Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vinita Agrawal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Vinita, thanks for joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

I had been exploring the idea of a career as an artist. I was taking digital classes, creating pieces/doodles in my sketch pad, meeting with successful artists to understand their journey. As I was doing these activities, I came across a well-known e-commerce marketplace that sold and distributed art prints. I sheepishly uploaded a few illustrations that I created to test the waters. On the very next day, to my disbelief, I sold my very first piece. I could not fathom why someone who I didn’t know wanted to buy a piece that I created. The imposter syndrome was REAL (and still sometimes manifests itself to this day). Once the initial shock faded, I felt extremely grateful. The realization that others connected with my work and a potential future started to sink in. I used that motivation to create my first collection of original watercolor works, which to my surprise also was an immediate success, selling out on its first day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started creating art professionally after I became unable to work a “regular” 9-5 job due to chronic illness. Prior to then, the majority of my background was entrepreneurial by working with my family business and a subsequent stint at a growth technology start up. Unfortunately, while working in tech, I developed chronic pain which threw my life in a loop. My chronic pain abruptly taught me how unfulfilled I was professionally so I started over. Initially, I turned to art as an avenue for pain therapy, but quickly I realized how much I still loved it even though I had barely touched a brush since high school.

However, the journey is far from over. I continuously navigate my chronic pain by balancing self care and my career ambitions. I’ve learned that there will continue to be challenges that are out of my control but the best I can do is to continue to create and persevere.

I primarily create abstract and textured art with watercolor and acrylics in various forms of applications. Additionally, I create digital illustrations centered around relatable experiences. These illustrations often connect with like-minded brands. By focusing on brand creativity, I regularly work with clients to build their company’s brand by providing creative resources.

My work reflects upon my own emotional experiences and struggles. The most common themes of my work are diversity, inclusion, and mental health topics such as grief, depression, and anxiety.

I create art that is honest and true to myself. I create to convey that no matter what you are experiencing, you are not alone.

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

I love being able to connect with others through my art. I began creating art as an avenue of personal therapy. It was a way to process and express my chronic pain and the feelings associated with my illness. Art is deeply personal and vulnerable. Putting it out into the world was scary but once I realized that others connected with the work, it was worth the vulnerability.

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?

Creating art is a process from consultation, through ideation, and eventually to conception. When commissioning a piece of art, a client is acquiring not only the physical work but also, an artist’s background and experience. The root of my art is connection. Before I put anything onto a canvas, I focus on understanding the purpose, the audience, and the feelings that one wants to evoke from the piece. This ideation takes time and a great deal of patience. In many cases, this investment in the creative process can take more than the physical creation of the piece.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vinitaagrawal.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinita33/?hl=en

Image Credits
Somya Gupta