“I never thought a casual visit to an art exhibition during my third year of pharmacy would change the direction of my life. Until then, art was something I enjoyed, something I was recognised for in school, but not something I ever imagined turning into a career.
I grew up in Warangal and studied at Aga Khan Institutions – Platinum Jubilee High School, where art and academics went hand in hand. It was the kind of environment where teachers genuinely encouraged us to explore our interests. I got to take part in many art competitions, both in and outside school. That early exposure built the foundation for what I do today.
Later, when we moved to Hyderabad, I enrolled in a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy. Like many others, my parents weren’t keen on me studying Fine Arts. But in my third year, I attended an art exhibition which got me back to art and late came across the work of a Hyderabad-based charcoal artist named Aditya. I had never seen that medium before, and it drew me in completely. I started experimenting with charcoal, and eventually, it became my comfort zone, my niche.
After graduation, I asked my parents for one year to give art a proper chance. I joined Ramanaidu college and studied Design and Animation for two years. That decision helped me develop both skill and confidence. I started working with a few startups and freelancing on the side. Over time, freelancing became my full-time path. It’s now been four years since I’ve been working independently.
What started as a personal love for sketching has grown into something much bigger. I’ve worked on branding, mural design, t-shirts, digital illustrations, product art, loop animations, and storyboarding for short films and TV soaps. I even got to design badges for the Keeda Cola movie team and assist in the art departments of multiple short films.
Alongside client work, I’ve curated art events, conducted workshops, contributed to government-led projects, and been part of public art initiatives. One of the most memorable experiences was co-leading a mural event with over 100 artists, where we painted eight massive walls in Bowenpally within just 10 hours for the Indian record. The energy, scale, and collaboration in that project is something I’ll always carry with me.
During the lockdown, I started The Purple Canvas as my personal creative platform. The name ‘Purple’ has always symbolised rarity, depth, and value to me. I wanted my work to carry that meaning too. I’m now working towards setting up Studio Purple Canvas, which will be a physical space for creative collaboration, workshops, and community-driven experiences.
Workshops are something I deeply enjoy. Whether I’m with school children, corporate teams, or art enthusiasts at cafés and festivals, I focus on creating spaces where people can slow down and connect through creativity. It’s never just about techniques. It’s about pausing, expressing, and discovering something within. In corporate settings, it becomes a mindful break. In community setups, it often turns into a moment of healing or shared joy.
A few projects remain close to my heart. One was painting murals for an Anganwadi school, where the aim was not just to beautify the space but to create something educational and comforting for the children. Another was working with Geetha Bhaskar ma’am for INDFAME, an initiative that brings meaningful art into schools. Projects like these remind me that art can do more than just decorate — it can connect, teach, and uplift.
The journey has had its share of challenges. The biggest was self-doubt. Wondering if I was good enough. Wondering if this was sustainable. On top of that came the learning curve of pricing my work, building visibility, managing clients, and staying authentic. I worked through it by remembering why I started. I learned to celebrate small wins and treat my practice with care and consistency.
If I could share something with aspiring artists, I’d say this. Your art will grow with you. Stay honest about what you want to say. Don’t chase trends. Don’t worry about constant visibility. Just show up for your work and treat it with respect.
One more thing that often goes unsaid is the importance of building trust with your family, especially when you’re choosing a less conventional path. My parents were initially unsure, but over time, they saw how committed I was. Today, they’re my biggest cheerleaders. That shift didn’t happen overnight, but it means everything.”
Tanmai Reddy Keesara, Artist