Julie Koenig
Brand Designer / Illustrator
Chicago, IL
www.jkbutseriouslycreative.studio
instagram @jkbutseriouslycreative
Q What do you do?
“I’m a creative based out of Chicago specializing in brand identity, illustration, and package design.”
I work designing projects for clients who go with the flow but against the grain. Whether that be a full-company brand identity or just a one-off personalized project, my design style advocates that everything we take in can be tailored and customized to help us reflect on our favorite parts of life.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started off in the business school and was told to explore graphic design. I soon added on graphic design as a minor and never looked back! After college I moved to Chicago to branch out creatively and have since found my creative jive. After a few years at an agency and finding my creative style and likes and dislikes, I decided to go full-time freelance leaning into more B2C projects with bold, fresh styles.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I love pushing my projects out of the box while still staying within my clients brief. With my education background mix of business, human rights, and graphic design it trained me to weave the unweavable together and create a practice for finding connections between A and B. This has led to me to a style of really pushing the limits of what's possible for a project and business when it comes to design.
Q What are you working on right now?
Currently designing a brand identity & packaging for a spice brand that exudes “that cool kid at the party wearing clothes you'd never think would work but they make it work and you need to get to know” (my clients words not mine - but I love the visual). Besides that, I’ve got a couple retro inspired nature illustrations for a van company I’m drafting up and starting on some personal holiday illos!
Q What’s your style?
You can take a look at my projects and illos here. I walk the line of edgy/bold and bright/playful. I love pushing things out of bounds whether it be a brand, print deliverable, illo, or type and making people say “hmph never would have thought about it like that!” I like to translate the way I’m processing life in my illustrations and typography so my style really depends on the day and usually ends up being a mix of things!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Animation is always something I’m itching to learn so that I can incorporate it into my work. I always peruse Skillshare for classes but haven’t found the time yet to to sit down and focus on it.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Admittedly, all the admin work that comes with being your own boss. I definitely lean on the Type B spectrum and going full-time freelance is definitely kicking my a** into being more Type A!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would for sure hire on a project manager. This is one of the things I miss from being at an agency. If I could hand off all of those office-like tasks (invoicing, quoting, timelines, etc) and just say “just tell me what I need to create and by when!” I would in a heartbeat!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Back when I was in business school and in my finance and accounting classes I wish I could go back and say don’t stress it so much - you end up being in the creative world and loving what you do! I nearly put myself in the hospital from stress over a 101 Finance exam one time (Clearly, this was one of the moments that helped me see I needed to stop lying to myself and pursue the creative route I actually wanted)
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Building a robust client base! I love working in all mediums and industries from swag to print to one-off illos and with clients from restaurants to weddings. I think House Industries does such a great job of being able to work all over the place simply because they stay true to their style and weave in their own interests into their stuff.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking for B2C clients that want to present a brand experience to their customers rather than just a logo. Overall, I love working with clients that will let me push their brand identity as far as it can go! On the side of illustrations, I love clients that use illos in a whimsical way whether that be a playful character or a fun spot illustration.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
A client where I'm able to weave together brand identity, a lot of spot illustrations, and some experiential design!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
My preferred way of communication is email but a form can also be filled out .
If you are reaching out with a project inquiry, please be sure to add a bit about your project vision, timeline, and budget.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Whitney Anderson.
instagram @whitneynettles
Her mix of vintage aesthetic and modern that she pulls through in her illos, type, and branding always has me in awe! She was one of the creatives that inspired me to lean into my style more and not just what was trending and popular.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Museums, books, insta, tiktok, and a walk!
This member profile was originally published in November 2021/ Updated May 2023.