Q: Originally from Boisie, Idaho, what are some of your favorite things about living and working in your hometown?

A: I was born, raised, and still reside there. It's a fun, small city surrounded by nature. Everyone here is friendly and supportive and the community itself is filled with creatives. Living in a smaller city can be fun because your impact can really be felt.

Q: Do you keep a sketchbook? What is the balance between art you create on paper [or other analog medium] versus in the computer?

A; I do keep a sketchbook but realized that during the last year I barely touched it! This past year I went nearly 100% digital except for special pieces for art shows. I know the importance of learning and creating work with analog mediums, but working on my Surface Pro 4 has meant that I can create my work literally anywhere and I don't have to lug around my supplies or be limited. I still like to bust out paint and pencils for gallery shows and get my hands dirty. 

Q: What is the most important item in your studio?

A: My computer. It's how I create all of my work. 

Q: How do you know when the art is finished?

A: I like to really stare at my work and listen to what my eyes and brain are telling me. How's the layout? How are the colors? Does anything need tweaking? I also know that it's very easy to constantly tweak and tweak and adjust and to not get into that habit. Make your decisions and live with them, move on to the next piece. 

Q: What was your favorite book as a child? What is the best book you’ve recently read?

A: When I was really young I remember reading a lot of Little Critter books and Spot the Dog. I loved the artwork! Lately, I have been on a graphic novel kick but to be honest, I am always reading them years after they've come out. I really enjoy Chew, Manifest Destiny, Lumberjanes, and a ton others.

Q: If you had to choose one medium to work in for an entire year, eliminating all others, what medium would you choose?

A: Digital. 

Q: What elements of daily life exert the most influence on your work practice?

A: I love looking at my surroundings for new and inspiring colors and shapes. I also like to pull from real life experiences and funny things I have witnessed. 

Q: What was the [Thunderbolt] painting or drawing or film or otherwise that most affected your approach to art? 

A: My love for music and going to shows turned into a love of gig posters. Seeing how other artists worked so their their designs worked with screen printing really influenced my approach to how I worked with limited color palettes and stretched what I could do with 2-4 colors.

Q: Who was the [Thunderbolt] teacher or mentor or visiting artist who most influenced you early in your training or career?

A: When I was in high school I was following local artists and came across Ben Wilson's work. I was so inspired by his illustrations and his gig posters. At the time I didn't know what I wanted to go to college for—I  was torn between art, vocal jazz, and teaching. Seeing his work really solidified for me that this was what I wanted to do. I could make really weird and cool artwork for bands. In high school I really didn't know exactly what an illustrator did, or the kind of jobs an illustrator could have. I decided to attend Boise State University to get my BFA in Illustration. A few years passed and while I was in college I finally got to meet Ben and be in group art shows with him. And now, we are friends. 

Q: What would be your last supper?

A: Pizza forever. I will never get tired of pizza. Even when I worked at a pizza place and ate pizza every day, I still loved pizza. 

Julia Green is an illustrator born, raised and currently residing in Boise, ID. Her work is a mix of humor and soft feelings inspired by wildlife in Idaho, her favorite cat buddies, biking, secret societies, and fables. Her characters border the lines of Saturday morning cartoons and whimsied reality, creating magic within the borders of her tangible imagination.

Her work includes gig posters, album artwork, T-shirts, spot illustrations, card designs, gift wrap designs, chalk signs, and so much more. Julia creates the artwork for her bearded man-friend’s company Beardface Supply Co. and is co-founder and lead designer for Hella Cool Kids, a line of enamel pins and kitschy goodies.
www.juliagreenillustration.com/
instagram.com/julia.green.illustration