Meet Julie Cruz

What do you teach? What’s the top line learning goal for that class?

I teach SI 511: Applied Visual Storytelling, a course designed to help students craft compelling, visually engaging narratives. The top learning goal is to empower students with storytelling and visual design skills to communicate their ideas, whether through presentations, branding, data visualization, or other mediums.

How and when did you start teaching at UMSI?

I began teaching at UMSI in January 2024. I was drawn to this opportunity because of the program's interdisciplinary focus and its talented, creative student community.

What’s your favorite thing about working with UMSI students?

My favorite part of working with UMSI students is their curiosity and collaborative spirit. They constantly introduce me to new tools, workflows, and perspectives that enhance not only their work but also my own. I especially enjoy the thoughtful conversations we have about how storytelling intersects with their professional projects and goals.

What’s your deal?

I’m based in Ann Arbor and run a design consultancy that helps organizations bring their missions to life through creative visual storytelling. Whether it’s a website redesign, brand refresh, or marketing campaign, I strive to make ideas tangible and engaging. Outside of work, I’m passionate about graphic novels, hiking, and analyzing the storytelling techniques in my favorite films.

What is something you want folks at UMSI to know about you?

At UMSI, there’s often an expectation (especially in UX) to aim for roles at large companies like FAANG. I encourage students to think beyond this and explore other fulfilling career paths, including entrepreneurship. Building my own business has allowed me to work on projects I’m passionate about, with clients I admire, while designing a career that aligns with my values. If you’re exploring your options or considering nontraditional paths, I’d love to chat!