Rising Stars: Meet Payal Bhalani of Troy, Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Payal Bhalani.

Hi Payal, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Payal Bhalani – an artist, educator, and content creator based in the U.S., and the face behind Artista Payal. My journey into the creative world started back in India during my undergraduate studies. While I was still in college, I began teaching art and craft to both kids and adults, which eventually led me to open my own successful art studio. It was a space full of colors, handmade projects, and constant creativity – and it gave me the confidence that art could be more than just a passion; it could be my career.

Wanting to refine my skills and explore the academic side of art more deeply, I pursued a Master’s degree in Fine Arts with a focus on studio art and contemporary craft. During that time, teaching remained a constant in my life. I realized how much I loved making art feel accessible and enjoyable for others – from kids picking up a paintbrush for the first time to adults exploring creativity as a form of self-care.

When I moved to the U.S., I had to pause my professional work due to visa restrictions. But I couldn’t stay away from art for long. I started sharing tutorials, handmade decor ideas, and DIY projects on Instagram – just to stay connected with what I love. Slowly, my page Artista Payal started gaining traction, and I discovered a growing community of people who were excited to learn and create with me.

Today, I continue to create and share original art and craft content, focusing on traditional Indian techniques, modern DIYs, and home décor inspiration. Whether it’s a festive project, a handmade gift idea, or a calming painting process, my goal is to bring creativity into everyday life and make art approachable for everyone.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all — the journey has been full of challenges. I initially started my academic path in civil engineering but quickly realized my true passion was in the arts. Switching to fine arts was a bold move, and not everyone understood or supported that decision at the time. It took a lot of courage to go against expectations and pursue what truly made me happy.

After moving to the U.S., I earned two master’s degrees — a Master of Fine Arts from New Jersey City University and a Master of Arts in Contemporary Craft from Columbus College of Art and Design. While studying was incredibly rewarding, finding stable work as an artist wasn’t easy. Most art jobs are freelance or project-based, and it became difficult to secure full-time roles that aligned with my visa requirements. Eventually, I lost my work visa for three years, which meant I had to turn down countless opportunities and couldn’t legally continue many of the projects I had lined up.

Those years were hard — emotionally, professionally, and creatively. But instead of giving up, I leaned into what I could control. I started creating and sharing art on Instagram, building an organic community, and using that time to grow as both an artist and educator. Every obstacle pushed me to evolve and stay committed to my creative path.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist and content creator who specializes in handmade crafts, DIY projects, and home décor. Through my platform Artista Payal, I create engaging, step-by-step content that inspires people to explore their creativity — whether they’re beginners or experienced artists.

What I’m most proud of is the variety and depth of my content. I love experimenting with different themes and techniques. Some of my most popular series include the A to Z Art Series, where each project represents a letter with a unique art form; my Valentine’s DIY series, filled with handmade gifting ideas; and home décor series that transform everyday spaces with simple art.

I work across a wide range of mediums — from card making, mixed media, printmaking, and candle making to texture painting, journaling, and traditional Indian folk art. I also enjoy teaching these techniques through workshops and classes, both online and in person.

What sets me apart is my ability to combine traditional art forms with modern DIY aesthetics in a way that’s approachable and visually appealing. My content is not just about creating — it’s about storytelling, culture, and making art feel doable for everyone. I also prioritize authenticity — whether it’s showing a behind-the-scenes moment, a failed attempt, or the joy of completing a piece.

Art is my way of connecting with people across cultures and continents, and that’s what keeps me excited to keep creating every single day.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Absolutely! My biggest advice is: start small, stay consistent, and trust your journey. You don’t need fancy tools or a huge following to begin — you just need passion and the courage to show up. Whether you’re creating for yourself or sharing online, don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Just begin.

One thing I wish I knew earlier is that everyone’s path is different, especially in the creative world. It’s so easy to compare your journey to others and feel like you’re behind — but progress looks different for everyone. I’ve had to start over multiple times, change countries, shift careers, and build a new community from scratch. But every experience, even the setbacks, shaped me and taught me something valuable.

Also, don’t be afraid to experiment! I tried so many art forms before I found what truly resonates with me. Your unique voice, your cultural influences, your personal story — that’s what will set your work apart.

And finally, be patient and kind to yourself. Growth takes time, and so does building confidence in your work. Keep creating, keep learning, and most importantly — enjoy the process.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artista_payal/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PayalsCreations
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Artista_Payal