We recently connected with Saniya Sayyad and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Saniya, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I have a Master’s in Computer Science and spent nearly eight years working in IT. During that time, I saw how easy it was to get consumed by the chaos — long hours, burnout, and a constant race to keep up. Even then, art was always my quiet escape. It was the one place I could breathe, slow down, and feel grounded.
When the world paused during COVID, I asked myself: If I didn’t have any responsibilities, what’s the one thing I’d truly want to do? The answer was clear — art. Creating gave me peace, clarity, and a sense of purpose that nothing else did. And when I realized that others felt the same calm and connection through my work, it clicked.
My purpose is to create art that gives people a moment of stillness — a pause from the noise. If I can make someone feel just a little more grounded or at peace through my work, then I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Textured art, for me, is deeply emotional. There’s something about the process — the feel of the palette knife, the way light catches the strokes — that’s grounding, almost meditative. And I began to notice that others felt that too. People would tell me how peaceful my work made them feel, and I realized that my art could be a small moment of calm in someone else’s day, too.
That’s what I try to create — pieces that are not just visually beautiful, but emotionally comforting. Whether it’s a quiet floral, a memory, a place I long to visit, or something as simple as a moment that made me smile — I paint what brings me peace, in the hope that it brings the same to others.
Most of my work is available as original textured art through my website, www.sanyasartstudio.com. I also love creating custom pieces that bring someone’s memory or story to life through texture. Alongside originals, I occasionally offer handmade coasters, greeting cards, and other small, heartful creations.
You can often find me at art shows like Superfine Art Fair, Art San Diego, and local Bay Area pop-ups. But no matter where I am — online or in person — my goal remains the same: to create art that feels like home. That helps you breathe. That reminds you to slow down and just feel.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think the three most important things in my journey were: consistency, patience, and staying true to myself.
In the beginning, I didn’t realize how much just showing up every day — painting, practicing, and not giving up — would shape my path. But now when I look back at my old work, I can see how far that quiet effort took me.
The second thing is: don’t chase trends. What works for others may not work for you. Someone might be killing it on Etsy, someone else might be teaching — but the only way to know what fits you is to try a little bit of everything, experiment, and then decide what feels most aligned.
And finally — and this is the most important — do what you love. Art isn’t just about creating pretty things. It’s about what you feel, how deeply you’re connected to your work. That energy translates. If you’re not connected to your own art, it’ll show. But when you’re honest and real with what you create, your people will find you.
For anyone starting out: take it slow. Don’t expect overnight success. If you have another job or degree, don’t be afraid to lean on it while you build your art career. I saved up before going full-time, and I’m glad I did — it gave me freedom to create without pressure.
Try different things. Learn online. Sell originals, prints, coasters — whatever helps you discover your voice. The path looks different for everyone. Just don’t forget why you started.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The biggest support in my journey has been my husband. He’s been my anchor — constantly encouraging me, tracking art show deadlines, suggesting opportunities, handling logistics, and making sure I have the space to just create. Even though he’s not an artist, he’s always one step ahead, pushing me to show up and believe in myself.
And of course, my family — coming from a background of high achievers, I wasn’t sure how they’d react to my decision to leave tech. But to my surprise, they stood by me with pride. Their support, especially during my first exhibit, gave me the confidence I needed to truly begin.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saniyasartstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrylicsaniya/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@acrylicsaniya/featured
Image Credits
Saniya
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
