Q & A | NATIVE BEAR’s Leela Robinson

Leela Robinson is the mastermind behind Atlanta-based NATIVE BEAR—a design company specializing in custom stationery, graphics and hand-carved rubber-stampery. NATIVE BEAR has a natural, simple aesthetic. It makes you think Leela must find happiness everywhere—especially in nature. (You’d be right.) She loves the idea that her unique stamps are creations that can be used over and over again, and each of them is a little hand-made gem. Plus, she’s self-taught. Pretty nifty, huh?

Leela grew up in a creative family, with an ingrained appreciation for unearthing the possibilities in a blank sheet of paper. Now she’s spreading the love through her online business, where you can find cheerful, hand-stamped notes for thank-yous and hellos amidst all her creations. And for you wedding-schemers out there, NATIVE BEAR offers stamps, stationery and bags to give the big day a homemade touch. We won’t go into the awesome farm-animal stamps—you’ll just have to check them out yourself.

CommonCreativ chatted with Leela to find out more about her crafty aspirations, what inspires her and how she turned a snazzy hobby into a fulfilling business. (Bonus: We also got her to share one of her favorite summer recipes.)

CommonCreativ: How long have you been carving rubber stamps? 

Leela Robinson: I carved my first stamp a little over a year ago for my wedding.  I wanted an image of my dog to use for some wedding favors, and decided to take a stab at carving a stamp of her.  It was so much fun and came out so cute that I decided to keep making more.

CC: Your style is simple, elegant and natural. What drew you toward these characteristics?

LR: Thank you! That’s such a wonderful compliment. I suppose I strive to create images that resonate those characteristics. I try and keep it simple, sometimes even understated if I can. I think that’s what drew me to stamping stationery initially because you can’t get too complicated and do lots of layering.  It’s got to be one or two strong images and that’s all it needs to be.

CC: What inspires you?

LR: I’m inspired by natural elements and texture, simple black and white, and living locally. I’m greatly inspired by local farmers and artist markets and the community that it creates. I’m into positive vibes, you know?

CC: Could you describe your creative process? 

LR: The way I come up with design ideas always varies.  Sometimes an image pops into my head and I figure out how to use it later, and other times it’s more practical.  I’m very much inspired by my environment, and supporting local resources is very important to me.  I suppose that’s where the name ‘NATIVE BEAR’ gets most of its meaning. I like feeling that I’m at home no matter where I am, and I want to create products that represent this feeling; I try to create designs with an aesthetic that’s natural, thoughtful, and evolving.

CC: You turned a fun hobby into a fun career. Can you tell us a little more about how you made that happen?  

LR: I always knew I wanted to run my own creative business, but it took me a long time to get focused on what it was going to be.  Last year I decided that I wanted to run my own Etsy store, and there was no turning back.  For the whole year I focused most of my spare time developing ideas for NATIVE BEAR, and consumed every ‘Etsy Success’ article and seminar that I could.  I suppose I’m still doing that!

CC: Any advice for other artists looking to do the same?

LR: DO IT.  If you know you want to pursue a creative career path and work for yourself, there’s no better time to start than now. Even if you have a full-time job, you’d be surprised how much you can get done in your off time if you want something bad enough.  Do your market research, figure out your niche and what makes you different than the rest, and go for it.  Also, take excellent photos of your work.  It’s all about the photos.

CC: What is most fulfilling about NATIVE BEAR?

LR: Since I’ve started working from home, my quality of life has gone up… way up!  I love spending more time with my husband, hanging out with my dogs, going out of town on a whim—there’s just no comparison to working a full-time gig for someone else.  Knowing that I’m held completely responsible for everything that I do is both nerve wracking and wildly fulfilling all the same time.  I’ve since learned that anytime I feel scared or nervous about something, it’s just a sign that I’m growing, and I just have to power through the nervousness.

CC: You’ve expressed a love of live music—any favorite local artists?

LR: Babes of Atlantis, Black Lodge, Tikka, Gentleman Jesse and His Men, Turf War and Cousin Dan to name a few.

CC: Are you following any ATL creative projects? 

LR: I really love all of the Living Walls murals that have been popping up lately.

CC: What’s the best thing you’ve ever made? This includes food and kindergarten art projects.

LR: Maybe it’s because I’m hungry right now, but all I can think of are these peach, portobello burgers that I made on the grill last summer!  You put portobello caps and peaches on the grill and baste them with olive oil, salt n’ pepper, and fresh thyme.  Then, you put them on toasted French bread spread with homemade guacamole.  Try it!  It’s one of the best things you’ll ever do for yourself.

Check out her Etsy store for your next event!