Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Juliano.
Hi Mike, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have some very fond and vivid memories of sitting in my dad’s advertising agency at 7 years old, “playing” Photoshop. I remember excitedly bringing in a “game” I had made in Photoshop to my thoroughly encouraging first-grade teacher; it was essentially a POV view of a driver in a car, with an isolated and rotatable steering wheel and a few layers of different windshield views. Of course, I had other, more typical 7-year-old hobbies (and if anyone knows where my original Pokémon card collection is, I’d really appreciate a heads-up) but my exposure to the creative world at such a young age was absolutely fundamental in shaping my adult life.
In middle school, I was running fully-fledged forum websites, coding MySpace templates for bands, and designing graphics for friends. In high school, I got my first hands-on with videography, editing, and some light motion graphics. When I started college, I also started in a part-time capacity at my father’s production company, Vision Media Inc., being thrust headfirst into the often frantic and deadline-driven world of retail advertising. After wrapping up my associate’s degree, I shifted into a full-time position, with more real-world experience than I ever would’ve been able to gain in a more traditional experience. I’ve been here now for twelve years, where I continue to serve as an editor, animator, videographer, and production coordinator.
Truthfully, getting behind the camera at work was always something I *had* to do, not something I necessarily wanted to do, and it felt that way for years. I made the conscious decision, both for my sanity and for the quality of my work, to begin pursuing both photography and videography on my own, and it’s been an incredible journey. I’ve grown to really love the artform, improve and consistently develop my skillset, and have had such amazing opportunities to work with great people and develop great friendships. It’s an unexpected passion, and whether it’s in photo, video, graphic, or web design, I am genuinely enamored with helping people bring their vision to life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s always struggles when taking on any venture, and I’ve taken on my fair share of ventures. I’ve been told on more than one occasion that I have a tendency to put too much on my plate, and it’s probably true. As a result, while working in a full-time capacity separately, I’ve run a small podcast network, produced and hosted a variety of my own podcasts, operated a robust media review/news website, and continue to release my own music under the name Unyouth. I’m probably not great at all of it, and I’ve faced a healthy amount of failure. I’m sure I’ll try more things. I’m sure I’ll absolutely whiff at some of those things. But I have such an undying love for all things creative, and such a fear of feeling as though I missed an opportunity to explore a new avenue of creation, that I don’t mind if it doesn’t all pan out. I almost definitely have too many pokers in the fire at any given time, but I can’t imagine it any other way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Out of necessity, I’ve tried to become a sort of jack of all trades, which I’d consider the trait that sets me apart. If I’m hired for photos, you can know going in that you’re getting over 20 years of Photoshop experience when it comes to your edits. If you bring me on to handle your video project, you can have your editor, colorist, and audio engineer baked in if you so choose. If I’m the guy to design your website, I can also be the guy who designs your logo and shoots your product. It’s why I really value the personal connection to my clients above all else; if I can understand where you’re coming from and what your vision is, I can feel confident in my ability to provide you the services that you need. I’m completely overjoyed when someone trusts me with a project from concept to completion.
In conjunction, as someone who has ridden in so many creative lanes, I like to think I might have a somewhat unique understanding when it comes to what a client is looking to achieve. It’s a big reason why, unintentionally, I’ve gravitated towards musicians in this young stage of my independent pursuits. As an artist myself, I get such a pure sense of joy in helping other artists achieve their goals. Getting to work with the brilliantly talented Leah Simmons on her music video for “Little Blue” this year and getting thousands more eyes and ears turned onto such a special piece of music is a massive accomplishment for me, both personally and professionally. Taking on every aspect of that video production was a huge undertaking but all it did was make me want more. Complete reverse-burnout. I love it.
What makes you happy?
I’m such a huge nerd for all forms of media. I’m kind of just a nerd in general. My living room is basically a modern-day Blockbuster Video/record store/GameStop and I’m extremely grateful for my wife’s acceptance of deliberately organized physical media, and encouragement of my passions. It’s no doubt a big contributor to why I’ve gotten my hands into so many different things. I’ve got a deep passion for music, film, gaming, art, food, and all things beautiful. I believe my love and appreciation for the media I consume has fostered an uncompromising standard for my own works. I might never reach the aspirations set by some of my favorite directors, designers, chefs, and artists – but that doesn’t mean I won’t try.
Contact Info:
- Website: MikeJuliano.com
- Instagram: @mikejulianocreative
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0t1tIKKbNpjf3dgG1Ev7yn
Image Credits
Mike Juliano
