Today we’d like to introduce you to Swetha Shenoy

Hi Swetha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

My professional journey began in a completely different field from what I’m doing now — I earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science and worked in the tech industry for several years. Overwhelmed by burnout from the corporate world, I took a career break to explore personal interests, which included everything from swimming to dance, and even starting a food and travel blog. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for hand lettering, which started as a mere hobby.

As my interest in art grew, so did opportunities to teach lettering. Despite having no prior teaching experience and uncertainty about whether I’d enjoy it, I reached out to local libraries to offer classes for free, aiming to gain experience. This initiative paved the way for a new chapter in my life – inspiring others to embrace their creativity.

At this point, I realized that returning to the corporate world was no longer appealing. Influenced by several self-taught artists on Instagram and the inclusive nature of the art community, I felt encouraged to pursue a new career in arts. I learned about diversifying income streams, which opened up various possibilities to not only teach and sell art but also explore other avenues within the art world.

I founded my business, The Paisley Corner, to spread the joy of creating through my art workshops. In the five years since I have inspired over 2500 students in more than 200 classes. Some of my past clients include public libraries in the tri-state area as well as corporate clients like Adobe, Confetti, and Rituals. I continue to offer both in-person and virtual workshops, helping individuals unlock their creative potential and find joy in artistic expression, just as I have.

The transition from tech to art has not only given me the freedom to set flexible working hours and focus on myself but also allowed me to pursue my passion for creativity, leading to a deeply fulfilling career.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Starting this creative journey has been rewarding, but not without its challenges. Transitioning from a stable tech career to the unpredictable art world meant facing hurdles in areas where I had no formal training. I had to develop my skills in social media, photography, video editing, email marketing, and more.

The fluctuating income and the effort to establish myself added to the challenge. Building a client base continues to require significant effort and persistence. Additionally, balancing the demands of running a business while finding time to play, learn, and grow my art skills has been crucial.

Despite these challenges, each obstacle has taught me resilience and enhanced my creativity across business and personal aspects. Every challenge has been a chance to grow and evolve, making this journey rewarding and deeply enriching.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am a New Jersey-based teaching artist specializing in lettering and watercolor art, and I founded The Paisley Corner to spread the joy of creating through my workshops. My approach goes beyond teaching technical skills; it’s about unlocking the inherent creativity within each individual and encouraging them to aim for progress over perfection. This philosophy helps students embrace their learning journey and reduces the anxiety often associated with creating ‘perfect’ art.

I’m best known for my engaging, beginner-friendly workshops that cover multiple lettering techniques, including hand lettering, brush lettering, and watercolor lettering. I also offer watercolor workshops where participants can create a variety of pieces, from nature-inspired scenes to abstract designs, in a relaxing and supportive environment.

I teach both adults and children, tailoring my approach to suit different ages and experience levels, making art accessible and enjoyable for all. I offer a wide catalog of workshops that can be customized to fit various themes, holidays, and seasons. Whether it’s creating floral pieces in spring or festive cards during the holiday season, there’s always something new to explore.

What sets me apart is my approach to teaching art as a form of self-care and meditation. I encourage my students to focus on the process and experience of creation rather than just the final outcome. This approach helps alleviate the pressure to perform, allowing for a more authentic and enjoyable creative experience.

I offer both in-person and virtual workshops, enabling more people to participate, regardless of their location. This flexibility has allowed me to support companies in building stronger, more creative teams, and individuals in exploring new forms of expression, even during challenging times like the pandemic.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?

This is a great question! Post-pandemic, there’s been a significant shift towards emphasizing mental health and well-being in the corporate world, coupled with increasing research supporting art as a form of healing. As awareness of these benefits grows, the integration of art as therapy is expected to gain popularity, aligning with my belief of using art for relaxation and joy rather than perfection. Looking ahead, this trend is likely to expand, with art workshops becoming integral to wellness programs offered by corporations and community organizations, thereby broadening the platform for art as a therapeutic practice.

The rapid emergence of AI in art has sparked excitement and concern, much like the early days of digital tools such as Photoshop and Procreate, I imagine. Despite valid concerns, embracing AI could enhance our skills and expand our businesses, similar to how we adapted to those earlier digital tools. This balanced approach could help us integrate AI in a way that complements, rather than competes with, traditional art.

Additionally, evolving business models will likely include more diversified income streams, such as subscription services or tiered content access, helping artists like myself stabilize and grow our income in sustainable ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thepaisleycorner.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepaisleycorner/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaisleycorner
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepaisleycorner
• Other: https://g.page/thepaisleycorner/