CREATIVES TO WATCH IN 2022: Julia Valle
By Tim Miner
CREATIVES TO WATCH IN 2022: Julia Valle
INSTAGRAM: @SaltAndLightCreativeCompany
WEBSITE: SaltAndLight.com
If you’re a fan of Charlotte Is Creative, you probably already know we’re fans of Charlotte artist, Julia Valle a.k.a. Salt and Light Company.
But, we want YOU to love her, too, especially as she is starting the new year as a full-time artist. She did amazing things part-time. Imagine what she’ll do when she’s making art all day long.
A BIG YEAR AFTER A BIG LEAP
Like so many creatives, illustrator and designer Julia spent 2021 managing her professional career (architectural designer) and her creative business. As you build your creative business, that can be a tough (but necessary) balancing act. While giving it her all at her day job, Julia was taking on commissions, building an online store and working pop-up art markets to grow.
Eventually, there comes a time when creatives have to decide if they’re ready to bet on themselves and on the direction their artist hearts want to take them. It can be exhilarating, but terrifying at the same time. Many aren’t able to make the leap. In December 2021, Julia did. She leapt … into 2022 and into transitioning Salt and Light Creative from her side hustle to her “hustle hustle.”
STRENGTH OF TALENT. LIGHTNESS OF BEING.
In her work, Julia uses gossamer lines, delicate and intricate patternd and designs. That kind of precision takes confidence and strength. But you have to be looking for it. Julia can make it look easy, whether he’s talking to you in her booth or hand-painting a window at Maria’s Grill on West Sugar Creek Road (a project she took on for us and Wells Fargo’s #HopeUSA program in late 2021). She has a lightness and charm about her that’s instantly recognizable in her presence and in her work.
But, don’t let that fool you. Julia’s a businesswoman. And, we believe she’ll prove that in the year ahead. We’ll be watching. And we bet that, after reading this and seeing her work, you will be, too.
WHAT’S NEXT?
▶️ Follow Julia.
▶️ Get to know her work.
▶️ Collaborate with her.
▶️ Hire her.
