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

Swetha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I am a self-taught artist. And I don’t have any formal education in art. Like many other immigrants, I moved to the United States for my Masters in Computer Science. I worked in the technology industry for several years before switching to an artistic career. But, my transition from the tech industry to the creative world was very organic.

6 years ago, I decided to take a career break from the corporate world. I was really burned out. And I wanted some time for myself. My plan was to take a break for the summer and look for a new job in the Fall. But I never went back! I spent time doing things that I always wanted to do. I learned how to swim, enrolled in Indian dance classes, and performed at recitals. I even started a food and travel blog! And on the side, I started lettering as a hobby. It was just another thing I was doing to feed my soul.

Two years into my career break, I had no desire to return to the corporate world. I was spending most of my time making art and really enjoying it. I participated in a local arts & crafts fair where a few people bought my artwork. That led to my first order to make handmade cards for a bridal shower. During that holiday season, I got a couple more orders. I didn’t think much of it then, but in hindsight, participating at the local crafts fair was a crucial moment that helped transition my hobby into a business. That was the first time someone bought my art and would eventually give me the confidence to pursue an artistic career.

Around the same time, I got a couple of requests to teach hand lettering. People would ask me questions about supplies and how to get started. But I had no experience teaching. And I didn’t even know if I would enjoy it! So I started reaching out to local libraries to see if they would let me teach a class for free, just so I could get some experience. All I needed was one person to say yes – and that set me on this beautiful journey of inspiring others to create.

I was also inspired by several artists that I followed on Instagram. Many were self-taught, just like me. I noticed that there was room for everyone. So, I thought, let me try this and see what happens. I read Lisa Congdon’s – Art, Inc. That’s a good primer for anyone who wants to explore a career in arts. I also learned that you can have multiple revenue streams as an artist, which was great. Because then you’re not limited to just teaching or just selling art online – you can do both and then some!

So, when I had to choose between going back to a corporate gig or starting a new career path altogether – I chose the latter. I knew the money would be way less initially, but it brought me so much joy and peace! I got to set my own work hours and spend time doing what I loved. It also helped that I wasn’t the sole income provider in my household and that my husband was 100% supportive of my career transition!

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 teaching artist based in New Jersey. And I specialize in lettering and watercolor art. I founded The Paisley Corner to spread the joy of creating through my art workshops.

Being a self-taught artist and now an instructor, I have realized that everyone is creative – even if they don’t know it yet! I love helping people find their creative spark. I tell my students not to obsess over their final artwork but to immerse themselves in the process of making art. When you let go of expectations and instead focus on the repetitive strokes of lettering or painting – you can experience creative flow. Nothing makes me happier than when my students enjoy my workshops!

I teach multiple lettering techniques, including hand lettering, brush lettering, and watercolor lettering. In my highly-rated, beginner-friendly watercolor workshops, I lead guided projects where participants create their own unique floral and galaxy pieces. Over the last three years, I have taught over 2000 students (adults and kids) at 135 workshops. My past clients include Shapeways, Rituals, Confetti, MixLife, Distill Creative & the New York tri-state area public libraries.

I am available to teach in person (in the Greater New York area) and virtual art workshops. My classes are great for companies that are looking for creative team-building activities. My lettering and watercolor classes are ideal for remote teams in different parts of the globe. Artistic activities are relaxing and provide opportunities for teams to bond. Studies show that creative employees are happier, more productive, and are strong problem-solvers. So, book me for your next team-building event!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a teaching artist is being able to share the joy of creating with my students. Most people think they are not creative, and I break this myth in my art workshops. Teaching has been a fulfilling experience, and it continues to drive me to teach more and better!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was teaching only in-person art workshops when the pandemic hit in 2020. After a couple of months of uncertainty, I switched to virtual workshops just like everyone else. And that turned out great! I could reach a wider audience and teach at so many more (virtual) locations than before. I was also able to teach way more workshops than the previous years. And I was so grateful for that!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thepaisleycorner.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepaisleycorner/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaisleycorner
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swethashenoy/
• Other: https://g.page/thepaisleycorner