We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julien Surdeau. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julien below.

Julien, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been a creative person. Ever since I was a kid in the 90s, I’ve been fascinated by the process of creating something from nothing. Whether it was drawing comics, making short films with my friends, or just tinkering with whatever materials I had on hand, I was always happiest when I was making something. Growing up, I was heavily influenced by comic books and movies. My parents also played a big role in shaping my perspective and encouraging me to think about the people behind the work. They taught me that there are real people and lots of work behind every comics or movies.
That realization really took hold for me when I was just a kid and it kind of “woke me up” from just being a passive spectator. I started thinking about the process of creating stories and bringing characters to life and I knew that I wanted to do that too.
I started experimenting with comics, drawing, writing and even creating short films. I think it was the moment when I realized that creating was something that I was passionate about and that I could see myself doing professionally.
As I got older, my interests and passions changed and evolved, but one thing remained constant: my love for the creative process.
Looking back, I realize that my desire to create was always there. It was a driving force that pushed me to try new things, to challenge myself, and to never be satisfied with just going through the motions. And it’s a passion that I still carry with me today, as I continue to explore new creative avenues.

Julien, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a visual artist who dabbles in urban art, mainly using stencils and spray paint to bring my creations to life. I like to keep things light and humorous with my work, adding a twist to familiar symbols and imagery to make people think (and laugh). My “In Case of Bankruptcy” series are probably my most well-known pieces. Each piece is a plexiglas box containing a faux famous and expensive piece of art that I created myself. The idea is that if the collector who owns the piece ever finds themselves in a financial predicament, all they have to do is break the glass and sell the artwork. It’s a playful commentary on the art market that collectors really seem to enjoy, especially those with expensive pieces in their own collections. It’s like a little joke among their pieces and a way to have a different approach about the serious art market.Those pieces can also be a conversation starter and something that makes you think. I got into my craft through a love of art and a desire to express myself through it. Urban art was a natural fit for me, combining my passion for pop culture with my artistic skills. My approach to my craft is heavily influenced by my background in graphic design. I work on pieces on my computer like an illustrator, experimenting with different ideas and layouts before I bring them to life with stencils and spray paint.
I always start on my computer, playing with different elements, layouts and color palette. I use digital tools to create a detailed template, which then becomes my guide when working on the final piece. The digital creation allow me to try different variations and find the perfect composition before I go to the traditional part of the work.
My goal with my art is to create pieces that are not only visually striking, but also thought-provoking and meaningful. I like to experiment with different techniques and styles to keep things fresh and exciting.
As I’ve grown as an artist, I’ve been lucky enough to showcase my work in galleries around the globe. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see my work in different spaces and connect with new audiences, and it’s been so cool to get a great response from both professionals and amateurs alike.
I think it’s a great feeling to know that my work is being seen and appreciated by different kinds of people, it’s something that always give me a boost of motivation to keep creating and experimenting.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

For me, my creative journey is all about sharing ideas and connecting with others. I believe that creativity and art have the power to bring people together and inspire new ways of thinking. I love collaborating on projects with other artists and creatives, and I’m always excited to meet new people from different backgrounds and perspectives. I also feel strongly about using my art for good and making a difference in the world. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in charity auctions and other events where my work has helped raise funds and awareness for important causes. Seeing the positive impact that art can have is a really rewarding experience for me. At the end of the day, my mission as an artist is all about sharing my creativity with others and using it to make a positive impact.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to express myself and share my perspective with the world. I love the feeling of creating something new and original, and the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with completing a project or series of works. I also really value the chance to connect with others through my art and inspire them in some way. Another aspect of being an artist that I really enjoy is the opportunity to continuously learn, grow, and evolve as a creative. The art world is constantly changing and there’s always more to discover and explore, which keeps things exciting and challenging.
Finally, I appreciate the freedom to pursue my passions and creativity as a career. It’s a joy to be able to do what I love every day, and I feel grateful to be able to make a living doing something that brings me so much fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: thirstybstrd.com
• Instagram: thirstybstrd

Image Credits
Photos of me in the studio : Grace J. Elliott Photos with the poster in the streets : Zaid Alexander Badda