Get to know our friend Julia
Julia is an Auckland based illustrator and typographer. With her work appearing on book covers to beer cans for clients like Harper Collins, Huffer and Garage Project, Julia’s passion for typography flourished when she integrated it into her graphic design. Julia’s work uses colour in a playful way and her creations have a sense of endearing femininity.
What is your artist background?
I studied Graphic Design at AUT. I initially started freelancing at Huffer creating t'shirt graphics, I then spent time in London working as an Art Director in magazines. My illustration and typography have really branched out from my graphic design background, I moved into designing and illustrating books because I have a strong background in publishing.
What city in New Zealand do you live?
Auckland, I am originally from Whakatane.
When did you start doing your art?
Initially studied and worked in graphic design doing freelance illustration projects on the side. I've always loved drawing but didn't know I was any good at it until high school.
When did you start your entrepreneur journey?
The path to being a freelance artist has been a long one. I started in graphic design as it seemed an easier career path when I was just out of uni. I worked on freelance illustration projects alongside being a full time designer until I took the leap about seven years ago to become a full time self-employed illustrator. A lot of my work is in publishing as that's where my initial work stemmed from. I have had a daughter in that time too so it's been a bit of a juggle. Still is!
How do you describe your artwork style?
I would describe my style as feminine and fluid. I think my style is quite varied – I'm inspired by a lot of different things and I love to experiment. I love to mix type into my art and I get asked to do that a lot with book cover jobs.
Have you always done your field of art or was there other types of art that you have done? If so, what types?
I would love time to actually paint and have done the odd painting commission but mostly my work is digital as that speeds up the work process.
What is the ideal environment for you when creating your artwork?
I listen mostly to podcasts these days. I think working from home can be a little lonely at times and I like the company of conversational voices. I have a little setup in the spare room at home.
