Meet Paul Bara of Suwanee, GA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Bara.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m originally from Romania, in Eastern Europe — specifically from Transylvania, the region known around the world as the “Vampire country.” Growing up there, I was always passionate about art, music, and technology, which naturally led me toward a creative career.

After earning my degree in Marketing and marrying my wonderful wife, Eliza, I moved to the United States in 2010 to start a new chapter. My passion for art, design, technology, and communications inspired me to pursue another Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Georgia Gwinnett College, where I strengthened my ability to combine creative vision with strategic communication.

Soon after, I joined the City of Suwanee, where I began as a Communications Specialist, later became a Creative Marketing Designer, and eventually advanced to Creative Marketing and Design Manager. Over more than a decade, I helped shape the city’s visual identity, developed marketing campaigns, and led design projects that won national awards — all focused on improving how the city connected with its residents.

In time, I decided to channel my experience into entrepreneurship and founded PB Infusion, a design and marketing agency that helps businesses and organizations communicate their value with clarity and creativity. Through PB Infusion, I’ve partnered with clients across industries — from local startups and nonprofits to national brands — crafting designs and strategies that drive real engagement and impact.

Today, I bring together my multicultural background, technical expertise, and creative leadership to design solutions that are both visually compelling and strategically effective.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped the way I work and lead today. Even while working full-time for the City of Suwanee, I was always proactive about using my skills to make a difference. I began offering pro bono design and marketing support to churches and nonprofit organizations — especially because many of them struggled with limited budgets for visual communication. That experience taught me how to be resourceful and creative with what’s available, and how impactful good design can be, even on a small scale.

When I transitioned into full-time freelancing and started building PB Infusion, the challenges became very real. Like many entrepreneurs, I had to learn how to balance the creative side with the business side — managing finances, finding consistent clients, setting boundaries, and communicating value in a competitive market. There were seasons of uncertainty, long nights, and moments of doubt.

But those challenges pushed me to grow. I focused on building genuine relationships, delivering consistent quality, and letting my work speak for itself. Over time, referrals grew, and I built a network of trusted collaborators and loyal clients. I also learned to see slow seasons as opportunities — time to refine my brand, improve systems, and expand my skill set in areas like UX design, strategy, and digital marketing.

Looking back, I see that the struggles weren’t roadblocks — they were training grounds. They taught me perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of keeping both excellence and empathy at the center of everything I do.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work lives at the intersection of design, marketing, and communication strategy. I specialize in branding, visual communication, and creative direction — helping organizations and businesses translate their ideas into visual experiences that connect with people on a deeper level. Whether it’s developing a brand identity, designing marketing materials, or crafting digital content, I approach every project with a balance of creativity, strategy, and empathy.

I’m probably best known for my work with the City of Suwanee, where I spent over a decade leading creative and marketing initiatives. During that time, I had the privilege of designing and directing several award-winning annual reports, which were recognized both nationally and internationally for their innovative design and open-minded approach to storytelling. These reports broke the traditional mold of government communications — blending strong visual narratives, community voices, and playful creativity to make civic engagement more accessible and inspiring.

Beyond my public sector work, I’ve continued to expand creatively through my agency, PB Infusion, where I collaborate with clients across industries — from small businesses and nonprofits to corporate and community organizations. Projects like the rebranding of The 5 Spot Café, marketing collateral for Process Control, and the Brilliant Conversations Facilitator Toolkit for Legacy72 have allowed me to merge thoughtful strategy with strong visual storytelling, helping clients build meaningful brands that stand out.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge design and strategy. I don’t just create visuals — I help clients communicate their purpose. My multicultural background, hands-on leadership experience, and technical versatility allow me to see projects from both a creative and business perspective. I’m most proud of how my work continues to impact communities and inspire connection — whether through a city’s annual report, a startup’s brand launch, or a nonprofit’s first visual identity. For me, design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating clarity, emotion, and momentum.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Atlanta is its incredible energy of creativity and entrepreneurship. The city has truly become a creative hub for the South, especially with the rapid growth of the film and entertainment industry. It’s inspiring to see how this momentum is shaping not only Atlanta but also the surrounding cities — sparking innovation, design thinking, and collaboration across different fields.

What’s exciting to me is how many of the smaller cities around Atlanta are evolving too. You can feel a shift toward modernization, diversity, and European-style urbanism — communities embracing walkability, arts, culture, and forward-thinking development. There’s this wonderful blend of Southern warmth and global perspective, and that makes Georgia — especially Metro Atlanta — such a great place for both family life and business growth.

I think Atlanta’s unique balance is what makes it special. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can find everything — from the mountains of North Georgia to the beaches along the coast. It’s the kind of place where you can take a break from the fast pace of life, recharge in nature, and come back full of new ideas and energy.

If I had to mention one thing I like least, it would probably be the traffic — and I think most Atlantans would agree! But even that has its silver lining: because Georgia offers so many natural escapes nearby, it’s easy to find spaces that help you reconnect and feel rejuvenated.

Overall, Atlanta feels like a place of momentum and opportunity — a city that invites you to build, create, and dream big while staying grounded in community and culture.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paulbara.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbinfusion
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PBInfusion
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbara/