Julian Hope

I attribute my success to believing in myself when no one else could do it for me. I don't wait for opportunities to appear—I create them. I believe everyone already has everything they need within themselves to accomplish their dreams, but they have to be willing to do the work, be bold, and keep going even when life knocks them down. My life has taught me that our greatest setbacks can become our greatest purpose if we refuse to quit. I choose to live fully, dream boldly, and encourage others to do the same.

The best career advice I ever received came from internationally recognized artist Jeremy Mann while attending one of his retreats in Catalonia, Spain. He told me something very simple but incredibly powerful: "You have to have the skills."

Those words stayed with me. I realized that passion alone wasn't enough—I needed the technical foundation to support my creative vision. That conversation inspired me to pursue a formal education in fine arts, and in an unexpected twist of fate, I later discovered that I had enrolled at the very same university where Jeremy earned his master's degree. I didn't know it when I applied; I only learned it during the enrollment process.

His advice reinforced something I now believe wholeheartedly: talent may open a door, but skill creates opportunity. Every class I take is another step toward becoming the artist, educator, and retreat leader I aspire to be.

Believe in yourself before you expect anyone else to. Too many women spend years waiting for permission, validation, or someone to tell them they're good enough. The truth is, everything you need to accomplish your dreams already exists within you. Develop your skills, work hard, ask questions, and never stop learning—but don't let fear convince you that you're not ready. You don't need someone else to create your future. You create it yourself. Be bold enough to pursue your dreams, even when the path isn't clear, and don't let anyone—including yourself—stand in your way.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is that there are so many talented artists who never pursue their dreams because they don't believe they're good enough. Social media has made it easier than ever to compare ourselves to others instead of focusing on our own growth. At the same time, I believe we're living in one of the greatest opportunities artists have ever had. We can connect with people around the world, build communities online, teach, travel, and create experiences that go far beyond selling artwork. Through my retreats, I hope to bring artists together in inspiring places where they can develop their skills, build lasting friendships, and rediscover the joy of creating. I believe the future of art isn't just about making beautiful paintings—it's about creating meaningful human connections through art.

The values that guide both my work and my personal life are authenticity, compassion, courage, lifelong learning, and meaningful human connection. I believe every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving more than they ever imagined. My experiences have taught me that life is fragile, and because of that, I try to live with intention and gratitude. Whether I'm painting, studying, leading a retreat, or simply sharing a conversation over coffee, I want people to leave feeling encouraged, inspired, and reminded of the beauty within themselves. I strive to live by my personal motto: "I will live and not just exist." Every decision I make is rooted in that belief.