Jules Espero
Q What do you do?
“I am a graphic designer and illustrator who works with musicians, podcasters, and other artists.”
I like to marry my interests with my unique skillset, I have a background in design and urban studies. I’ve lived in lots of major cities around the U.S. and am now mostly based on the West Coast of the U.S. I offer a graphic design and illustration package for 3 visuals; it’s key art every brand or artist needs!
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I was homeschooled growing up, but went to a public high school in Vegas. Eventually I graduated valedictorian and got a B.A. from Stanford in Urban Studies. I think the life events that no one gives you a certificate for shaped me more than the formal experiences. I was really unsure of what path I was going to take, but always “designed” or created art without any formal education. I was really interested in people and events, especially after diving into the art scene in the East Bay and Brooklyn. I had brief stints in the tech industry that solidified for me that I was more of a fluid content creator outside the confines of the “industry.” I studied with Shillington 2019-2020 right during the pandemic and started freelancing immediately when I got laid off from the restaurant jobs I was working in New York.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I personally try not to do anything that I’m not actually interested in, excited in, or find excites my human spirit. I am always on a journey of becoming more of myself and finding the people who want to authentically do what’s right for them and the world at large. It’s a push and pull.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am providing free design, branding, and art education on my Podcast The Pool Party. One of the ways people can commission my work as an artist is through my illustration and branding package offered on my website: juliaespero.me/services
Q What’s your style?
Check out my portfolio overview on YouTube! I try lots of illustration and design across photoshop, digital illustration and collage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DChfLHudqhI
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I love to work with some of my favorite musicians on their visuals for live events, albums, launch parties, etc. I have a DIY spirit, and I like working with upcoming artists and it would be a dream to work with some of the new and established female pop-icons like Chapelle Roan and Charli XCX.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Updating my blog! It could use some brushing up and some cool graphics and more readable text-formatting.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would love to have someone help with responding to client inquiries and probably some of the cold outreach that’s needed to make regular partnerships happen. Someone who’s also good at managing online communities and building out personal Squarespace memberships and interacting with people online!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I was always in such a rush to have my career figured out. I didn’t realize it was something that would just naturally happen as I lived life. I expected everything to be planned out and figure out able in advance, and that just kinda ruins some of the kismet universal magic that I think naturally draws artists together.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Im noticing people have different ways of managing their lives and personal business as time goes on. Maybe the expert I want to talk to is actually an astrologer or a human design person lol. I do my best to do what works for me and try not to sweat it if the templates I see in life don’t work immediately for me. Some of us are meant to be different!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I want to build a roster of musicians, podcasters, and artists who need graphics and visual work. I take on just a few clients every quarter for art and illustration. I want to get people on my waitlist for the next year so that we can build some exciting illustrations together.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal clients these days are musicians and podcasters who have their own communities online. I’m looking to expand my work in wider audiences that are vibrant, alive, moving. Ideally other artists who don’t work with visuals and need some help on that front but are ready for the commitment and trust it takes to let someone collab with them.
Q: What is your rate?
My 3 pack custom graphics start at $1000. I have a look book on my website of styles I work in. This is the only service I offer to the public at the moment. If anyone wants to collaborate on a podcast episode I’m looking to guest!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Check out my illustration package! I’ll always have my available services on my website, juliaespero.me. For podcast inquiries email esperojules@gmail.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
For Social Media Agencies I recommend The Edit and The Creative Exchange. I’ve worked with both of the years in different capacities. 1500 Fridays by Marlon is my favorite!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I’m particularly loving illustration tutorials on YouTube and one by Freya Arts.
This member profile was originally published in July 2024.