10 Questions with Julio Merino

Julio Merino is a visual creative specialised in photography and graphic design, based between Seville and Cadiz. With a technical background in Image Capture and Lighting, combined with advanced training in Graphic Design, his work stands at the intersection of visual storytelling, branding, and art direction.

His photographic approach is defined by a strong sense of composition, intentional use of light and colour, and a focus on coherence between image and concept. Rather than working from a purely artistic perspective, Julio develops visuals with clear commercial direction, aimed at enhancing brand identity and narrative through powerful imagery.

He is especially interested in collaborating with fashion labels, publications, and creative teams that seek to strengthen their visual presence through contemporary and carefully curated campaigns. His practice merges photography and design as complementary tools, allowing him to deliver cohesive visual content across digital and print formats.

Julio’s objective is to build long-term creative partnerships with brands, offering not only aesthetic value but also strategic visual thinking.

infojuliomerin0.wixsite.com | @juliomerin0

INTERVIEW

Let's start from the basics. How did you first become interested in art? And when did you realise you wanted to be an artist?

I have always been attracted to how images can make you feel things without using words. I started playing around with photography to capture what was around me. Then, I realised I could actually do this as a job if I got the proper education. That's why I studied Lighting and Image Capture. By the time I finished school, I felt like I needed a bigger space to be creative, even though I had already worked with studio models, which I loved. I looked around and found that graphic design went perfectly with my photography. Since then, both have been essential to my work.

You work with both photography and graphic design. Why did you choose these media specifically? What do they help you communicate?

Photography allows me to freeze meaningful moments, and graphic design lets me put them into a bigger aesthetic composition. Together, they help me tell stories that can be delicate or strong, intentionally sharing feelings, ideas, and values. Mixing the two gives me my own way of speaking, where each image has its own voice but also fits into a more elaborate visual narrative.

Sinestesia, Photography and Graphic Design, 26x17 cm, 2025 © Julio Merino

How do photography and graphic design complement each other in your projects?

I see photography as the main visual, and design as the frame that provides the meaning. I treat both as a conversation where the light and framing in photography are balanced with typography, colours, and graphic layout. This lets me make pieces that can stand alone or be part of a bigger visual idea.

What do you enjoy most about working at the intersection of visual storytelling, branding, and art direction?

I appreciate the chance to take a photo that looks nice and make it even better through post-production that strengthens its impact. I love putting that image into a context, whether it's through a nice layout or turning it into a great poster. Thishelps me strengthen the original look and also give the piece a bigger story.

Your work shows a strong focus on light and composition. How do you approach these elements in your photography?

I'm more interested in how light and composition work with the idea I'm trying to get across, rather than perfect light or strict composition. Light helps me suggest moods, and composition creates an order that guides how people look at the image. It's not just about skill but about giving each image a structure that makes its message stronger.

How does your technical background influence your creative process?

My experience in lighting, image capture, and processing, along with graphic design, gives me a complete view of the creative work. It helps me think up an image and also know how it will look across different formats. I can combine the technical and artistic parts well, making sure the creative idea stays the same from the start to the finish.

You aim to create coherence between image and concept, as you mention in your statement. What's your process for achieving that balance?

I start by figuring out the main idea of the project, deciding what it should say. After that, every choice, from colours to the layout of things, connects to that central idea. I work to make the form and content make each other better, avoiding situations where the look overshadows the message, or the other way around.

You also mention your interest in working with fashion labels and publications. What excites you most about these fields?

I'm genuinely captivated by how fashion and magazines can create visual worlds that go beyond just the picture. These places are refined, creative areas where style, cultural storytelling, and dreams come together. I think it's fascinating to be in these circles where images become a symbol of identity and style, and each project is a chance to try out new visual ideas.

Sinestesia, Photography and Graphic Design, 21x29 cm, 2025 © Julio Merino

What kinds of collaborations or projects are you hoping to take on in the near future?

I want to work with brands that see art direction as a tool, not just some aesthetic thing. I'm interested in projects that combine fashion photography and full visual campaigns, as well as working with magazines that use bolder visual stories.

And lastly, what are you working on now? Do you have any new projects, series, or concepts you are currently developing?

I'm working on a magazine with thirty posters I made for well-known fashion brands, like an editorial portfolio similar to the project I shared with you, which is part of a fanzine available in full on my social media.
On the photography side, I'm planning my first shoot designed specifically for the editorial circuit. I want to work with models in a directed studio session, hoping one of the magazines will like it. I would like to work with fashion collection designers or fashion stylists to give the idea more depth. I'm trying to combine my technical skills with art direction to create something that looks appealing and is good for magazines.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

Apply for an interview >>

Related Interviews