We recently hosted Graphic Designer Marissa Nieto at Postcard Cabins Big Bear to disconnect and find inspiration in nature. Read on to hear more about her stay.
My name is Marissa Nieto. I am a multidisciplinary designer and small business owner on Etsy, where I create and sell stickers & stationery merchandise.
My creative journey began when I was four years old. Growing up in a busy Mexican household, I often found myself surrounded by unexpected visits, cramped spaces, and a lively/loud environment that sometimes felt overwhelming. To escape, I immersed myself in creativity. I remember collecting coloring books, and blank sheets of paper, and filling my art box with crayons, markers, and paint. Those tools brought me immense happiness, allowing me to tune out the noise and spend countless hours in my creative world.
A pivotal moment came when I was given a Polaroid 600 One600 Instant Film Camera. Photography quickly became a new passion, sparking a lifelong love for visual storytelling. From that moment, I knew I wanted to live a creative life.
Fast forward to 2019, I graduated from California Polytechnic University with a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication Design. Since then, I’ve worked in the design industry across diverse sectors—including magazines, baby and infant toys, headwear, and footwear—and honed my skills while taking on freelance projects aligned with my interests. During the pandemic in 2021, I rediscovered illustrations and began selling stickers on Etsy (@marissanieto.co). This venture not only reignited my passion for design but also introduced me to marketing and content creation.
Amidst the pandemic, I pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone to do more camping trips, hikes, road trips, and solo adventures. When I need to unwind, being outdoors always grounds me and rejuvenates my soul. I’ve found that earth-tone colors, organic shapes, and calm environments have a profound effect on my nervous system. These experiences helped me escape the feeling of being stuck indoors and provided a sense of freedom. It also transformed me, making me more resilient and adventurous while deeply influencing my art and photography.
As a designer, I believe that a fulfilling life is built beyond the keyboard. My interest in traveling fuels my inspiration for my art and photography. It’s also incredibly rewarding to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature and creativity. It’s a constant reminder that there are countless places to explore and amazing people I have yet to meet.
This was my second stay at Postcard Cabins, and it was as peaceful and grounding as I had hoped. During my stay, I grabbed my FujifilmX100V camera and ventured outdoors, capturing moments that caught my eye: glimpses of deer at the crack of dawn, the texture of acorns, the light angled so perfectly on the cabin, the crackles and smell of burning a fire, the crunch of dry autumn leaves, and the view from the square window that became my favorite spot for reading, sketching, and napping. The serene environment deeply inspired my creative process, influencing me to create two Postcard Cabin sticker designs during the day and night. I believe that no matter how busy life gets, it’s beautiful to pause, take a moment to admire the phases of the day, and rediscover the beauty woven into the simplest moments around us.
Whenever I’m exploring, I love sharing my travel adventures, photography, and new sticker or merchandise designs on my social accounts. If you’re an artist, nature enthusiast, or fellow traveler, let’s connect!
You can keep up with Marissa on Instagram, Etsy, and everywhere else.
