We recently connected with Natalia Arias and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalia, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I have worked on is my experimental short film titled Curly Sue Found Dead (2016).

Curly Sue Found Dead (2016) reworks the male-dominated narrative of organized crime in America by creating the story of one woman: 
Susanna Crespo AKA Curly Sue. She thrives in 1980s Miami, the height of cocaine trafficking, and the Miami Drug Wars. While exploring the glamorization of “the gangster” through pop culture, the narrative branding of props and evidence brings this character to life. 
She is the confident, fiery owner of The Pink Palms, a popular Latin club in Miami Beach, Florida. Her involvement in the corrupt entertainment and nightlife scene attracts high-profile guests, and her growing success increases tensions with opposing families 
in the cocaine business. After a job gone wrong, going up against the notorious Griselda Blanco leads to her demise.

6 years later, this powerful project still exists as the culmination of all my passions, including history and fashion. It has continued to inform my present day practices of curating archival imagery and uplifting gender diverse, queer, and BIPOC stories in the media and entertainment industry.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I am a Belizean Cuban American artist and designer originally from Miami, Florida. I received my BFA in Graphic Design from Maryland Institute College of Art in 2016, where I also focused on Sound Art, Illustration, and Video/Film Arts. With a passion for creative direction, I am dedicated to branding for mission-based organizations and expanding diverse storytelling in the entertainment industry through multidisciplinary practices.

I currently reside in Baltimore, Maryland with an integral role on ITHAKA’s Brand + Creative Team. As of January 2022, I am also the proud owner of Play By Celine LLC, my freelance design and creative services business.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for Play By Celine LLC has been word of mouth. Whether it is virtual or in person, I am all about spontaneous community connections and genuine creative conversations. Let’s geek out together!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is the ability to experience a true sense of limitless expression and freedom through the creative process itself. I am so grateful to be able to experiment everyday and actively explore the theme of “play” as an artist and designer. That sense of passion and wonder will forever exist at the heart of my practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: nataliacarias.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliacelinearias/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliacarias/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/playbyceline/