Meet Jayashree Krishnan | Author/Digital Artist

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

Hi Jayashree, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
What started as simple arts and crafts activities at home gradually grew into a true passion, supported and encouraged by my family and friends. Their motivation gave me the confidence to take my creativity more seriously and shape it into a meaningful career. For me, art is a powerful form of self-expression. Creating something from imagination brings me a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, and that passion continues to drive me every day. I also love the freedom that comes with a creative field—the ability to explore new ideas, experiment, and think differently. It allows me to constantly learn and grow, both personally and professionally. Through my work, I hope to connect with others, inspire young minds, and make learning more engaging and enjoyable. Ultimately, choosing an artistic career has given me the opportunity to do what I love while also making a positive impact, and that is what makes this journey truly rewarding.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey as an artist and author is rooted in my love for biology and the art of paper folding. I wanted to create something meaningful for young children—especially those who find it difficult to understand basic science concepts. This vision led to the creation of Origami – Creative Classification, a hands-on activity book that introduces animal classification and the food chain in a fun and engaging way. What sets my work apart is the blend of art and science. through origami, coloring, and interactive activities, I offer children a playful way to explore scientific concepts. I am proud to have self-published my first book with the support of my family and friends, and it’s incredibly rewarding to imagine children learning while creating.
My professional journey has not been easy. After more than a decade of building my teaching career—earning a Master of Arts in Teaching from Dallas Baptist University, completing a Montessori teacher education program at the Shelton School, and gaining experience at private schools in Dallas—I made the difficult decision to step away and pursue my passion for design and publishing. It was a challenging transition, but I chose to follow a dream that brings art and education together in a meaningful way. As a first-time author, self-publishing came with its own challenges. I began working on the book in 2022, but balancing teaching and family responsibilities delayed my progress. With my growing skills in digital art and continued support from my family and friends, I was able to complete, refine, and publish the book. This journey taught me the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and staying committed to one’s vision.
Origami – Creative Classification is designed for children ages five and up, introducing concepts like vertebrates and invertebrates, the five animal groups, and the food chain through simple, interactive activities. Alongside learning science, children also develop fine motor skills, focus, and critical thinking. Through this blend of art and learning, I hope to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of discovery in every child who experiences my work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I would want to give them a true Dallas experience—a perfect mix of great food, exciting attractions, and time to simply relax and enjoy the city’s atmosphere. We would definitely begin with Tex-Mex cuisine (a Dallas essential!) and then spend the week exploring some of my favorite places around the city. I would take them to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Museum of Illusions Dallas, and the Dallas Museum of Art for a blend of science, creativity, and culture. One evening, we would head to Reunion Tower to enjoy dinner with stunning skyline views of the city.
For a more relaxed experience, I would spend time with them at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden before strolling through Klyde Warren Park, known for its lively atmosphere, food trucks, and music. I would also take them to the Bishop Arts District for cozy cafés, local boutiques, and vibrant street art. For nightlife and entertainment, Grandscape would definitely be on the list. To wrap up the trip, a visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards would be the perfect way to experience the famous cattle drive and that classic Texas charm.
Dallas has such a unique blend of energy, culture, entertainment, and incredible food that it’s easy to make a week here feel truly memorable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I would like to thank my family—my husband, children, and parents—for their unwavering support, love, and encouragement throughout my journey. Secondly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the educators who have shared their knowledge with me and guided me through their exceptional mentorship. Last but certainly not least, a special and heartfelt shoutout to my dearest friend, Radha Sugumaran, who has always stood by my side, no matter how busy life became, and helped make my dream of publishing my book come true.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/origami.cc2026?igsh=M2NlZmllN3RhbTg2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589695850646

Image Credits
Author’s profile photos taken by Melissa Staab