About - Julie West

About

Since early in my Midwestern childhood, I’ve always known I wanted to be an artist—if I couldn’t be a pilot or a scientist, of course. My first memory of art was an illustrated poster of Ken Nordine in my dad’s office. Amazing. I wish I still had it.

I pull from my interests in design, science, education, and technology. I really believe that art should be accessible to everyone. I like Post-It notes and cutting up bits of wood with lasers, and I enjoy creating work that takes on a tactile form. I am most passionate about creating usable (and widely accessible) design, whether experienced through a screen, a product, or in a physical space.

Since getting a BFA in Illustration, I’ve lived and worked in several states across the US, and spent seven years in the UK. My career has spanned several different directions—illustration, 2D motion design and animation, information graphics, character design, game design, product design, concept development, creation and evolution of company branding, advertising, strategic planning, creative and art direction, as well as graphic design for websites and apps both large and small (for both iOS and Android). I've had the privilege to work with clients such as Facebook, Disney, The California Academy of Sciences, Hewlett Packard, Nike, Make Magazine, and many others. Now I’m settled in the Pacific Northwest and work from my studio overlooking some lovely cedar trees and a tidy green garden.

I find people fascinating. My inspiration comes from watching the situations people find themselves in, and how they react. In some ways, my work is like a photograph—a snapshot of a person, or situation, in a specific place and time. They’ve got a past, a future, and have stories to tell. I'd love to help you tell your story too. Get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!