'Draw Your Mind' Workshop: In conversation with Shreya Suraj

What if drawing wasn’t about talent, perfection, or years of practice, but about giving your mind the space to slow down?

For many, art still feels intimidating: something reserved for the naturally gifted or those with expensive materials and formal training. But Shreya Suraj has spent years challenging that belief, proving that creativity belongs to everyone.

A mathematician by profession and an artist by passion, Shreya is the founder of Anybody Can Draw, a thriving art community of more than 5,000 artists across 50+ countries. Through hundreds of workshops spanning children, adults, corporate teams, schools, senior citizens and community groups, she has built a practice rooted in accessibility, sustainability, and the simple idea that art should be for everyone.

On July 12, she’s joining Lyrical Muse for “Draw Your Mind”, an immersive Neurographic Art workshop that invites participants to explore creativity as a tool for mindfulness, emotional wellbeing and self-expression—no prior artistic experience required.

Ahead of the workshop, we caught up with Shreya Suraj to talk about breaking creative myths, finding calm through art and why sometimes the simplest line on paper can become the beginning of something much bigger.

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For those discovering your work for the first time, could you tell us a little about your journey as an artist and educator? What inspired you to start ANYBODY CAN DRAW?

Shreya: My journey has been driven by one simple belief—that creativity belongs to everyone. Over the years, I’ve explored a wide range of art forms, from traditional Indian arts like Madhubani, Warli, and Kalamkari to mixed media, recyclable art, and Neurographic Art. As an educator, I’ve conducted hundreds of workshops for children, adults, corporate teams, schools, and community groups.

I founded ANYBODY CAN DRAW because I wanted to break the myth that art is only for talented people. It’s a space where everyone, regardless of age or experience, feels welcome to create without fear of judgment.

People also think art is expensive. I’ve created artworks on newspapers, used paper, glass bottles, and other everyday materials. I love creating pieces that are sustainable yet beautiful.

Having facilitated workshops with people of different ages and backgrounds, what have these experiences taught you about the role of creativity in people’s lives?

Shreya: One thing I’ve learned is that creativity is universal. Whether I’m working with young children, senior citizens, professionals, or people who’ve never picked up a paintbrush, art has an incredible ability to connect people.

I’ve seen confidence grow, stress melt away, conversations begin, and people surprise themselves with what they’re capable of. Creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about discovering parts of ourselves we often overlook.

The upcoming workshop marks your collaboration with Lyrical Muse. What drew you to this partnership, and what kind of experience are you hoping to create together?

Shreya: I was drawn to Lyrical Muse because they value meaningful, reflective experiences that nurture both creativity and wellbeing. That aligns beautifully with my own philosophy as an artist and educator.

Together, I hope to create a space where participants feel safe to slow down, express themselves freely, and enjoy the process without worrying about the outcome. I want it to feel less like a class and more like a creative journey.

One of the biggest misconceptions about art is that you need to be “good at drawing.” What would you say to someone who’s curious about attending this workshop but hesitant because they don’t consider themselves creative?

Shreya: I’d tell them they’re exactly the kind of person this workshop is for. You don’t need artistic experience or drawing skills. In fact, many people who say, “I can’t draw,” end up creating the most meaningful work because they let go of expectations.

My message has always been simple: Anybody Can Draw. Creativity isn’t a talent reserved for a few, it’s something we all possess.

I’ve also conducted workshops with children and adults with special needs. People often assume disabled people have little or no creativity, but their imagination is beyond what many of us expect. They come up with incredible colour combinations and unique designs.

In a world that’s constantly moving, how do you think creative practices like this one can support our wellbeing?

Shreya: Creative practices invite us to pause. They give us permission to be present instead of constantly thinking about what’s next.

Neurographic Art, in particular, encourages mindfulness, reduces mental clutter, and offers a healthy outlet for emotions. Even a short creative session can help people feel calmer, more focused, and more connected to themselves. Sometimes, picking up a pen is the simplest way to quiet a busy mind.

Finally, what can participants expect from the “Draw Your Mind” workshop? Beyond learning a new technique, what do you hope they’ll leave with?

Shreya: Participants can expect a relaxed, welcoming and judgment-free experience. They’ll learn the basics of Neurographic Art, but more importantly, they’ll experience the joy of creating without pressure.

I hope they leave with a beautiful artwork, a calmer mind, renewed confidence in their creativity, and the realization that art can become a lifelong tool for self-expression, reflection and wellbeing. If they walk away believing, even a little more, that anybody can draw, I’ll consider the workshop a success.