the Stereotype

The stereotype that creative people are lazy stems from the idea that they only work when something inspires them. In reality, creativity requires discipline, consistency, and mental stamina — just like fitness. Artists, designers, and writers put in long hours refining their skills, proving that great work comes from dedication, not luck. Many creatives recognize the link between physical health and mental clarity, using exercise to boost focus and avoid burnout. Even top professionals, from Picasso to e-sports athletes, follow structured routines that include fitness. Creativity isn’t just free-spirited chaos — it thrives on grit, discipline, and a healthy body.

Breaking the Routine: Finding Balance as a Creative Professional

As a full-time creative professional, breaking the routine is essential to keep my mind fresh and inspired. While I thrive in structured work, I also make time for activities that recharge my creativity.

Cycling and long-distance motorcycle rides are my go-to escapes. Being outdoors, surrounded by nature, helps clear my mind and sparks new ideas. Traveling is another great way to reset — experiencing different places, cultures, and perspectives fuels creativity in unexpected ways.

And then, there’s the social side. Parties often get a bad reputation, but in moderation, they’re a great way to unwind and reconnect with people. A balanced mix of work, adventure, and fun keeps both my mind and body refreshed, helping me return to my creative work with renewed energy.

Sketching: A Workout for the Mind

Just like fitness strengthens the body, sketching is a mental exercise. It sharpens hand-eye coordination, observation skills, and creative problem-solving. Before starting a big project, I use sketching as a warm-up to get into a creative flow.

Even if you’re not an artist, doodling for 5–10 minutes daily can help train your brain to think differently and explore new ideas.

Small Habits, Big Impact

Beyond being a professional designer, becoming a father has been the best thing that’s happened to me. Staying disciplined and fit helps me be the best dad I can. Playing games with my daughter not only recharges me but also sparks fresh ideas for the design. Creating mini-games with simple materials keeps my creativity alive and often leads to unexpected inspirations.

You don’t need drastic lifestyle changes to feel the difference — small, consistent habits can make a big impact.

I’ve started taking short walks, stretching between tasks. These little movements keep my energy up throughout the day.

I keep a water bottle nearby as a simple reminder. Staying hydrated helps me stay focused and boosts my overall well-being.

Instead of pushing for long, exhausting workouts, I’ve found that even 15–20 minutes of movement daily makes a huge impact. It’s all about building a habit.

Cutting back on processed foods and making healthier choices has improved my energy levels, helping me stay productive and creative throughout the day.

As I continue my journey in creativity and gaming, I’ve come to see that staying active isn’t just about fitness — it’s fuel for the mind. When I move, play, and challenge myself physically, I feel sharper, more inspired, and ready to create. Creativity isn’t just about thinking; it’s about feeling alive, staying energized, and being open to new ideas. The more I take care of my body, the more my imagination grows — because creativity and movement go hand in hand.

So if you ever feel stuck creatively, move a little, sketch a little, and feel the difference!

My journey towards discovering the right balance was originally published in Gameskraft Design on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.