Detours are Destiny: Chasing Dreams, Secret Art, and Approaching Business with Creativity with Nishant Jain (The Sneaky Artist)

Sometimes the most meaningful parts of our creative journey are the detours — the moments when we think we've failed or lost our way, only to realize we've discovered something new. Like a labyrinth, life guides us toward the next best thing, often better than we could have imagined. In this episode, host Ekaterina (Kat) Popova sits down with Nishant Jain, also known as The Sneaky Artist , to talk about curiosity, permission, and finding beauty in the everyday. Nishant shares how writer's block led him to a thriving art practice, how he built a loyal global community through Substack, and why keeping secrets and creating privately can reignite your passion. If you've ever questioned your creative direction or struggled to share your art meaningfully in the digital age, this conversation will remind you that detours are destiny — and that creativity doesn't have to be loud to be powerful. 🖋️ About the Guest Nishant Jain is an artist, writer, and podcaster known as The Sneaky Artist . He sketches people and places in public spaces, capturing the quiet poetry of daily life. A former engineer and scientist, Nishant left academia to pursue storytelling full-time. His new book, Make Sneaky Art , invites readers to build a joyful sketchbook habit rooted in curiosity and play. Book Tour → The (Sneaky) Book Tour Buy the Book → Make Sneaky Art Follow Nishant → SneakyArt Substack ✨ Episode Highlights How creative detours become the path to purpose Reframing failure through curiosity and exploration Balancing art-making with building a creative business Why keeping a "secret sketchbook" protects your voice Building authentic connection through storytelling Thank you to Our Sponsor Welcome to the Jungle — Josh Brown's immersive exhibition — opens in New York City this November. For two days only, canvases pulse with color, hidden gazes peek from the leaves, and the city transforms into something wild, alive, and untamed. 📍 147 Broome St, NYC 🗓️ November 14–16 Join Josh Brown's studio list at joshbrownart.com for RSVP access, collector previews, and behind-the-scenes as the jungle comes to life. Interested in sponsoring The Create! Podcast or advertising with Create! Magazine ? Contact alicia@createmagazine.com for information and options. 💖 About the Host Ekaterina Popova is an artist, certified master coach, and founder of Create! Magazine and Create U . Through her podcast and platforms, she helps artists and visionaries build joyful, sustainable careers on their own terms. Explore: createmagazine.co Learn: www.createu.co Read: Create! Substack https://createmagazine.substack.com Follow: @katerinaspopova @createmagazine