Meet Pratiksha Muir

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

Pratiksha, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a first-generation born female, I have learned to embrace my unique qualities and to navigate spaces where I may be the only one who looks like me. One of the key lessons I’ve learned is to accept and celebrate my differences rather than trying to fit into a mold.

To be effective and successful, I think it is paramount to outwork others in order to build a track record that speaks for itself. This approach helps to break down stereotypes and challenges or prejudices that may arise. To get to the point of having a list of achievements, it is necessary to constantly fight complacency and actively step outside of your comfort zone. Whether it’s scoping out new opportunities, working on a new commission or painting a new series, I always aim to go bigger.

Success knows no boundaries and should never be limited by appearances or background. By remaining authentic to who you are, embracing your unique qualities and working hard, you give yourself the best opportunity to create a lasting impact.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Pratiksha Muir, an Austin-based artist, and I bring a fusion of elegance and edginess to my creative expressions. As the founder and artist behind P Muir Art, I specialize in painting large-scale urban-inspired fine art that pushes the boundaries of traditional design.

The loss of a loved one to ALS completely shifted my perspective on life. While ascending the corporate ladder, I often found myself questioning whether that path aligned with my true purpose. After 2 years of painting as a hobby, I made the leap to become a full time artist. Since then, I’ve been humbled and grateful to paint for a variety of collectors, ranging from NFL football players to a Grammy-winning artist.

One of my deepest passions lies in encouraging fellow first-generation individuals and females to break free from conventional norms and wholeheartedly pursue their passions. I believe in the power of community, fostering support and collaboration rather than fostering competition. Together, we can embrace lives of fulfillment and purpose, creating a world where beauty thrives in unity and collective growth.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
To those starting their artistic journey, my advice is to focus on 3 things. Embrace organization, prioritize a healthy lifestyle, and actively seek out like-minded individuals.

Firstly, organization played a crucial role in managing my time, resources, and creative projects. My advice to those starting their journey is to, at the very least, plan their week ahead of time. I simultaneously use 3 methods for planning and organization. I use Trello to manage my projects, a physical planner to map out my weekly/monthly goals, and google calendar to break down my day. Experiment with different methods and find what works for you to keep your art and life organized.

Secondly, prioritizing a healthy lifestyle significantly influenced my journey as an artist. Taking care of my physical and mental well-being allowed me to approach my work with energy, focus, and a positive mindset. There are some highs with starting your own business, but there will also be many lows. I have found that if I keep my mind and body healthy, I manage the lows much more productively and proactively.

Lastly, surrounding yourself with like-minded people can be a game-changer. Building a supportive network of fellow creatives or business owners can provide valuable inspiration and guidance, not to mention opportunities for collaboration. Seek out art communities, workshops, or network groups where you can connect with others who share your passion and aspirations. Embrace the power of collaboration and the collective growth that comes from sharing experiences and knowledge.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
To pursue your passion: 4 Hour Workweek To change your lifestyle: The Power of Habit, Atomic Habits
To get creative: Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your