We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia Mindar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was raised in Odesa, Ukraine, a city full of culture, contrast, and personality. I went to an art-oriented school where, along with regular classes, we had painting and sculpture several times a week. After that, I also went to music school. Art and creativity were just part of everyday life.

Our teachers often took us to museums, theaters, and operas. I grew up surrounded by beautiful architecture, history, and design. That kind of visual world definitely shaped how I see things.

Being around that much emotion and visual detail taught me to process life through creating. I didn’t need to explain what I felt. I could just paint it or turn it into something visual. That stuck with me.

My upbringing made me independent, expressive, and probably a little intense in the best way. I think that’s why everything I do now, whether it’s photography, painting, or anything creative, has to carry energy. I was raised to turn emotion into art, and that’s still what I do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My creative path has had a lot of turns. I started painting when I was a kid, but eventually stopped because I didn’t believe I was good enough. I was too much of a perfectionist and kept comparing myself to people I thought were more talented. For a while, I just kind of shut that part of myself down.

I got into photography later, mostly because it felt easier to approach than painting. But I was still drawn to anything visual and expressive, so it made sense. I took a few workshops, but mostly learned through trial and error, YouTube, and just shooting constantly. I’ve done thousands of sessions by now, and that process really helped me develop confidence in my eye and creative instincts. I used to obsess over other photographers’ work and try to match it, but over time I stopped chasing trends and just started doing what felt right. Even when my style shifts, there’s always an emotional through-line that connects it.

Eventually, I found my way back to painting. A few years ago, I started doing abstract pieces again, just for fun with friends, and something clicked. It reminded me that I don’t need permission to create. I just needed to stop overthinking and let myself enjoy it.

Taking acting classes at Baron Brown also had a big impact. It helped me get more comfortable being seen and expressing emotion, which naturally flowed into my art and photography. It taught me how to be more present with what I’m creating.

I don’t create to impress people, I create to connect. My work is emotional, cinematic, raw, and intentional. I wasn’t the most naturally talented when I started, but I’ve put in the hours. What people see now is the result of years of experimenting, growing, and showing up anyway. And honestly, I’m still figuring it out, and I kind of love that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting LA for a week, I’d keep it real balanced. Some fun stuff, some chill stuff. We’d probably start with a Sunday morning at Bel Air Church, it’s peaceful and honestly just a good way to reset.

After that, I’d take them for a drive down Mulholland with the windows down and music up. Nothing fancy, just a solid way to zone out and enjoy the view.

We’d stop by The Getty one day, not even to pretend to be super into art, it’s just a beautiful spot and nice to walk around. Then probably hit Manhattan Beach for sunset. The vibe there is always relaxed and the light is kind of unreal.

One night we’d do Mel’s Drive-In, because I love that old-school movie feel. At some point we’d spend a day in Malibu, maybe lunch at Malibu Farm if we feel like being cute, or just hang by the beach barefoot.

And I’d 100% take them to Barney’s Beanery in Hollywood. It’s one of those places I’ve always loved — it’s old school, like over a hundred years old, and it has everything I’m into. Motorcycles, rock music, games, all-American food. It’s just fun and chill, or at least it used to be, but there’s something about it that still feels real.

I’d want them to see both sides of LA, the classic spots and the weird little corners most people miss. Maybe we’d do a sound bath or grab dinner somewhere up in the hills. Just stuff that feels human, not staged. LA isn’t about chasing names, it’s about the energy. I’d want them to leave feeling like they actually lived here for a minute, not just visited.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve never really had traditional mentors or idols. Most of what I’ve built came from trial and error, trusting my gut, and figuring things out on my own. But there were so many people along the way who supported me, believed in me, or simply showed up at the right time. I wouldn’t want to mention just a few, because so many played a part, and I’d never want anyone to feel left out.

Whether it was a client who trusted my vision without needing it explained, a friend who reminded me who I was, or someone whose energy quietly inspired me from afar, every bit of that mattered. I’m grateful for all of it.

Website: https://Www.Juliamindar.Com

Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/juliamindar/

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Image Credits
Michael Heppner
Adam Nicklas
Joshua Michael Shelton
Angelina @akaniee

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