Art, Technology, Local News, Events

Hi, I'm Julia

Here, I will try to encapsulate what I do and what I am interested in. Right now, I am focused on finding a sustainable solution for hyperlocal news as well as cultivating a sense of community and real-life experiences.

Even though a lot of meaningful conversations arise online, a lot gets lost when you are not engaging with people face-to-face. Real life interactions have a built-in negative feedback system where naturally occurring social cues keep vitriol in check. With this in mind, I believe that technology and design can be leveraged to drive people together rather than apart, through the right information, not misinformation.

Made in NYC

I was planted in Queens, germinated in Manhattan, and sprouted in Brooklyn. My immigrant parents worked hard to let me pursue my dreams. I grew up around risk-takers, resilient enough to overcome cultural barriers and provide for me. So it’s not all that surprising that I quit my job and emptied out my bank account to buy my neighborhood’s popular website, Greenpointers. It hasn’t been an easy ride, at a time when local news is collapsing in the era of “fake news”, but it has given me valuable insight into what is plaguing the information landscape and why it is so important to keep reliable sources alive.

Some thoughts…

1. Hyperlocal media is the plankton of news

These microscopic organisms at the bottom of the food chain is essential to our ecosystem and help sustain all life on earth. Hyperlocal media is the way you can be on the ground, uncovering issues that have huge impact on the day-to-day lives of people in a specific neighborhood. The bottom of the food chain needs to be protected in order to sustain everything else on top.

2. Audience Quality vs. Quantity

The worst kind of news comes from the drive to increase traffic on a website. Quality content retains a loyal engaged audience and it is more effective to promote things as a trusted source.

3. Four Dimensional Design

Hyperlocal news sites should be reimagined to be less flat, to stop mimicking the kind of design that is optimized for print, and should be less about information consumption than it is about enhancing experiences in the location it is covering.

Art

If I am not being creative, I feel like I am disintegrating. Drawing gives me energy, more than coffee. I lose a grasp on reality when indulging in my imagination. But it’s important for me to be part of a thriving artist community so I support that, through my work on Greenpoint Open Studios.

Here I am on CBS New York talking about it.

Art Work & Illustrations

My favorite tool at the moment is Procreate on iPad. I have also worked in collaboration with local artists to make art installations and have made 3-dimensional sculptures, paper cut-outs, and paintings. One day I will update this website to display the entire spectrum (maybe) but for now, here is a little glimpse of a few illustrations I have made.

Markets

The Greenpointers Markets is my creative outlet and the beautiful Greenpoint Loft is my blank canvas. I decide on a theme, and design the entire look and feel of the event, often collaborating with other local artists. From the curation of the artisans and makers who participate, to the art installation that is on display, I am involved in every aspect. It is one of my favorite moments to see the space come alive with thousands of visitors enjoying and sharing what I have envisioned while supporting independent business. I believe that pop-up events and unique experiences is the future of retail.