Judy
Read all about @judymariegartner and how she styles our denim:
Tell us more about who you are and what you do!
HI! My name is Judy and I am a 24 year old art director living in nyc. I studied design and photography at Auburn University and began my career as a Graphic Designer just a few years ago. I have recently acquired the title “art director” and I feel like it perfectly encompasses my life's purpose. For me to live is to create –I love dreaming up the big picture down to the tiniest details. I currently work a 9-5 at a creative agency where I am able to do just that. Not only do I get to plan photoshoots, dream up campaigns, but I also get to execute on them. It really is my dream come true. In my free time I pour into content creation, spend a ton of time with my husband Nate, take on fulfilling freelance work, and of course scheme up my next home decor project. I’ve found that my career path and hobbies almost seamlessly blend – keeping me in a creative headspace almost 24/7 lol.
Judy wears The Morgan Straight Leg in Vintage Medium
We love your Day in the Life videos on tiktok - how did you get started with content creation?
Thank you! I only recently began stepping into content creation more seriously as of January. I had a couple of “NYC vibe” type of videos go viral and decided with the impending tik-tok ban I would just fully dive in and give it one last shot. I sat on ideas and concepts for creating videos for years and I think it all just came out of me at once lol. I think there is something so freeing in letting people just watch you try something so I did just that. I can honestly say it's been a liberating experience and such a fun way to document my life and time in New York. I’ve built such a sweet community of the most supportive and amazing girls, I feel lucky to have such a safe corner of the internet to create with. If you feel an urge or a pull to create something here is your sign to listen and do it.
How would you describe your personal style and what was the journey like to develop your personal style?
Like most people, personal style has felt like an ever-evolving journey and I think I am still charging down that path. I would say my personal style right now (and for the last while) would be something that feels classic and easy. I love a good white tee and reliable denim, but definitely have been trying to learn the art of accessorizing and leaning into things that make my style my own. Like I love an unexpected pop of color or pattern through shoes, outerwear, or a lil scarf. But I think the good stuff when it comes to personal style comes out when you take the label off of “oh this is my vibe” “this is my signature look” because I feel like it kills the opportunity to keep evolving and changing. I think I took myself too seriously with my personal style for the longest and have recently been letting loose and allowing myself the agency to wear a bad outfit for the sake of discovery and expression. That’s the thing about NYC, no one really cares what you do or what you wear and I think a lot of freedom and choice are the product of that.
Judy wears The Morgan Straight Leg in Vintage Medium
What was it that brought you to New York and what are your 3 favorite things about living in the city?
I’ve always felt a draw towards New York. When I was 16 my parents brought me to the city and that’s where I really uncovered the world of design and what inspired me to pursue a career in the arts. Flash forward a few years post grad and my husband was offered an interview for a position here. Crazy enough I was here on a short-term lease when he was offered that interview and actually now live across the street from where I stayed during that short term lease. Everything about our move here made me feel so considered and so sure that this is where I am meant to be. One of my favorite things about living here is the freedom to express yourself. Also the food scene is unreal –I love trying new spots and how easy it is to find a good meal. The diversity of everything here is a constant source of inspiration for me. I grew up moving around a ton so I feel like life here really scratches that itch of being constantly exposed to new people, places, foods, ways of life and ideas.
Describe your perfect day in NYC! What would you do, where would you eat, what are you wearing?
My perfect day in NYC would start out with a homemade iced matcha OR a strawberry shortcake matcha from Blank Street. I’d be wearing a perfectly matching Canadian tuxedo and comfy sneakers to do a ton of walking. I moved to NYC about six months ago so I am still exploring and figuring out my favorite neighborhoods and restaurants. In a perfect world though, I would head to Greenpointe to walk by the water and probably have a little crafting session at happy medium before heading over to Layla for happy hour. I would love to end the day with a sunset stroll through central park and maybe even hit the MET after dark to listen to some live music and look at some art.
Judy wears The Margot Oversized Jacket in Medium + The Morgan Straight Leg in Vintage Medium
Getting dressed for the unpredictable weather + lots of walking in New York sounds hard, what are some of your best tips for dressing practical while maintaining some personality in your outfits?
This has honestly been such a fun challenge I haven’t really had to tackle prior to living in new york! I was actually talking to my best friend about this and she said something along the lines of “how can I dress up my trench coat.” Which is so true here haha I feel like for while there all my outfits consisted of just my coat. But I've been having fun with layering, textures, and accessories! Some of my favorites being a long trench over a denim jacket or a colorful sweater / triangle scarf draped over my shoulders. I think the main takeaway here is that layers are everything!
How do you feel living in NYC has impacted your personal style and creativity?
I feel like New York is molding me into my most confident and expressive version of myself. I’ve never felt more creatively seen in my life (design school included.) Everyone here has such a deep appreciation for the arts, it almost feels like a tangible energy and it truly fuels me. Living here is amazing but it definitely has its challenges, which I feel like has strengthened my problem solving skills therefore sharpening me as a creative thinker. I have never pushed myself the way you kind of have to here –and I love it so much.
With spring quickly approaching, what are some trends you're excited to style in the upcoming months?
Oooo love this question. I am really into a monochromatic white/cream denim moment and of course a denim on denim look will just never be beat.
Judy wears The Margot Oversized Jacket in Medium + The Morgan Straight Leg in Vintage Medium
What advice would you give someone looking to get started in a creative career in a new city?
Just say yes. The first few months in the city you just need to say yes to every single outing, opportunity, etc. and then I think from there you can kind of refine and dig deeper roots into what's feeding you. You really just have to not be afraid to try new things + put yourself out there because the people that are also driven and doing really cool creative stuff will see you. I think grace for yourself needs to be at the center of it all too, because these things take time. You can’t force things to happen, you kind of just have to show up, do your part, and let things unfold as they do. As someone that grew up moving every couple of years, I've learned to just trust that the right people and opportunities will find their way to you, because it has always worked out up until this moment, so I choose to believe that it will continue to do so.
Are there other areas of your life that you enjoy expressing yourself artistically outside of social media?
YES! 35mm film is one of my deepest passions. I started shooting film my junior year of college and have never felt more connected to another medium of art the way I am with film. One of my favorite things to shoot would have to be female creative entrepreneurs. I have such a space in my heart for women doing amazing things in the creative space, so to come alongside them and document their abilities and who they are means everything to me. I also love the art of a handcrafted letter sent to a penpal, a good collage, and really want to dive into ceramics at some point this year. I love finding ways to express myself away from the screen of a laptop and phone. I feel like it allows me to show up as a better designer and creative.
How are you styling your JBD jeans this spring?
With a white tee & a yankees hat. (;
Judy wears The Margot Oversized Jacket in Medium + The Morgan Straight Leg in Vintage Medium
