Julien Mercier: Graphic Designer and Art Director

Julien Mercier is a Swiss graphic designer and art director who has lived and worked in Tokyo, Japan since 2014. After studying Graphic Design Communication in Geneva, Julien Mercier moved to Japan to explore a unique aesthetic that combines the precision of Swiss typography with the visual complexity of Japanese kanjis and urban life. Under the professional handle Julmeme, he has gained international recognition for his striking visual concepts and bold design solutions that emphasize brand identity and custom lettering. One of his most significant works is the YamanoteYamanote project, a long-term collaboration with designer Julien Wulff. This initiative involves creating a pair of posters for each of the 29 stations on Tokyo’s iconic Yamanote loop line, with each piece offering a parallel vision inspired by the specific neighborhood and atmosphere of the station. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions across Tokyo and is celebrated for its multidisciplinary approach, bridging the gap between graphic design, fine art, and cultural exploration. In addition to his poster projects, Julien Mercier provides expert services in art direction, brand identity, publication design, and packaging. His portfolio includes contributions to The Tokyoiter, a project that celebrates the city through stylized illustration and editorial design. His style is characterized by a minimalist yet powerful use of type and color, often reflecting his heritage in European Swiss design while paying homage to the vibrant, high-density environment of his adopted home in Japan.