Meet Jayashree Sadasivan | Fine Artist, Children’s Picture Book Illustrator & Graphic Designer

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

Hi Jayashree, why did you pursue a creative career?
My love for drawing and painting began at a young age, when my parents gifted me a box of crayons for my birthday in kindergarten. Since then, art has been an essential part of my life. I enjoy working with a variety of mediums—colored pencils, pen and ink, acrylics, digital art, and mixed media. One of the most rewarding experiences has been painting utility art boxes around the Bay Area, California, which has allowed me to beautify our cities and bring art into public spaces.

In addition to my artistic pursuits, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and during the pandemic, I earned a Certification of Achievement in Graphics and Interactive Design. Last year, I had the honor of illustrating my first children’s picture book, Sally’s Heart, which won the Prestige Award at the 2024 Regal Summit Book Awards in the Teaching category.

As an artist, my passion for painting animals goes beyond the act of creation. It’s a profound expression of my love for nature and my commitment to wildlife conservation. Animals have always been a source of awe and inspiration for me. Their beauty, complexity, and vulnerability evoke a deep emotional response, which drives me to explore their lives and struggles through my art. My work is not only a personal reflection of this bond, but also a call to action about the urgent need to protect the natural world.

Wildlife conservation is at the heart of everything I do. Through my art, I aim to educate and advocate for the animals and environments I portray, fostering empathy and understanding. I believe art has the power to spark important conversations, raise awareness, and inspire others to support conservation efforts.

Ultimately, my art is a celebration of the beauty, strength, and resilience of wildlife, and a call to action in the face of the global conservation crisis. I believe that by fostering understanding and appreciation for the natural world, we can all contribute to preserving the planet’s incredible biodiversity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is a reflection of my deep connection to nature, and in particular, my passion for wildlife conservation. I specialize in painting animals, using a variety of mediums like acrylics, colored pencils, pen and ink, digital art, and mixed media. What sets me apart is not only my focus on capturing the beauty and complexity of the animal world but also the emotional connection I strive to create through my work. For me, every painting is an opportunity to tell the story of these creatures—how they live, their struggles, and the urgent need for conservation.

What I’m most proud of is the way my art has been able to connect with people on both an emotional and educational level. For example, illustrating my first children’s picture book, “Sally’s Heart”, was a significant achievement. It won the Prestige Award at the 2024 Regal Summit Book Awards in the Teaching category, and I’m incredibly proud of the positive impact it’s had on young readers. I’m excited to continue creating art that educates and inspires action, particularly when it comes to wildlife conservation.

My journey as an artist has certainly not been easy. I initially earned my Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, which was a completely different path. But during the pandemic, I took a leap and earned a Certification of Achievement in Graphics and Interactive Design, which reignited my passion for the arts. This transition wasn’t seamless—balancing a technical background with an artistic career took a lot of time, self-reflection, and determination. There were moments of doubt, moments when I questioned if I could truly make a living from my art, but every challenge taught me something important: persistence is key. It was through pushing past those doubts and surrounding myself with supportive mentors, friends, and art communities that I found the courage to keep going.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is the importance of staying true to myself and my values. Art is a deeply personal pursuit, and as much as I want to succeed professionally, I always remind myself that my work should reflect what I care about most. For me, that’s the protection and celebration of wildlife. I believe that when you create art with passion and purpose, people can feel it—and that’s what resonates.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my work, it’s this: My art is more than just visual expression; it’s a call to action. I want my art to spark conversations about wildlife conservation, to inspire empathy, and to encourage others to take part in preserving the natural world. Through art, I hope to make a lasting impact, not only in the art community but also in the world at large.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1:
We would start by visiting the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University and enjoy a lunch at Oren’s Hummus in Palo Alto,CA. While not exclusively vegan, Oren’s offers plenty of plant-based options. Afterward, we’d explore the public art installations at the Palo Alto Art Center and visit the gallery inside. For dinner, we’ll head to Ike’s Sandwiches in Palo Alto,CA which is a great spot for unique and tasty sandwiches, and then call it a day.

Day 2:
We’ll visit the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara,CA. Admission and parking are free, and the exhibits are always inspiring. The museum also has a lovely shop featuring beautiful artwork from local artists. For lunch, we’ll dine at Chaat Bhavan in Sunnyvale, one of the most popular Indian vegetarian family-run restaurants in the Bay Area. The food is always fresh, authentic, and absolutely delicious. We’ll probably grab takeout from there for dinner as well. Afterward, we’ll take a self-guided tour of the vibrant public artworks around Sunnyvale.

Day 3:
We’ll get an early start and head to Muir Woods National Monument near San Francisco to see the ancient redwoods. Then, we’ll visit Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco for lunch, enjoying an ice cream at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop while exploring the other stores in the square. Later, we’ll walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and visit Pier 39 to see the sea lions. It’s always beautiful to watch the sunset at the pier, making for a perfect end to the day.

Day 4:
After a breakfast of homemade steel-cut oats with fresh fruits, we’ll head to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), one of the largest modern art museums in the U.S. It’s full of inspiring works from iconic artists like Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and Jackson Pollock. For lunch, we’ll enjoy the café inside the museum, which offers vegan and vegetarian options such as fresh salads and seasonal soup with a bread roll. Afterward, we’ll head to San Francisco’s Mission District for a Street Art Tour, a walking tour that explores the colorful murals and street art that reflect powerful stories about social justice and local culture.

Day 5:
We’ll begin with brunch at Loving Hut in Milpitas,CA and perhaps get some takeout for dinner. I love their vegan noodles, and it’s my go-to place whenever I crave Asian cuisine. A short distance from Milpitas is the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Jose, a tranquil oasis where art meets nature. The garden features traditional Japanese landscaping, koi ponds, sculptures, and peaceful design elements. It’s a beautiful spot to capture through photography or simply reflect in a serene atmosphere.

Day 6:
After enjoying pancakes for brunch at IHOP, we’ll head to the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. The museum showcases the region’s natural history, with exhibits on local flora and fauna, geology, marine life, and indigenous cultures. It’s an excellent spot for nature lovers and those curious about the local ecology. My visit to Santa Cruz wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Lenz Arts, a long-standing art supply store. They offer a wide range of materials for painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture, and they also host workshops and events for the local arts community. For dinner, we’ll head to Thai Chili Cuisine on Halford Avenue in Santa Clara,CA where they offer many vegetarian options. I particularly love their Pad Thai and Royal Pineapple Fried Rice.

Day 7:
To wrap up the week, we’ll head to Coyote Hills Regional Park after enjoying a homemade lunch. Though primarily a nature reserve, Coyote Hills is a perfect spot for outdoor artists seeking inspiration. With sweeping views, wetlands, and wildlife, the park has been the subject of many landscape and nature artists. We’ll spend the afternoon plein air painting, capturing the beauty of the park’s natural environment in our sketchbooks.

To learn more about the Artist, please check out her website or follow her on social media

Portfolio Website: https://sites.google.com/view/jaysartndesign/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayashreesadasivan/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaysartndesign/

FB Artist page: https://www.facebook.com/Artist.Jayashree

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a few special people I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to, as their support has been crucial in my journey.

First, my parents, who have always encouraged me to follow my passion for art. From a young age, they allowed me the freedom to experiment with different mediums, and their unwavering belief in my creativity helped me build the confidence to pursue my artistic path. Their love and encouragement laid the foundation for everything I do today.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my husband, whose honest critiques and thoughtful feedback have pushed me to grow as an artist. He has a unique ability to see the potential in my work and helps me refine it in ways I wouldn’t have imagined on my own. His support extends beyond just the art itself—he’s a constant source of motivation, helping me stay focused and grounded as I chase my creative dreams.”

Lastly, I’d like to recognize the many art groups I’m a part of. These communities have been incredibly valuable in shaping my artistic growth. The exchange of ideas, constructive feedback, and camaraderie within these groups has helped me hone my craft and stay motivated. The support from fellow artists has been crucial in my development, and I’m grateful to be part of such a vibrant creative network.”

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/jaysartndesign/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaysartndesign/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayashreesadasivan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artist.Jayashree

Other: Sally’s Heart on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2VSLG86?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

Image Credits
Image Credit for my Selfie Photo: Photo taken by Flee