We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Manasi Arya a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Manasi, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned my craft as an artist at a young age, and I owe much of my artistic development to my mother, who is also an artist. She encouraged and nurtured my creativity from a young age, and we would often engage in art projects together, allowing me to explore different mediums and techniques. Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend art classes in my local area, where I learned various art forms such as clay work, painting, and still-life drawing.

In elementary school, I was selected to participate in an accelerated art program, which provided me with intensive training and exposed me to a wide range of artistic skills and techniques. These experiences significantly contributed to the refinement of my artistic abilities.

Looking back, I believe that pursuing art classes and continuing my artistic education in high school and college could have accelerated my learning process even further. Although I created art for personal enjoyment and as a means of maintaining my mental well-being, I didn’t prioritize it as a formal career path during those years. The pressure to pursue a different career path may have hindered me from actively seeking out opportunities to enhance my artistic skills.

Nevertheless, the skills I consider essential to my artistic journey include a strong foundation in traditional art techniques, experimenting with different mediums, continuously practicing and refining my craft, and developing a keen eye for detail and observation. Additionally, embracing a growth mindset, being open to learning from others, and seeking constructive criticism have been vital in pushing myself to improve.

Obstacles that stood in the way of my learning more included not dedicating enough time and focus on formal artistic education during my high school and college years. The pressure to conform to certain career expectations diverted my attention from pursuing my creative passion more intensively.

Overall, I have learned that learning and growth are ongoing processes. It’s important to continue seeking opportunities to expand my artistic knowledge and skills, and to never stop experimenting, exploring, and pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

Manasi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey in the creative industry began in 2019 after graduating college when I decided to create an art Instagram account. Encouraged by a friend, I wanted to hold myself accountable to creating more art as I embarked on a new career path in education, which made me quite nervous at the time. This art account served as a personal outlet and a means of self-expression.

However, it was in 2021, during the pandemic, that I truly had the time and opportunity to delve deeper into my artistic endeavors. I started experimenting with line drawing and digital art, and to my surprise, some of my initial digital art pieces gained significant attention and engagement. Encouraged by the response, I made the decision to sell my art on Etsy. As I continued to post more art, I began integrating important topics such as colorism, women empowerment, and beauty standards, all within the context of South Asian culture. My aim was to empower individuals and foster healing for their inner child through my art.

Gradually, my Instagram following grew, and hitting 10K followers, though it may not seem like a significant number to some, felt like a tremendous achievement for me personally. This motivated me to expand my reach and establish my own website, broadening the range of products available in my shop. Beyond stickers and prints, I introduced t-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, and denim jacket art. The denim jacket collection became particularly popular, featuring South Asian-inspired art painted on the back. Additionally, I offer custom pieces and digital art creations for individuals to display in their homes.

I take immense pride in how far I have come, especially considering the balancing act of pursuing a master’s degree while teaching full-time. I am proud to have grown into a space where I can pursue two passions: teaching and art. My art will always remain a safe haven for individuals to embrace their identities and find excitement in celebrating who they are.

What sets my brand apart is the fusion of my South Asian heritage and the themes of empowerment, healing, and embracing one’s identity that resonate deeply within my artwork. I strive to create a sense of pride and empowerment in my audience, providing a space where they can connect with their cultural roots while celebrating their unique selves. My dedication to tackling important topics and fostering healing through art is a key aspect of my brand and the experience I aim to provide for others.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, there are several actions that society can take:

1. Buy and Invest in Art: Purchasing artwork directly from artists is a direct and meaningful way to support their work. Whether it’s buying original pieces, prints, or merchandise, investing in art helps sustain artists financially and encourages their creative endeavors.

2. Attend and Promote Art Shows and Exhibitions: Participating in local art shows, galleries, and exhibitions provides exposure and support for artists. By attending these events, individuals can appreciate and engage with different forms of art while directly supporting artists’ work. Furthermore, promoting and sharing information about these events on social media and within personal networks helps generate more visibility and interest.

3. Engage with Artists on Social Media: The algorithmic nature of social media platforms can make it challenging for artists to gain visibility. Engaging with their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing their work helps boost their visibility and reach a wider audience. Building a community of followers and supporters can make a significant difference for artists, as it increases the likelihood of their work being seen by potential buyers or collaborators.

4. Commission Artwork and Collaborate: Commissioning artwork or collaborating with artists on creative projects provides them with opportunities to showcase their talent, gain experience, and expand their portfolio. By actively seeking out artists for projects or commissions, society can create mutually beneficial collaborations and contribute to the growth and recognition of artists.

5. Advocate for Arts Education and Funding: Supporting arts education and advocating for public funding for the arts helps nurture creativity and ensures the longevity of a thriving creative ecosystem. By recognizing the value and importance of arts education in schools, communities, and cultural institutions, society can foster an environment that encourages and supports the development of artists and creatives.

Overall, it is important for society to recognize the contributions of artists, creatives, and the vital role they play in enriching our cultural landscape. By actively engaging with and supporting their work, we can foster a vibrant and sustainable creative ecosystem.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is knowing that my art has made a positive impact on someone’s life. When someone reaches out to me and shares that my artwork has touched them, empowered them, or provided a sense of healing, it is an incredibly gratifying experience. The feeling that my art has resonated with someone on a personal level and has contributed to their emotional well-being is truly special.

In particular, when individuals mention that my art has helped them in healing their inner child, it signifies that my work has tapped into something deeper and has evoked a sense of connection and healing. It reminds me of the power that art holds to inspire, uplift, and bring solace to others. These moments of connection and impact are what make all the effort and dedication put into my creative work worthwhile.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to touch people’s lives, evoke emotions, and contribute to their journey of self-discovery and healing. It is a privilege to be able to share my creativity and have a positive impact on others through my art.      

Contact Info:

• Website: artwithmanasi.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/manasiarya
• Other: tiktok.com/artwithmanasi

Image Credits
Nivedha Meyyappan @nivedhamphotography