We were lucky to catch up with Shriya Myneni recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shriya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

From as far back as I can remember, arts has always been my creative outlet. For several years, I dabbled in various musical instruments like the keyboard, harmonium, and guitar while simultaneously training in various dance forms, primarily Bharatnatyam. As such, the artistic realm has been an inseparable part of my life. However, it was when my grandmother taught me how to hand-sew in 6th grade, that I finally discovered a profound interest in creative expression through fabrics and textiles. I will never forget how much I enjoyed the act of crafting small items from scrap fabrics lying around my house and selling them to my friends. Not only did this awaken my inner entrepreneurial spirit, but it also unveiled a world of limitless possibilities within the field of design.

Around the same time, I started watching various reality fashion shows, which served as a powerful source of inspiration for me. The sheer creativity and innovation on display got my creative gears turning. Before I knew it, I found myself dedicating countless hours to filling up sketchbooks with designs that constantly evolved and expanded my artistic vision. This journey of self-discovery also nudged me towards a deeper understanding of my personal style, which I brought to life as I upcycled my clothes (and maybe even snuck in a few pieces from my mom’s collection) to adapt them to my ever-evolving style.

As I honed my skills and creativity, it became increasingly evident that pursuing a career in the fashion industry was not just a fleeting interest but the path I wholeheartedly envisioned myself doing.

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?

Absolutely! I’m Shriya Myneni – a designer, artist, and student currently based out of New York City. My roots trace back to India, but my upbringing has been an intricate blend of cultures, enriched by my time in Indonesia and Canada. These experiences have left an indelible mark on my creative vision as I, sometimes even unknowingly, infuse my designs with elements inspired by my cultural heritage.

As someone who is still trying to figure out her niche in the industry, I have wholeheartedly embraced the exploration of my own style. I see it as an exciting journey of uncovering new facets of myself, allowing me to push my own boundaries of creativity while playing with a range of aesthetics. It is through this process that I am able to create pieces that not only mirror my artistic vision but also convey a narrative that is authentic to who I am.

My creative process involves seamlessly merging diverse influences into a harmonious whole. Embracing sustainability as a guiding principle, I actively aim to seek out recycled and upcycled materials to incorporate into my work. From the initial spark of an idea to the final piece, my design process involves quite a lot of exploration and experimentation. From sketching to draping and creating muslin prototypes, I allow my ideas to evolve organically. This iterative approach helps me fine-tune my concepts, aiming for that ideal balance between cultural reverence and contemporary expression.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative lies in the journey itself. It offers an ever-evolving path of discovery that drives me to test my creative limits. Each project that I take on presents new challenges and exciting opportunities to explore, encouraging me to think outside the box and approach the process of designing from a fresh perspective. This continuous learning process allows me to refine my techniques, experiment with different styles, and discover new ways to express my artistic vision. There is a constant sense of excitement and anticipation as I delve into new projects, never quite knowing where they will lead me. It’s about embracing the ups and downs, as well as the countless opportunities that come with it. This makes every step of the creative process immensely fulfilling. With every piece I make, I discover more about myself and the world around me, helping me foster a deeper connection to my craft.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most significant lessons I have had to unlearn, or am still in the process of unlearning, is the belief that “more effort always leads to better results”. For the longest time, I equated success solely with the amount of time and effort I poured into my work. I believed that if I worked tirelessly for hours on end then my work would undoubtedly reach its peak potential. However, I soon realized that despite my dedication, I often found myself dissatisfied with the outcome of my efforts.

The turning point in my creative journey came when I allowed myself to step back and embrace a more balanced approach. While pushing oneself and investing effort are undoubtedly crucial elements, I also discovered that there is a delicate balance required in the act of creating. Instead of obsessing over the sheer amount of time spent on a project, I began to focus on the effectiveness and intention behind each stroke, each stitch, and each idea. This shift in perspective allowed me to find joy in the creative process rather than fixating solely on the end result. I discovered that some of my best work emerged when I allowed myself to breathe, to find moments of inspiration organically, rather than relentlessly pushing myself to create. Giving myself the space to explore and be open to spontaneity led to better ideas and a deeper connection with my work. Embracing this more nuanced approach to creativity has transformed my perspective on the creative process. I am now beginning to understand that creativity is not always linear; it flows and evolves, and there are moments of rest and contemplation that are just as vital as moments of intense productivity. Nowadays, I try to appreciate the beauty of allowing creativity to unfold naturally, trusting in its inherent ebb and flow.

Unlearning the notion that “more effort always leads to better results” has truly been a liberating experience. In trusting the natural course of the creative process, I have discovered a newfound sense of peace and satisfaction in my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shriyamyneni.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byshriya/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shriya-myneni/

Image Credits
Britany Paez, Naiomi Lewis, Shriya Myneni