Meet Julian Sample

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Sample.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a Brand Strategist, Creative Director, and Designer. Away from my “official title”, I am a genuine creative. My creative reach spans platforms including music, fashion, photography, videography, and any other creative form of expression I may be feeling at any time. I’m a true believer that we come from the Ultimate Creator so creative beings are just who we are and I choose to fully embrace that and welcome our natural inheritance in my life in every aspect.

My creative journey has been one that has evolved over the last ten years. Having received my Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN the fruits of now were planted then. As a naturally curious person, my mind is always exploring and taking notice to new things. While in the midst of growing as graphic designer I slowly started to fall in love with photography which opened the door for videography. As someone who’s always been into fashion and has had a desire to have my own clothing line since I was a kid I was able to use my graphic design skills to create my clothing brand, Index Hue. Being that I was already skilled in photography I was, and still am, able to shoot my own apparel campaigns. And thinking of how to present my work to the public I knew I wanted to create an experience and not just a showcase which led me into creating my social experience group, District Nine. Being curious and always striving to push myself to my creative and entrepreneurial limits has opened doors that I could have never imagined. And what’s more amazing is that by me staying true to who I am and why I do what I do everything just flows and ties into one another so it doesn’t feel as though I’m pulling myself in a million different directions.

Even looking back on how I arrived at being a Brand Strategist, as a graphic designer I started to realize that creating a logo for a business was just step one in an overall growth and evolution of a brand. I started to get requests for websites, brand identity systems, and help with coming up with business solutions. Not realizing what was happening, I thought if someone asked for something instead of saying I couldn’t do it I would just Google how to do it, watch a few YouTube videos, and get to work. All along God was preparing for a transition in life. Now I’m at a place where I can start to transition into the role of an educator, particularly for business on how to develop and create long term. sustainable brands.

In college, I noticed everyone one in the art department had an artist name. I also remember Pharrell Williams going by the name, Skateboard P. Later to find out that he never even really rode skateboards. He just loved the culture so much that he decided to dub himself, Skateboard P. So I decided to name myself, K.I.D. Color. The K.I.D. in K.I.D. Color being an acronym standing for, Keep Inspiring Dreams. I’ve even named my LLC, The K.I.D. Color Project with the idea representing everything that I dive into from music to fashion, to design, etc. being one big art project to me. I have fun with everything. I don’t take life so serious to the point to where I can’t always be a kid at heart.

I have some amazing things on the horizon not only in business but with my personal projects that I am really excited to share with the world. The journey is only beginning. I haven’t even tapped into everything that I am capable of yet so everyday I am going to strive for growth, continue to reach back and explore my childlike imagination, and add my two cents to the world to help elevate the cultural and creative taste palette.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The journey has been one filled with ups and even more downs. But with everything, I wouldn’t change anything. One thing I’ve learned is that everyone’s journey is unique to them. Though we may see people doing what we are striving to do but in a better position, that doesn’t mean that our time has arrived. As young people, especially in today’s social media driven climate, we tend to get really impatient. But I’ve learned that the power is in the journey. I had to realized if I would have got all of the desires of my heart too early I would have most likely either ruined it or not appreciated it. Having to go through putting out bad work, doing bad business, ruining client relationships; I am a better creative, businessman, and person today than I was when I first began the journey. I make smarter, more calculated moves. I understand how to cultivate, nature, and build better relationships. I understand the power and value of money. I have a better understanding of who I am and what I want out of life. I understand that I have the abilities now to compete on any level with anyone. We have to embrace our journey and take it one day at a time and if the hard work is put in and we are constantly growing we will reach every goal that we set for ourselves.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As a Brand Strategist, Creative Director, and Designer I have a focus of helping businesses and organizations of all sizes to clarify their purpose find their voice, understand their customers, define their goals, and create next-level customer experiences. In essence, I help business do better business that’s culturally relevant.

The greatest thing about being in this space is that I’m able to serve others and help their dreams become a reality. It’s so amazing to watch a discussion in a client meeting turn into a full-blown, fully operating, customer satisfying business or project. Just to see my client’s excitement is humbling. The fact that I get to help someone provide for their family, become a bold risk-taker, do something that didn’t seem possible is greater than any dollar amount. It’s a truly special feeling.

Some of the great benefits I have that not a lot of other people in this arena have is that one, I have started multiple businesses so I understand the business landscape. Two, I am skilled in many areas such as photography and graphic design, so I have a great understanding of what is and isn’t good work. And third, I have a genuine love for the brand development process. If needed, I can handle ever aspect of the development and launch process on my own. I also know how to spot talent when I need to hire. I am an unstoppable machine!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Now I’m in a space where it’s all about educating. Yes, the creative hands on part is fun, but I also understand that what I have in my mind is far more valuable. I have experiences that need to be shared. Moving forward, I want TED Talks and to host workshops and lectures for fortune 500 companies on how to connect better culturally with people and to create better brands. I want to open doors for underrepresented people who look like me and come from where I come from who don’t even know that what I do is a possibility. I luckily stumbled into my profession and extracurriculars because of the things I was exposed to when I was younger which allowed me to be curious enough to find what I found. But what about the kid who sees no hope? Or who doesn’t have the resources and opportunities I had? That’s the focus now! Things are bigger than me. It’s about setting the foundation for the next generation and creating equal opportunities and representation for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.HelloJulian.co
• Email: hellojulian@hellojulian.co
• Instagram: @hellojulianxx
• Twitter: @hellojulianxx

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