Barbara J Struttmann
Barbara J. Struttmann is a lifelong artist whose creative journey spans more than four decades, beginning in 1981. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Florida, where she also gained early teaching experience instructing arts and crafts at the Gainesville Job Corps. After graduation, she worked in the graphics department at the University of Florida Health Sciences Center at Shands Hospital before returning to her hometown of Melbourne Beach, Florida. There, she built a successful career as a technical illustrator and advertising artist, eventually becoming an art director at Red Gate Communications and earning multiple ADDY Awards for her work.
In 1990, Barbara transitioned to full-time self-employment as a fine artist, fulfilling a lifelong goal of dedicating herself fully to her craft. Today, she focuses on continuously refining her artistic skills, working across multiple mediums with a particular interest in watercolor and mixed media. She remains deeply committed to growth and learning, regularly attending classes and workshops at Artmore Place Studio and participating in local art shows through organizations like the Central Brevard Art Association. Her recent accomplishment of completing and showcasing a fully illustrated picture book—an aspiration she had held for years—stands as a meaningful milestone, with the project receiving an enthusiastic response and strong sales.
Barbara’s work is deeply personal, serving as both a creative outlet and a source of resilience as she lives with severe rheumatoid arthritis. Despite physical challenges, she continues to create with determination, adapting her process and finding freedom through her art. Inspired by nature, family, and storytelling, she values creativity as a lifelong pursuit rather than solely a commercial endeavor. Outside of her artistic work, she enjoys gardening, floral design, and spending time with her family, which she considers her greatest accomplishment. Through her dedication and perseverance, Barbara continues to inspire others to pursue their passions and embrace creativity at every stage of life.
• University of Florida
Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA, Fine/Studio Arts
• Multiple Addie Awards (Advertising Awards of Excellence)
• Central Brevard Art Association
• Artmore Place
• Flower arrangements for chapel
• Past work with nonprofits including Alzheimer's Association
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do it. Don't let people discourage you by saying it's not a good field to go into, or anything like that, just do it. I recently completed a picture book that I've always wanted to do, and I had actually gotten started on it and kept my drawings all in a box for that project. Then I read the book and participated in a class called The Artist's Way, and it really inspired me to just do it. I got it finished, completed, had a showing, had a lot of sales. In fact, they're pretty much sold out. That was very inspiring to me, and it inspired me to complete the project of my lifetime so far. I would say just do it, go for it. Don't wait for permission.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I actually take classes now to learn more about my painting skills and things like that. I'm just constantly learning new mediums and how to use them, and I find that it's both exciting and challenging. Sometimes things don't go as planned, but they turn out better that way. It's a happy accident when you're doing, like, say, a painting or something, and something goes wrong, and you're able to turn it into a positive.
Locations
Self Employed
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951