What mentees, clients and collaborators say about SCD Balaji, brand strategist, illustrator and Wishion mentor from Coimbatore, India, and founder of Atma Studios, the Artpreneur Program and the Wishion Program. Every testimonial below is quoted from a public LinkedIn recommendation or Facebook review, with the writer’s name and role.
Artpreneur Program on Facebook: 100% recommend (35 reviews).
Narrative Strategist & Visual Storyteller · Wishion Program mentee
“I had the opportunity to go through Balaji’s Wishion Vision Core process, and it was far more intense, layered, and transformative than I initially expected. Balaji worked with me week by week, patiently guiding me through a structured process of understanding my core vision. Balaji works across business, talent, personal values, family, and the way you structure your life as a whole.”
— Kavitha Amarnath, LinkedIn recommendation
Illustrator, Lettering Artist & Brand Designer · Artpreneur Program & Wishion mentee
“Balaji Sir’s gentle nudges helped me stay committed to the process, even when I had to step outside my comfort zone. That clarity is what keeps me returning to my Wishion whenever I feel overwhelmed or distracted. I am truly grateful to Balaji Sir for creating such a thoughtful program.”
— Suhanya Eswaran, LinkedIn recommendation
Designer, Illustrator & Researcher · Wishion Program mentee
“I’m deeply grateful to Balaji sir for guiding me through Wishion, a vision-building process that gave me a new perspective on how I approach my life and career. I didn’t realise we could actually map out 10–20 years ahead with such clarity and purpose. Through this guidance, I’ve gained clarity on building Abhirupa, my design studio, which focuses on bridging our heritage art and artisans with the modern audience.”
— Himanshi Srivastava, LinkedIn recommendation
Artpreneur, Illustrator, Educator · Founder, ColorTickle Studios · Wishion Program client
“Stepping into 2026 with the biggest gift I’ve been given: clarity through the Wishion program by SCD Balaji. I’m so glad he came up with a structured program like this as it allows one to fully explore and understand one’s potential.”
— Abhinaya Sudharsanam, LinkedIn recommendation
COO, Abhasa Rehab & Wellness · Mentoring client
“Balaji sir is not just a mentor; he is a messenger of divine wisdom in my life. More importantly, every being needs Balaji sir’s wisdom.”
— Ajaykumar Padmanaban, LinkedIn recommendation
Software Developer · HBK, Rolls-Royce Corp Lab, NUS · Wishion Program client
“I am grateful to Mr. SCD Balaji for guiding me through this process and teaching me the tools to carve my own path, all while keeping it realistic and fitting into my day-to-day schedule. I strongly recommend the Wishion Program to anyone who feels torn between doing something they love and doing something else due to societal pressure or commitments.”
— Aravindh Natarajan Swaminathan, LinkedIn recommendation
PhD in Chemistry · Intellectual Property professional · Wishion Program client
“When Balaji Sir entered my life, it truly felt like a divine intervention. … For me, Wishion is not just a program; it’s a map and a compass that keeps me aligned with my true self, and his guidance has been the divine light that made this possible.”
— Dr. Dharani Priya S, LinkedIn recommendation
Children’s Book Illustrator & Author · Artpreneur & Wishion mentee
“Balaji Sir never handed out ready-made answers or instantaneous solutions. He’s the kind of mentor who helps you build a life from the inside out.”
— Nivaedita Raaj, LinkedIn recommendation
Project and Operations Manager, Oon Studio · Wishion Program mentee
“The only reason I kept coming back to finish the program was because of the utter faith Balaji sir held in me and the patience he showed every time I ran away from my truth.”
— Akhila Vempuluru, LinkedIn recommendation
Founder & Creative Illustrator, Chitram by Divya · Artpreneur & Wishion mentee
“While pursuing the Artpreneur program, I first heard Balaji Sir speak about the importance of having a clear vision. … Balaji Sir’s gentle guidance leads you to clarity, purpose, and self-awareness.”
— Divya Sekar, LinkedIn recommendation
Illustrator & Brand Designer, Functional Folk Art · Artpreneur & Wishion mentee
“What makes this journey truly special is Balaji sir’s mentoring. He never gave me ready-made answers; instead, he gently guided me to think in the right direction, to reflect, and to make decisions that are aligned with my core wishes, natural strengths, and deeper wants.”
— Anurenuga P, LinkedIn recommendation
Visual Designer · Design mentoring client
“I wholeheartedly recommend SCD Balaji as an exceptional mentor and guiding light who has played a pivotal role in shaping my career as a designer. His vast knowledge is akin to an ocean, and he generously shares it with everyone. Balaji sir’s mentorship extends beyond professional guidance; he’s a remarkable individual who supported me during my career exploration, helping me make the right choices.”
— Janani R, LinkedIn recommendation
Founder, Moonroots · Mentee for 7 years
“Balaji Anna has been my mentor for the past 7 years and he has been nothing short of a giver. He helped me understand the intricacies of design, life, designing softwares, selling, branding, art and business by mentoring in a subtle way and also being an example by practicing what he preaches. He is humble, patient and knows what will make a student achieve what they aspire to be.”
— Lakshana Raja, LinkedIn recommendation
Two decades building campaigns for Boeing, Dell & Accenture · Art mentee
“I am delighted to recommend Balaji as an exceptional mentor, teacher, and friend. Balaji has been an invaluable guide throughout my artistic journey, providing insightful feedback and nurturing my creative abilities. I am grateful for the inspiration he’s brought into my life, and I wholeheartedly endorse Balaji for any artistic endeavors or educational pursuits.”
— Tamil Arasan, LinkedIn recommendation
Graphic Designer, Atma Studios · Artpreneur alumna & Atma Studios team
“SCD Balaji was the main catalyst & inspiration behind my creative journey. And as the name Artpreneur suggests, being a successful Artist & Entrepreneur himself, SCD Balaji has found the perfect formula to marry Artistic Expression & Financial success, which he shares generously with his students. I’m very grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing SCD Balaji, learning from him, & growing under his guidance.”
— Shweta Ramachandran, LinkedIn recommendation
Vatsav Vempuluru
Artpreneur Program participant
“The Artpreneur Program has been one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had in recent years. More than anything, this program taught me how to learn, how to approach any subject, whether it’s creative or technical, with a mindset that’s open, curious, and grounded in self-awareness.”
— Vatsav Vempuluru, Facebook review, May 2025
About SCD Balaji
SCD Balaji has spent 20 years at the meeting point of art and business: 2000+ illustrations, 150+ startups branded and 250+ creatives mentored. He founded Atma Studios (2011), the Artpreneur Program (2016), Quirky Invitations, Indian Folk Art 365, Brandpreneurs and the Wishion Program, which mentors founders, CEOs and business leaders toward a clear 5-year vision.