Member in the Spotlight: Julian Williams

Our next Member in the Spotlight is American/German designer Julian Williams whose ‘greatest dream is to make good work with good people’. Having landed in the Netherlands in 2017, Julian is now working for Tommy Hilfiger as a Digital Designer. We get to know Julian a bit better and find out who recently inspired him, what kept him sane during lockdown and how he discovered he could lick his elbow...

As the Club for Creativity, we'd like to start by asking you to get creative and draw a self portrait.

As an Art Director and Digital Designer, was pursuing a career in the creative industry something you knew you wanted to do from a young age?

I was always drawing and making things, but I was originally meant to study political science at West Point, the United States Military Academy! That was my goal. I changed my mind in my very last semester of high school. Freaked my parents out, but it was the best decision I ever made.

What’s the one film you recommend that everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime?

Definitely Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It is visually diverse, and it gives you a new appreciation for the people and moments in your life.

What type of music would we find in your most listened to playlist on Spotify?

You are definitely going to find the Dixie Chicks. I’ve been listening to them since I was two years old. Absolute Badasses. Besides that, I love Indie Folk and Indie Rock. If you aren’t listening to Phoebe Bridgers, you’re messing up. And I have to mention Fiona Apple. Kween.

What is your most impressive party trick?

When I’m not designing, I vogue. My vogue category is New Way, which involves a lot of contortion and precision. Because of this, I’ve learned that I can lick my elbow!

Name one thing that recently sparked your imagination?

My Dad!

After 30 years in the US Army, he has retired and decided to start studying graphic design at the age of 50. It is amazing to see someone who has never touched a design program before just get into playing with forms and image making. He’s inspired me to get back to that playfulness we have when we are students. Collab on the way!

As we are now transitioning back to life post corona, what kept you sane during lockdown?

I hope this isn’t boring to say, but design kept me sane. I found myself making a lot of designs based on little ideas I’ve had saved up in the past. Also did a lot of self-reflection through this work as well.

What is your biggest learning from life in quarantine?

I learned to reach out. I had so many wonderful conversations with people I hadn’t spoken to in a while. I hope that kind of openness continues in the future.

If you could pick one recent campaign/project that makes you think, ‘I wish I’d done that’, what would it be and why?

There was an initiative started this year called “Where are the black designers?”. They have a lovely Instagram with many creative designs that were submitted. I submitted one myself. They also made a digital conference to increase discussions on visibility in the industry. I wish I had helmed this, because for years I never saw or learned about designers who looked like me. Visibility is so important.

Out of the campaigns/projects you’ve worked on so far, which makes you the most proud?

This year I interned as a designer at &Walsh, and I was brought onto the tail end of a project to create Emojis and Memes revolving around the life of a Designer, as well as life in the pandemic. I have never been so happy and laughed so much while working on something. Every day I’d just see a bunch of hilarious and intelligent designs from the team, and it felt great to be part of something good with good people.

What do you think defines the Dutch creative community? Having also worked and studied in the American creative industry, how would you compare the two?

I am a strong believer in diversity leading to better work, and that is something I think that defines the Dutch creative community. There is so much cultural interaction among creatives here. That is also something that sets this community apart from the bubble that I see in many American regions. Especially in the Southwest where I lived and worked.

Who do you admire the most in the Dutch creative industry?

Rob en Robin make amazing stuff. In 2017 when I was an intern I bought the book they were selling at their student show in DDW (having no idea who they were), and then a year later I’m seeing all this crazy work popping up from them. I think the thing I admire the most about these guys is the charm in their work.

What’s the most interesting trend in your field to watch right now?

I feel like I am seeing more and more independent type foundries pop up, as well as designers whose main focus is making typefaces. My fav has to be WiseType.

Best piece of advice?

Make personal work. Make work that doesn’t have a price tag. Make work that just exists to exist. I think that sometimes as creatives we get so wrapped up in getting money or likes that we forget we actually like what we do. Make work for you. It will heal your soul.

Through our Members in the Spotlight feature, we aim to get to know both professionally and personally the unique qualities of our ADCN Members. If you would like to join ADCN, the Club for Creativity, you can find out more here.