In a world where synthetic imagery is becoming more prevalent, illustrator and typographer Julie Solvstrom offers a refreshing alternative. Her style, while not traditional, exudes a graphic and modern feel. Despite her use of computers, Julie is moving towards more analog methods to create imagery and lettering with a warm and organic personality.
„When I draw letters, I aim for a friendly look,“ says Julie. „The chunkiness adds approachability, while high-contrast and curved terminals give my work a unique charm. I embrace imperfections and avoid over-cleaning things up.“
For instance, Julie’s capital Ms feature wide, billowing peaks atop trunk-like strokes, reminiscent of British Columbia’s Sitka spruce trees. This organic touch, balanced by her graphic design background, infuses her work with positivity and nature-inspired elements.
After completing her degree at the Royal Danish Academy of Design, Julie moved to Vancouver in 2017, drawn by the city’s creative scene. She found inspiration in artists like Gemma O’Brien and foundries like OH no Type Co, creating experimental character sets and building a diverse portfolio.
Julie emphasizes the importance of experimentation and pushing boundaries in personal work to avoid being pigeonholed into a single style. Collaborations with other creatives, like motion designers Mat Voyce and Martin Kundby, help her expand her portfolio and attract diverse commissions.