Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Castro.
Julian, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
For as long as I can remember, I have been creative. I grew up thriving in creation across many different mediums, whether it be sketches, paintings, performing music or building things. I went on to study Mechanical Engineering in college and worked as an engineering project manager for 2 years. Throughout that second year, I realized that my creative side has been silenced and ignored for my entire college and working life. Fast forward to today, I have backpacked Latin America for a year, started a tech company, started freelance photography, left the tech company, now work full time on photography and content creation for clients. Life is good! 🙂
Has it been a smooth road?
Lol, no. If it were smooth, everyone would be walking it. A majority of my struggles were internal. Previously, I was making money doing something that wasn’t my true self (project management at a huge company). Now, I had to learn to accept that I could make money doing something that came easily to me, that I was good at and that I loved (photography/creative work). At first, I couldn’t believe that people would actually pay me to take pictures. I felt like a fraud, like people would find out. But I learned, and am still learning, that my talent is valuable to people and can truly help them and their missions and that is worth money in our society.
I also had to struggle with the varying levels of support from my friends and family. Is being an artist typically seen as a lucrative career? No. It’s not like being an engineer (which I was), doctor, lawyer. I’ve received support from friends and family which I am immensely grateful for. I’ve also received concern and worry from friends and family which was hard to deal with but taught me that more than ever. I have to trust myself and know that I am doing the right thing for myself, not for anyone else.
Financial struggles? For sure, but that’s part of what makes this work so rewarding. I make as much money as I work and put out. There have been times when my back was against the wall and I didn’t have enough cash to pay rent or my credit cards. Those are the times I had personal and business breakthroughs where I was able to create value and make money. It’s still not smooth sailing for me, but I’m definitely growing and getting better at the business side of creative work. Most importantly, I enjoy life and work more than ever and there’s no price for that! 🙂
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I thrive in creatively solving problems. I always have. In my current work, I use visuals (photo/video) to help my clients tell their stories and solve problems like “no one knows what we do” or “how do we show the meaning behind our product?” Beyond visuals, I help people with strategy and creatively provide ideas and solutions to their needs.
I created Joule Studios to be a creative studio that is bigger than me. Now, I can partner with other amazingly talented creatives with different strengths, skills and perspectives to better serve my clients. One of our main goals is to provide “content that inspires”. That means content that inspires the clients and their audience. I have always strive to be more than a photographer and because of this, I provide visuals that help my clients feel motivated and inspired to keep working towards their missions. My process typically requires that I immerse myself in their world in order to fully understand where they come from, how they operate and where they can go – then I help them get there. I also happen to help them get new customers along the way.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes and no. I love that there are so many interesting and motivated people in Miami doing amazing things. These are the people I want to continue working with and helping. Miami is also an amazing hub for Latin America, so if you like that market, you’re in the right place. However, for creative work, there’s no place like LA and NYC. But, I believe anywhere you are is a good as you make it.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.joulestudios.com/
- Email: julian@joulestudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joule.studios/
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