AIGA Detroit likes to highlight members from the creative community. This month we’re spotlighting designer Julie Weber.
Can you give us a brief background of yourself? Your history? Your accomplishments?
I have always had too many interests to know what to do with. In result, I have taken a winding path to get to where I am today. I attended EMU and received my Secondary Education Certification with concentrations in English and Earth science. Talk about a mouthful. I had a strong desire to teach, one that is still true to my heart, but hard to achieve in Michigan at the moment. I spent a year looking for a job and returned to school for a Second Bachelors in fine arts. Some day, I hope to marry these interests and teach design. Art just clicked for me! I found myself designing all through the night, not to meet a deadline, but because I loved it. Hard work and dedication has brought me to where I am today. I am extremely lucky to have the opportunity and experiences I have. I can’t wait to see what my future in design holds for me.

What made you interested in design?
Creativity was always welcomed in my house as I grew up. Early on I showed and interest in drawing and designing. Whether it was endlessly doodling in the class or doing art projects with my mom, art was part of my life. I always knew I wanted to create great things.
What inspires you?
The details around me, the way the leaves turn up to the sky when it is about to rain, speckles in the pavement that form arbitrary shapes, books, absolutely anything to do with books!

Do graphic designers have a special responsibility to promote a green society?
I think it is a designer’s responsibility to be aware of what is happening in the world around them, whether that is financially or environmentally, it a designer’s job to find a way to successfully communicate with the community around us.
Do you consider graphic design a growing industry?
Yes, both print and digital media. Gutenberg had it right. I believe there will always be a place for print in the world.

How has living in Michigan shaped your work/design?
I am extremely lucky to have grown up in Michigan. We have such a variety of inspiring places. Michigan has given me an appreciation of nature and taught me that in order to make something big work, you have to pay attention to the small details.
Who is your favorite Michigan based designer/artist?
Ed Fella! Well, technically not a Michigan designer anymore, but I am really drawn to his unique typographic style.

What is your favorite Michigan made product?
Cider mill doughnut, and of course the apples, absolutely anything apple.
What is your favorite aspect of AIGA?
The endless source of inspiration.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
My family.
Who is your favorite designer?
Right now, Seb Lester, yesterday, Herb Lubalin, tomorrow, who knows.
What are your favorite movies?
Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, Back to the Future, and the Harry Potter series!
Tell us your favorite songs?
Carol of the Bells…. Any and all versions of Carol of the Bells.
What are a few of your favorite books?
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut, The Harry Potter Series, Candide by Voltaire, King Lear, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeling L’Engle, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
What websites do you have bookmarked?
AIGA, Behance, Netflix, NOAA, GoogleReader, Tumblr, Pinterest, AIGA Jobs!, SmittenKitchen.com, OhSoBeautifulPaper.com.
What does your work space look like?

What is an example of one of your favorite projects from the past year?
I have had the opportunity to create all the promotional pieces for an event at EMU over the course of a yeah… from save the dates to the event program… I had my finger in every honey pot. It was a great challenge, with a great reward seeing my design evolve and change over time. I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. Visit juliemweber.com to see my work!