MEET #4347 JULIANNA BRION
Illustrator • Baltimore, MD
WNW Member #4347 Julianna Brion studied illustration at MICA and now spends her days hard at work freelancing. Some of Julianna's clients include NPR, The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The San Francisco Chronicle. Her work has been acknowledged by American Illustration, The Society of Illustrators, 3x3, CMYK, and SCBWI. Julianna offers some sound medical advice to her fellow freelancers: "Nothing, no client, no job, is more important than a good night's sleep. Seriously." Julianna also explains her admiration for WNW Member Jen Mussari: "Jen has a drawing of mine tattooed on her body which is just one other thing in the long list of things I like about her."
1. How long have you been freelancing?
Almost three years.
2. Is there a time or place that you feel most creative/have the best ideas?
Baltimore inspires me a lot, but I try to take trips periodically to refresh myself mentally and creatively. I've made it a priority to take at least one trip a year since I started my illustration career, away from the studio and away from the internet. My best ideas almost always occur in the times I find myself away from my computer.
3. What's your ideal Working:Not Working ratio?
50/50. Having freedom to play in my personal work always helps me avoid getting burnt out on the practical stuff. When I have some down time I can flip from illustrator to painter and always have something new to work on.
4. Do your parents understand what you do?
Probably better than I do. My father is an illustrator and sculptor and my mother works in advertising. I come from a whole family of illustrators and designers. My grandmother, Anne Rockwell has written over 200 children's books! I'd love an opportunity to work with her on a book someday.
5. What scene from a movie makes you laugh just thinking about it?
The lobster scene from Annie Hall.
6. If you were stranded on a desert island, with your computer, what 3 websites would you take with you?
Honestly, all I'd need is my favorite YouTube channel dedicated to cats balancing tangerines on their heads and I'd be set for life.
7. What do you do when Not Working?
I paint, I sketchbook, I quilt. I like keeping my hands busy. I think I've been reading Infinite Jest every day the past month but I don't seem to be getting any further in it.
8. Do you have a hidden talent?
I'm really good at voices. I made extra money in middle and high school with voiceover work.
9. Any tips or advice for fellow freelancers?
Nothing, no client, no job, is more important than a good night's sleep. Seriously.
10. What's your favorite thing on the internet this week?
I've wasted a bunch of time this week with this app, Barkbuddy, which is basically Tinder for rescue dogs. I already live with three cats so I don't think they'll be happy to hear about this.
11. Who are some other WNW members whose work you admire, and why?
Jen Mussari and Michael Hoeweler, my fellow MICA alums. Both make exquisite, sophisticated work. I really admire their professionalism and kind spirits. Jen has a drawing of mine tattooed on her body which is just one other thing in the long list of things I like about her.