Natalia Barraza, Owner of Simply Clear Living is using her paintings to create cute and colorful cards. In this world of technology overload, there’s something to be said for someone that has taken the time to write a hand-written note. I don’t know a single person who would say that they didn’t enjoy receiving a letter in the mail. These fun cards are a nice way to start doing just that.
What made you decide to open this business?
I used to do Graphic Design, but it started losing its charm for me. It’s very draining because it’s not about what you want to do creatively, it’s all about what your customer wants and needs are. I was just at a point in my career where I wasn’t loving it anymore so I decided to just be done.
I’ve always been creative and have painted my whole life. I have a friend I went to Flagler with and she used to make cards and art prints of her work and I always thought it was a cool thing to do, but didn’t know the process. When I went out to Oregon, I met a woman who does this for a living and she inspired me to go on this journey. She showed me how she did it, so when I came back here, I decided that is what I was going to do. I just love it and can do it all day long.
Did you go to school for art?
I went to college for Fine Arts at first and switched to Graphic Design when I went to Flagler.
I have always painted but moved towards Graphic Design for work. For the longest time, I didn’t label myself as an artist.
After I graduated, I did freelance graphic design and did a lot of work for a local restaurant and bar. I’ve also done some logo and print work for others here in town and for a few friends.
Where are you from?
I am originally from Colombia and moved to Augusta, GA at 18. I went to school there for two years before transferring to Flagler in 1999. I left for about three years to live in Denver and Oregon. I wanted to try other things, see other places and I had friends out there. It didn’t last long though. I realized St. Augustine was home for me, so I came back.
When did you start the business?
Three years ago when I moved back to St. Augustine from Oregon. It took me a while to get going because at first I was painting a lot but didn’t want to show any of my work. I was afraid to post it on Instagram or Facebook. I think I was nervous about people stealing it. Now I know the benefits of showing my work on social media far outweigh the risks and I’ve gotten over it.
How is the business going?
Slow! I have an e-commerce shop on my website and also an Etsy site. The online retail site is what I’ll do until I can design and print enough for a catalog. For me, it’s a slow process because at other times I am having to concentrate on an accounting job I do on the side, but I am enjoying it. I am creative, but also have a mind for numbers. I got that from my parents, they were both Architects. I am grateful I get to work from home, plus it supplements my creative endeavors.
When you paint, what inspires you?
I’m very visual so I like to look at something when I start painting. I’m often inspired by other artist’s work and photographs. When I start painting the creative forces take over and the painting evolves from there. I like to take photographs too and those generally inspire me to paint as well. Right now I’m obsessed with birds and butterflies…I can’t get enough of them.
Do you have a best seller?
Yes, my butterfly card is the most popular.
How did you come up with Simply Clear Living as your company name?
I started Simply Clear Living as a blog. It was going to be purely about writing, minimalist living, and mindfulness. I was doing my artwork and cards separately under my Graphic Design name Nati B Designs. When I decided I was no longer going to be doing Graphic Design, I decided to merge my artwork with Simply Clear Living which is a better representation of who I am.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a bit of a loner. One on one I’m good, but I don’t love being in big groups. I am very shy, but at the same time can be an open book. It depends on the social situation. I do enjoy my time alone and definitely need it to recharge my batteries.
What are your future goals?
I want to add a St. Augustine and a Christmas line to my cards. I like buying postcards as a keepsake when I travel, so I will probably add those as a new product line as well. I would also like to expand to cell phone cases and journals in time. I absolutely love journals!
Eventually, I would like to be at the Amphitheater market, I just need to build up my inventory. I also want to sell wholesale to stores. I plan to target the stores along the coast from Savannah to New Smyrna. I am currently working on building up a catalog of my art.
What do you like to do when you have time off?
I love to go walking on Crescent Beach. I enjoy walking around downtown too and really like Carrera Wine Cellar. I also enjoy going to the First Friday Art Walk, it’s always a fun time!
Follow Nati B. at Simply Clear Living
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