This article was originally published in the third issue of VIA Noke Magazine, printed in Roanoke, Virginia in October 2012.

Julien is a junior art major at Roanoke College

VIA: How long have you been creating artwork and/or involved with the arts?

JULIEN: I’m not even sure I can recall how far back I began drawing and painting. I have been immersed in the arts from a very young age.

VIA: What is your medium of choice for creating your work?

JULIEN: I am a mixed media artist. I find it difficult to narrow down my medium of choice, however, I find myself using alcohol based markers more frequently than others.

VIA: What style or period of art inspires you as an artist? Who are some of your favorite artists?

JULIEN: Modern art and pop art are my main influences. Some of my favorite artists are Yoshitaka Amano, Audrey Kawasaki, and in photography, Richard Avedon.

VIA: What is your leading inspiration when you create your work?

JULIEN: My biggest inspiration in creating my work is music. Music influences the messages behind my work, the emotions they convey, and the overall themes. I am driven by music and use my favorite artists’ songs as my muse.

VIA: Are there other passions or interests you have that tie into your work at all?

JULIEN: One of my biggest passions has been and always will be fashion design. Having a background in costuming from a young age, I found myself very interested in design and construction of costumes and garments. My biggest influences being Alexander McQueen and Gareth Pugh, I am drawn to the odd and unique. These interests tie into my artwork in that my aesthetic strays from the ordinary and reaches for the unique and extraordinary.

VIA: What are your plans for after college?

JULIEN: After college I hope to move to New York City and continue my education by enrolling in FIT’s graduate program, in order to fuse my love for art and fashion.