Today we’d like to introduce you to Saniya Sayyad
Hi Saniya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Saniya, and I’m a self-taught artist from India, now living in California. Art has always had a special place in my heart, even though I spent years in the corporate world. I hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science and worked for over seven years in that field, but deep down, I knew my true calling was never in spreadsheets or board meetings—it was always in the strokes of a paintbrush.
I’ve loved art since childhood, but like many of us, I put it on the backburner while focusing on academics and later, my career. Still, even in the busiest, most structured moments of my corporate life, there was always this quiet voice inside me, urging me to pick up the brush again.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time of pause, reflection, and uncertainty, and that’s when everything shifted. Working from home gave me the space to truly think about what mattered in life. I realized I couldn’t spend another day in a job that didn’t fulfill me. That’s when I found the courage to step away from the corporate world and return to the art that had always brought me peace.
Now, my paintings reflect the things I cherish most—nature, color, texture, and a sense of calm. I hope my work brings joy and tranquility to others, just as it does for me. Through my art, I aim to capture the beauty of the world around us and remind people that life is too short not to follow your heart.
By sharing my journey and my artwork, I want to inspire others to pursue their own passions, no matter how long it takes to find the courage to start. For me, every brushstroke is a reminder that life is fleeting, but the happiness that comes from following your dreams lasts forever.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The hardest part of my journey came during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it gave me the time to rediscover my love for art, it also meant making a tough, uncertain choice: leaving behind a stable career for something that felt risky and unknown. Walking away from the corporate world wasn’t just about quitting a job—it was about stepping into a future I couldn’t fully picture, trusting that I could make a life doing something I loved.
But even after I made the leap, doubt never really left me. As someone self-taught, with no formal training, I often found myself wondering if I was good enough or if I was just wasting my time. And the art world was completely new to me—I had only just moved to California, and I was starting from scratch, trying to figure out how everything worked here. I spent hours searching online, trying to learn about local opportunities and how to break into the scene.
The one thing that kept me going, though, was the unwavering support of my family. In those moments of doubt, when I wasn’t sure if I was on the right path, their belief in me was everything. My family, who had always been focused on more traditional career paths, stood by me in a way I never expected. They gave me the strength to keep moving forward, even when everything felt uncertain. It was their love and encouragement that made all the difference, and it was what helped me push through, even when I felt lost.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an artist, traveling across the U.S. to showcase my work at art shows and sell my pieces to people who resonate with what I create. I specialize in creating textured artwork. Nature has always been my greatest inspiration, and I love to paint it using bright, bold colors that bring cheer and warmth to any space. For me, texture is everything—it adds depth and life to a painting, turning it into more than just something to look at. It becomes something you can feel.
In a world that feels so heavy at times, I truly believe we need more love and joy, and that’s what I want my art to bring. There’s something so deeply fulfilling when I look at my work. I’ve always felt that the emotions you pour into a painting are transferred to the viewer. It’s incredibly rewarding when people tell me they feel happy or calm when they look at my art. I often hear that my work radiates happiness, and that’s exactly why I paint.
I’m so proud that I can make people smile, even if it’s just for a moment, and offer them a bit of peace in this fast-paced, stressful world. What sets my art apart is the use of texture—it’s not just about how it looks, but how it feels. It’s about creating a connection, about helping others experience the beauty that’s all around us. That, for me, is the heart of art.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was never an exceptional student when it came to academics. Growing up, my heart was always drawn to creative things. I’d jump at every opportunity to express myself—whether it was a drawing competition, a rangoli contest(colorful Indian folk art), or any other event happening around the area. I can’t remember a summer vacation where I stayed home and relaxed. Instead, I’d sign up for as many activities as I could, always on the go, always seeking something new to dive into. Creativity was my escape, my joy, and my way of feeling truly alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acrylicsaniya.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrylicsaniya/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@acrylicsaniya/featured
