ARIA BIRD

Founder & CrÉative Director, CRÉATEUR

A lifelong student of creativity dedicated to building an ecosystem where creative people are ethically valued, fiscally supported, and professionally respected.

The Human Behind The Work

Growing up in Los Angeles, I didn’t have to go very far to seek out creativity––it was simply part of everyday life. My mom worked in Hollywood as a hair, makeup, and special effects artists, always seeming to have another costume or prop up her sleeve for me to play with. She filled my childhood with imagination, transforming ordinary days into extraordinary worlds. My dad was a professional musician, so there was always live music echoing through our home, microphones for me to sing into, and headphones too big for my little head.

More than anything, our home was always filled with creative people coming and going to work on projects. Artists. Musicians. Stylists. Storytellers. People with wildly different ways of seeing the world. What fascinated me wasn’t necessarily what they created––it was who they were. I wanted to know everything about them and hear their stories. What inspired them. What drove them. What experiences shaped the way they saw the world.

Looking back, I realize I wasn’t simply surrounded by creativity––I was surrounded by creative humans. That distinction has shaped my life ever since. I learned early that creativity isn’t confined to a single profession, medium, or title. It’s found in the countless ways people imagine, solve problems, express themselves, build community, and bring something into the world that didn’t exist before.

Different mediums. Different paths. Different expressions. The same desire to create something meaningful. That childhood curiosity eventually became the foundation of my work.

Throughout my career in branding, creative direction, and design, I found myself asking the same questions I asked as a little girl. Not, “What did you make?” But, “Who are you?” “What experiences brought you here?” “What are you trying to build?” “What kind of impact do you hope to leave behind?” Because every creative work is an extension of the person behind it.

Every photograph, brand, painting, song, business, publication, or campaign carries the influence of a lifetime of experiences, relationships, challenges, environments, and dreams.

The work matters. But the human behind the work matters even more.

That belief is what ultimately became CRÉATEUR. CRÉATEUR isn’t rooted in the idea that creativity is struggling or needs saving. Creativity has always existed. It always will. What deserves greater intention is the way we care for the people who create.

I believe creativity becomes exponentially more powerful when creative people are genuinely seen, inspired, professionally respected, meaningfully connected, and given opportunities to continue creating throughout every season of their lives.

That’s why I don’t see CRÉATEUR as a magazine, a gallery, or an advisory practice. I see it as an ecosystem.

A place designed to cultivate relationships before transactions, community before competition, and long-term creative lives over short-term moments of recognition. Maybe that’s why I can’t ignore this calling. Because that curious little girl still exists somewhere inside me. She still wants to know your story. Not just the work you’ve created, but everything that brought you to this moment. That’s the heart of what I hope CRÉATEUR becomes.

A place where creative humans are known not only for what they make, but for who they are. Because when we invest in the human behind the work, we don’t just elevate creativity. We cultivate the creative life.

– Aria

Founder’s Journey

  • 2017

    Received a BFA of Graphic and Web Design at The Art Institute of Seattle. Simultaneously minoring in Art History and heading the Graphic and Web Design Club as President. As well as becoming involved with Community Dinners as a live artist and clothing drive director. Hired during her senior year by a professor as a graphic designer for the NFFTY (National Film Festival for Talented Youth), and with an internship at TCS (Thomas Creative Solutions) Aria began her design career the day after college graduation.

  • 2018-2020

    From intern, to Jr. Graphic Designer, to Graphic Designer, to Sr. Graphic Designer, Aria moved through the career latter quickly with honorable mentions of winning awards for marketing design work including Silver for mobile motion design and Bronze for her design work’s success in generating leads and conversions both at the MMA Smarties Awards. As well as creating the branding look and feel for the IAEE Expo and the GSA Awards hosted by five-time Emmy Winner and Grammy Nominee Wayne Brady.

    Quietly in the background Aria had also started her illustration work as a local artist in Seattle. Featuring her ink illustrative women empowerment series at the Ballard Art Walk, and joining the Art Gang “Nomadia Creatives” at the George Town Trailer Park Mall, later showcasing at Ghost Gallery in Capitol Hill. With her local art success she opened her small etsy shop “Adorably Badass Co.” As well as an online blog featuring the artists she met at her art shows, such as Full Moon Market and RAW Artists.

  • 2020

    With the shelter in place order given, Aria, like many, was let go from her position at TCS. She took shelter at her family’s old small cabin in the San Juan Islands. Here the idea set in motion to turn her local artists blog into a magazine.

    In the meantime, closed businesses were ready for Aria to help take on some new indoor mural projects in collaboration with TCS and local artists like Shogo Ota shown here.

    A few months later, Aria began her work with a new marketing and branding agency, Pinpoint, as a Brand Designer.

    This was also a year of continued education including:

    Certificate of Completion in Data Analytics at The School of Visual Concepts

    Certificate of Completion in Marketing Copywriting within the LinkedIn Academy

  • 2021-2023

    The whirlwind began. Aria’s career grew but so did her blog turned magazine. She called the small magazine CRÉATEUR Zine. From blog, to printing and saddle-stitching the zine at home herself, it turned into full-blown publishing with 12 issues, 36 featured creatives, 2 gallery gala events, and more.

    Simultaneously, while working at her new branding and marketing position at Pinpoint, she rose from Brand Designer, to Senior Designer, to Art Director. Her time here included big experience opportunities such as:

    Keynote Stage Speaker at BEAUTY BOSS on “The Top 10 Branded Asset Tools Every Practice Must Have”

    Keynote Webinar Speaker at CLARITY PERFORMANCE on “Brand Management: Hiring An External vs. Internal Brand Management Team That’s Worth It.”

  • 2024-2025

    Even with the success of CRÉATEUR, Aria had to make a choice. She couldn’t sustain running a fast growing small business of her own and a promotion to Art Director at her marketing and branding agency. She made the not so easy choice to close CRÉATEUR in 2023.

    In 2024, continuing her growth as an Art Director managing a team of five graphic designers and two copywriters, she continued speaking on behalf of Pinpoint as a:

    Keynote Stage Speaker & Panelist at THE AESTHETIC SUCCESS’ 4S Summit on “How To Build A Luxury Brand Experience: Where to Begin, How to Execute & Promote.”

    And became a professionally published educational writer at:

    THE AESTHETIC SOCIETY on “When Expertise Isn’t Enough: The Branding Advantage in Modern Aesthetic Medicine.”

  • 2026

    Aria makes the terrifying and exciting decision to resign from her position as Art Director at Pinpoint Creative. Knowing in her heart she was ready for a new adventure.

    And so began the next chapter of CRÉATEUR’s revival..

HIGHLIGHTS

10+ Years Industry Experience

2x Award Recipient

6+ Years Luxury Brand experience

3x Keynote Speaker & Panelist

70+ Artists coordinated in a single exhibition

120+ works of art curated

PAST CLIENTS, COLLABORATORS, & WORK

SPEAKING & COLLABORATION

TOPICS COULD INCLUDE:

  • The Business of Being Creative: Creativity as a Career, Not Just a Calling

  • The Art of Professionalism: Creating Opportunities Instead of Waiting for Them

  • Cultivating the Creative Life: Money, Meaning, and the Sustainable Creative Career

  • The Future of Creative Careers: Branding Yourself Without Becoming Just Another Brand

AVAILABLE FOR:

  • Educational Speaking

  • Brand Equity Trainings & Workshops

  • Industry Interviews

  • Marketing, Branding, & The Business of Creativity Panels

  • Industry Partnerships & Sponsorships

Personal values

CURIOSITY, People first

Creativity, Every Medium Matters

Community, Relationships Before Transactions

Excellence, Quality over QuanTity

Legacy, Build Things That OutLive Trends

CRÉATEUR existed as an idea, a publication, a passion project, and what I wished I had as a local creative human. I started it when I had nothing in 2020, I stepped away when I had to choose between this small business and my growing design career in 2023, and I’ve now started again in 2026.

Not because I have all the answers, but because I still believe in what inspired me to begin in the first place: creative accessible opportunities, lifelong support, and genuine, financially sustainable connections…not for the box that we artists get put in but for all creative humans and their limitless creativity.

The magazines pictured here are reminders that our creativity is worth investing in. This next chapter isn’t about building bigger, it’s about intentionally moving step by step to grow together.

After a decade of growing my career as a designer and Art Director for luxury brands, I made the decision to step away and take a leap toward something I’ve felt called to for a long time: building a life centered around creativity, friendship, and meaningful progress.

It’s exciting, terrifying, inspiring, and uncertain all at the same time.

My days filled with equal parts strategy documents, business plans, ideas scribbled in my mini notebook, coffee-fueled conversations, and asking myself, “What the hell am I doing?!” The answer always seems to bring me back to the same place.

A future where creatives of all mediums are ethically valued, fiscally supported, and professionally respected. That’s the future I’m working toward with CRÉATEUR.

– ARIA

KIND WORDS

I had the opportunity to work with Aria for nearly six years during her time as a Designer and Art Director at our agency, and her creative impact on our organization has been significant.

Aria is an exceptionally talented designer with a refined, elevated aesthetic and a remarkable ability to execute quickly without sacrificing quality. She has a strong grasp of conceptual thinking and consistently brought a thoughtful, strategic lens to her work—especially within the context of brand development. Her logo design work, in particular, stands out for its clarity, originality, and cohesion.

Beyond individual projects, she played a key role in shaping how we present ourselves as an agency. She developed multiple sales decks that have become essential tools in showcasing our capabilities and winning new business. Additionally, she created internal systems and frameworks that continue to support our team and will have lasting value well into the future.

Simply put, her contributions helped raise the standard of creative output across our organization. As the owner of the agency, I can confidently say that our work—and where we are today—has been meaningfully impacted by Aria's talent.

— TAMARA (TAMI) VILETA
Founder | Creative Director
Pinpoint Creative

Aria is someone who truly feels like they were born to design.

I had the privilege of working under and learning from Aria Bird for many years. Aria is someone who truly feels they were born to design. As as Art Director she brings confidence, talent, speed, and proper passion to every project, and client. Ambiguity does not throw her off as she consistently works through complex ideas and turns them into thoughtful, intentional, and personal work.

She is a highly professional director but an even stronger designer, with an eye, taste, and attention to detail that elevates everything she touches, and having Aria on the team held every designer to a higher standard!

Reporting directly to her had a lasting impact on how I approach design and creative work, and I’m very grateful for that experience, I would recommend her to any team and can’t wait to see what she does next.

— ABIGAIL MELTON
Senior Graphic Designer
Pinpoint Creative

I had the pleasure of meeting Aria Bird in design school in 2014. We both studied graphic and web design.

Aria was a standout student, the type of student that instructors would tell an entire class to, “Do it like Aria does it” during project case study critiques.

One could tell that she had a very strong design process and stuck to her guns. She seemed to have a knack for graphic design as well the way she approached it.

During School she developed not only as a visual designer but as an artist with a distinct style. Her drive lead her to attend art shows to showcase and sell her art. I attended some of these events and it was awesome to see her putting herself out there with little fear, if any. Also she was open to creating connections with other artist. Unfair vendor fees deterred her from this area but did not discourage her desire to be a great artist/designer.

After graduating, Aria created CRÉATEUR Zine (2020–2023) which was a small magazine to help bring local artist to light. I was lucky enough to help the cause by working with Aria to provide silkscreen printing as well as helping during the annual galas. Whether screen printing tote bags or gift boxes I could appreciate how sound the brand was and how extensive the amount of work she was capable of handling. She ran Createur while she held down a full time design job! Aria was always extremely well thought out on her design choices and seemed to work tirelessly.

In the twelve years I have know Aria, she has always stayed involved in the design world. Aria has even talked at conferences about branding and anyone could tell that she has a firm grasp on the realm. Like wow! This one has got the drive, knows were she is going and knows how to get there. Anyone would be fortunate to have Aria on their side when it comes to branding and visual design.

— MICHAEL EAGAN
CRÉATEUR Zine & Gallery Partner

Aria Bird is one of the most insightful creative minds I have worked with.

The detail, focus, and dedication to her work are laser-sharp. She continues to grow and expand her horizons with every project she decides to take on. There is never a dull moment with her. From running successful art shows to redesigning a logo in Adobe Illustrator to setting up your business with a brand strategy, she has the ability to develop your original ideas to the next level. Aria Bird's unparalleled insights and creative brilliance make her an invaluable collaborator. I wholeheartedly endorse her as a beacon of innovation and a true asset to any team.

— GREGORY SYBOUTS
CRÉATEUR Zine Featured Creative & Partner

I had the pleasure of working as a contributing writer and editor under Aria Bird at CREATEUR Magazine. Aria's creative vision not only made the publication a supportive platform for promoting local artists in Seattle but also created a positive work experience.

Aria fostered a collaborative environment and provided constructive feedback that helped me grow professionally. She always led her projects with dedication and attention to detail, ensuring that each release was consistent in quality content.

Working with Aria was a rewarding experience that improved my skills, and her confidence, talent, and drive are inspiring. I highly recommend her for any future endeavors.

–– DAVID BENEDICT
CRÉATEUR Zine Managing Editor & Lead Editorial Writer

I only worked for Aria for a few months, but within those months I could see her ambition, determination, amazing work ethic, and her passion for the arts. CREATEUR was my first job as an Executive Assistant and doing event coordination. Being green, I had a lot of questions, but Aria didn't hesitate to answer them and walk me through every step. I feel more confident in my administrative abilities now because of Aria, she made me a better employee. I know whoever she works with next will be in awe of her talent and supportive nature.

–– JESSICA CRUZ
CRÉATEUR Zine & Gallery Executive Assistant

Aria is not only a phenomenal designer and artist herself, she is a true visionary and entrepreneur with her business, CRÉATEUR. CRÉATEUR is bringing light to the underground Seattle art community in a positive way. While publishing a full-color zine available for subscription which highlights local artists on a quarterly basis, Aria also manages a blog talking about artist tips and tricks, tools of the trade, resources, and local happenings. She has created a strong brand presence and visual identity across a variety of social platforms with a steadily growing following and fan base - She continues to create a solid foundation for her business and is hiring a core team to help with the vision. It has been a pleasure working alongside her with my business, Bear Bones Agency, to develop a social media strategy and plan of execution for organic growth and content planning. I am excited to watch Aria's idea blossom into a booming small business as her vision comes to life. There is no doubt that CRÉATEUR will soon be a staple in the Seattle art community. The zine is definitely worth getting a subscription to!

–– SCOTTY CUMMINGS
CRÉATEUR Zine Partner