From Google Engineer to Watercolor Artist

Wilczynska’s path began in Warsaw, eventually leading her through roles in London and Zurich before she settled into a high-level position at Google’s New York office. Despite the prestige, stock grants, and extensive corporate perks, she found herself increasingly disconnected from the constant stimulation of screens and stakeholder meetings. Even initiatives like sound healing training and diversity leadership roles failed to bridge the growing gap between her professional environment and her personal values.

Following a period of reflection in San Diego, Wilczynska and her partner, Valentina, liquidated their commitments and embarked on a year of global travel in 2022. While living in Koh Tao, Thailand, she picked up watercolors to fill her newfound unstructured time. What began as a simple hobby quickly evolved into a commercial endeavor when local residents began purchasing her sketches. Today, she operates Swil Arts, a San Diego-based studio where she produces watercolor illustrations and homeware. While her income no longer matches her previous corporate salary, she measures her current success by the emotional resonance her work provides to others rather than by traditional productivity metrics.