Apple Evangelist, diverse music connoisseur, creative talent developer, co-founder of Adversi+y, and my newest angel investor (just playing on the angel part).
Name: Julius L. Dunn, II (successor of Julius Dunn, the great)
Passion(s): Living life, loving music and changing the status quo
Age: 316 months old
Top 3 trend setters across all industries: My top three trendsetters are interchangeable because they’re all influenced by trendsetters that have come before them, so I’ll focus on who’s hand the torch is currently in. Since I love music my three top choices are music related, and in heavy rotation on my music playlist.
I really like what Kid CuDi is doing with the opportunity he has made for himself at Kanye’s record label, GOOD Music. His music is honest, I appreciate how he puts his life in his music and doesn’t hold back or shy away from exposing certain insecurities and thoughts we’ve all had at some point.
Adversity was founded in Atlanta, so I would be wrong not to talk about Atlanta based group Hollyweerd. I like their musical direction and respect their fearless approach to making eclectic hip hop that evokes creative thought.
I like Chicago based group The Cool Kids, and how they have managed to create a major buzz with very little exposure. I also like their swagger and confidence about what they do, because they are in no rush to sell out just to be seen.
I know you said three but I have four. Hey you never get any where just following the rules, so my last choice is a group entry of producers. As a whole the following artist have changed my view on music completely by making the sound track for those that think different. I have been a long time fan of producers Madlib, Danger Mouse, 9th Wonder and the late James Yancey (J-Dilla) because the music they produce has a timeless quality that’s not bound by trends.
If you’re really into music beyond just hip-hop I can go there too, and my top pick to watch for in that arena would be Columbia grad group Vampire Weekend.
Fashion trend to look for in late 2008 – 2009: Ahmm…. That’s hard because I don’t like fashion trends. I don’t think people should dress based on trends others set, they should set there own. I believe fashion is a personal thing, a reflection of how you feel day to day. So, I can’t say what others should look for because I’m not them. Best fashion advice, trust yourself.
Technology trend to look for in late 2008 – 2009: My only response to this is keep your eye on Apple. I am the biggest Apple fan ever, having had three iPhones since 2007, an iPod touch and shuffle, an iMac complete with iLife and a MacBook Pro. Just call me i-Ju because I have gladly given Apple tons of money for the latest technology, but if you work in advertising you can’t seem to avoid them. Yet and still, it’s one of my guilty pleasures.
What will become of the traditional advertising agency model?: It will never be the same… It’s already not the same just comparing it to where it was five years ago. Gamers have changed the game. YouTube has changed the game. Facebook and MySpace have CHANGED, THE, GAME! It’s a new day for advertisers and their clients because the consumer attention span just got “that” much shorter, and with technology being so accessible they have no problem letting you know how much you and your products suck.
Then you factor in Patricia Gatling and all that she has done in office as the NYC Commissioner for Human Rights, and the attention she has brought to the lack of diversity in the advertising industry. It’s clear to see things have changed, are changing and will change even more, and we hope to be one of few catalyst for tomorrow’s change.
2 books and 2 magazines every tastemaker should read: I’d rather not say, because my books and magazines are inappropriate. (((Laughing)))
What projects are up next for you?: The One Club–Adversity program is my current project for Adversity. This joint initiative will produce a program that provides resources for all students interested in pursuing advertising as a career. The most important thing to highlight in that last sentence is the word “ALL”, meaning although we are targeting creatives of color now it’s a diversity initiative that is rooted in educating everyone seeking guidance related to creative advertising. I am targeting the multi-cultural community right now, because there are certain races underrepresented in this very influential industry and their voices are needed when speaking to such a diverse country. Truthfully diversity initiatives are the future of this country’s vitality, because the idea of democracy opposes uniformity and in such trying times we have to embrace the idea of working together.
What should we have asked you?: You should have asked me for some money, but its too late. Sorry you missed your chance homey.
Want to know more about Julius?
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/9/758/4a0
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