Julia Burns

Julia Burns has a diverse work experience in various design roles. Julia is currently working as the Color Design Director at YETI since March 2022. Prior to that, from 2019 to 2021, they embarked on a solo motorcycle adventure, riding around the world on their Suzuki DR650. During this time, they managed complex planning and logistics.

Before their motorcycle journey, Julia worked at REI as a Senior Color Designer from 2016 to 2019. In this role, they led color research and design across apparel, gear, and Co-op Cycles bike for REI Co-Op Brands. Julia also set color strategy and established long-range core palettes to support sustainability goals and business strategy.

From 2014 to 2016, Julia held the position of Senior Designer - Color Lead (Print / Color / Concept) at ANN INC., the parent company of Ann Taylor, LOFT & Lou & Grey. Julia led all aspects of brand color research and design for the women's specialty apparel retailer. During their tenure, they collaborated with design leads on product-specific color usage to support seasonal color vision and category-specific needs.

Prior to ANN INC., Julia worked at Coldwater Creek Design Studio from 2011 to 2013. Julia served as the Senior Concept Designer - Color / Print / Trend - Color Lead and the Designer - Accessories. In these roles, they created seasonal color palettes, collaborated with design leads and merchants, and managed the color handoff process to the development team.

Julia's career began in 2005, when they worked as a Designer - Collection / Color / Concept at MINT Jodi Arnold, where they created collection concepts, built seasonal color palettes, and curated/designed embellishment and print stories for the women's contemporary collection. Julia also contributed to the final coloration and edit of the collection.

Julia had previous experiences as a Design Assistant at Generra and as a Freelance Designer at J.Crew, both in 2005.

Julia Burns pursued their education in a chronological order. From 1999 to 2001, they attended Colorado College, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Fine Arts. Continuing their education, from 2002 to 2005, they attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Fashion/Apparel Design.