We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Pooja Campbell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Pooja, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I suppose as an artist, that question frequently rears its head—an unwelcome visitor, frequently rooted in imposter syndrome and fear-based thinking. I once believed that everyone was an artist at heart, but now I’m convinced that true artists are born with an innate desire. There’s an ache that sneaks up when you stray too far from your practice. If I step away for more than a couple of days, I become irritable and restless, uninterested in socializing or doing much else.
Being an artist isn’t easy. It’s a path filled with uncertainty and rarely offers guarantees. There’s no promised paycheck waiting at the end of a workday, no assurance that the countless hours in the studio will yield monetary reward. In the studio, there’s no roadmap, no clear brief, no checklist to follow. Often, you have to drag yourself to that sacred space, uncertain of what you’ll encounter and fearful of what might surface.
Many hours are spent simply staring at the work in front of you—an opponent challenging you to a battle of will and creativity. You question if the struggle is worth it, wondering if this opponent is worthy at all. And yet, you return the next day to face it again.
This practice isn’t about monetary compensation or external validation. It’s about the act of showing up, the willingness to engage with your inner demons and the unknown. Some days, you leave frustrated; others, you leave fulfilled. But the true reward lies in the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing you were honest—with yourself and your work.
Being an artist is about wrestling with the truth of who you are and recognizing that this calling, as challenging as it may be, exists to be shared with the world. It’s not about winning or losing—it’s about showing up and staying true to yourself.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a fine art painter with a lifelong passion for creating. Growing up in India, I was deeply influenced by the art surrounding me—my grandmother’s paintings on the walls, intricate hand-sewn embroidered cushions and blankets, the wooden artifacts, and even the tin handmade toys sold by street vendors. These vibrant colors, textures, and patterns left an indelible mark on me. From a young age, I found comfort and joy in sitting at my desk, drawing and connecting with a deeper part of myself. Creating has always been a way for me to access a profound sense of peace and fulfillment.
Years later, I am still captivated by the beauty and color that surrounded me then. Today, I channel that fascination in my studio, where I continue to explore and celebrate the interplay of color, pattern, and form. Above all, I consider myself a colorist—color excites and drives my work.
After high school in India, I pursued art studies that eventually took me to America, with a detour to South Africa, where I studied textile design for two years. This experience informed my approach to painting, blending my love of color, design, and line. Currently pursuing my MFA, I also teach art workshops, sharing my passion and encouraging others to discover the joy of creating.
As an Indian American artist and mother, my work chronicles everyday moments in the lives of my children. Through oil paintings on linen and mixed-media works using charcoal, paint, and collage, I construct dual portraits that reflect on cultural heritage, legacy, and identity. I experiment with different materials and techniques to create a visual language where real-life scenes intertwine with imagined worlds, exploring the coexistence of multiple realities that immigrant parents navigate.
My art grapples between preserving cultural identity and passing down traditions while honoring my children’s individuality in a new cultural context. By layering color, pattern, and opacity, I aim to tell stories that capture the complexity, beauty, and duality of a life that bridges cultures.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
So many amazing creatives and entrepreneurs. Here’s a list of a few off the top of my head. Anything and everything by them is fantastic!
Seth Godin
Mel Robbins
Steven Pressfield
Derek Sivers
Mary Karr
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
The biggest question we face as creatives is why we choose this path, with all its uncertainties, and ups and downs. There’s a common misconception that artists are lazy, not smart enough, or simply couldn’t think of anything else to do. But nothing could be further from the truth. Following a syllabus or adhering to a step-by-step guide is straightforward—taking the well-trodden path is the easiest option.
What’s truly challenging is listening to your inner voice and having the courage to follow your true calling. It requires resilience to carve out a life that aligns with your passions, even when it defies societal expectations or conventional definitions of success.
Too often, I’ve met people who are deeply unhappy in their careers because they chose a path dictated by their parents, societal pressures, or fear, rather than their own desires. While the life of a creative is far from easy, it is, without a doubt, the most rewarding. There is a sense of fulfillment that comes from living authentically and pursuing what truly matters to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.poojacampbell.com
- Instagram: @poojafineart
- Facebook: @poojafineart
Image Credits
Pooja Campbell