Meet Priya Kakati | Concept Artist/Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Priya Kakati and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Priya, how do you think about risk?
I believe that with every decision that we make is a risk that we take. I took the risk of moving a 1000 miles away from home to pursue art; and honestly, that’s the best decision I could’ve ever made.

I understand that every risk that we take we always have the “what if I fail” in the back of our minds, but I guess we’d never know for sure if the risk we’d taken was for the good instead. At the end there’s always some kind of a learning experience.

I moved to San Francisco in the fall of 2015 not knowing what to expect, pursued a career that most people tend to think “leaves you starving”. So yes I was afraid; not just because of the thought of that I might fail, but the thought of how would my family feel if I failed, and coming from a society that’s conservative, there was a lot at stake.

But like I mentioned before, I’m happy that I took the risk, and I wouldn’t change anything from the past.

Right now I’m happy that I took the risk of moving to LA and said yes to a job offer for a start-up company, from a friend I’ve only met on the internet; and honestly they’re the best people to work with. Famera is all about taking risks, and also as an artist you have so much creative freedom, that with every crazy idea that we come up with, their answer is “it’s definitely worth exploring”.

At last, I just wanted to mention that without a supportive family who willingly took this risk with me in this journey and without the friends I’ve made coming here that stood by me with all the highs and lows and kept me motivated, I don’t think I would’ve been where I’m at now.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Along the way of pursuing my career as an artist, I’ve learned that you don’t have to create 24/7, and taking breaks and taking up hobbies is always healthy. I’ve never liked the mindset of “dedicating yourself 24/7” to your work as the key to be successful. This leads to a toxic behaviour where artists feel guilty to even take a break. To teach them that observation is key and understanding the subject to create and taking their time is the key to success. Just copying what you see doesn’t help anybody.

And I’ve always led by that rule. It’s hard sometimes, when you’re judging yourself to other artists out there, but It’s always good to remind yourself that self care is important.

Also it’s important to remind yourself that success takes time, and not get disheartened if you haven’t gotten into a dream studio right away. Sometimes you just need to explore the different paths first and maybe who knows? You’ll even like what you’re doing. Just never stop venturing out!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
On my short trips to LA before I’ve been to Disneyland and Universal studios with my friends; but now, who’s recently just moved to LA as a permanent resident and with the pandemic going on, I have yet to explore so much more of the city!

But hopefully once it’s safe to venture out again we could hit a few spots to eat in LA, and visit a few spots like the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, The LACMA and honestly any other place that my roommates think is fun!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate this shoutout to my family. Without them I don’t think I would’ve even thought of pursuing my career in art, I’d first love to mention my mom! She’s pushed me through it all, and continued to help me throughout my education and life.

My dad had passed away during my years in college, and honestly being so far and the fact that I couldn’t even be there for the funeral or even support my family emotionally through the tough times, took a toll on me. It was difficult financially too, since he was the provider for the family. I wasn’t even sure if I could continue with my studies as well emotionally, but If it weren’t for my sister (who my next shoutout goes to) who motivated me to push through, and my mom and to take risk of stepping up to run a business from being homemaker, I don’t think we would’ve come this far!

I’d also like to dedicate this shoutout to a family who I barely knew, but was willing to help me feel at ease in a strange place. Thank You Irfan Uncle and Safreen Aunty, for lending a helping hand :D.

Website: https://www.priyakakati.com

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Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/priya-kakati

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