About the Founder – Julian Starks
Julian Starks is a visionary creative, entrepreneur, and global storyteller whose journey from a young dancer in Cincinnati to an internationally recognized filmmaker, photographer, and nonprofit founder is as inspiring as it is impactful.
Julian’s artistic path began in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was a founding member of the award-winning dance troupe FLEX. His talent and ambition brought him to New York City in 1985, where he pursued acting and trained under legendary mentors including Sanford Meisner, Bobby Lewis, and Martin Barter of the Neighborhood Playhouse Theater. He went on to appear in national television shows, commercials, independent films, and theatrical productions while supporting his career as a mobile DJ in NYC’s bustling creative scene.
Julian later studied screenwriting and directing at the School of Visual Arts before relocating to Los Angeles in 1995, where he continued his filmmaking education through UCLA Extension and ultimately enrolled in The Los Angeles Film School, focusing on directing, screenwriting, producing, and editing.
In 2004, Julian founded Hollywood Filmmakers Inc., where he produced, directed, co-edited, and scored his first feature documentary: 🎬 A Journey to Sundance — a raw and inspiring film chronicling the passion and struggles of independent filmmakers, including Julian’s own 13-year battle to complete the film. It was released worldwide in 2021.
While filming A Journey to Sundance, Julian fell in love with still photography and went on to study full-time at the Brooks Institute for Photography. It was there he discovered his passion for wildlife and conservation—a passion that grew during his time volunteering and photographing at Tippi Hedren’s Shambala Preserve, where he first connected deeply with wild animals in captivity. One lion in particular—Henson, the regal male lion of Shambala—left a lasting impression and now graces the cover of Julian’s first photography book.
📚 LIFE Behind Bars Vol. 1 is a powerful tribute to the beauty and resilience of animals in captivity and the dedicated people who care for them. The book—released worldwide in 2020—marks the beginning of Julian’s global conservation project through his nonprofit, Visions of the World Inc., which supports sanctuaries and institutions through storytelling, awareness, and art.
Julian’s next evolution of impact comes through The Kings of Beasts, an NFT campaign based on his lion and tiger images from the Life Behind Bars series. Proceeds from all NFTs, books, and art sales support the sanctuaries and institutions featured in his work.
Looking ahead, Julian’s upcoming project,
📘 “LIFE Behind Bars…Except if You’re Free” Vol. 2,
will focus on Gorillas and Big African Cats in their natural habitats across Africa. This powerful follow-up is dedicated to Dian Fossey, whose pioneering work with mountain gorillas continues to inspire conservationists worldwide.
Shades of Color™ - Elevating Athlete Branding on the Global Stage
Julian is also the founder of Shades of Color LLC—a bold, cause-driven sportswear brand featuring the iconic Running Man™ logo, symbolizing perseverance, diversity, and excellence. Shades of Color isn’t just fashion—it’s a movement.
Through Shades of Color LLC., Julian is building a bridge between sportswear, athlete empowerment, and cultural identity—ensuring athletes from all backgrounds can proudly wear and profit from their identity and story.
🌍 A Global Countdown:
Shades of Color will harness three of the world’s biggest sporting events to build momentum toward the 2028 Olympics in
Los Angeles:
✅ 2026 FIFA World Cup
A globally themed NIL-powered campaign with international designs inspired by diversity, heritage, and the global sports fanbase.
✅ 2027 Super Bowl
Shades of Color will rise in the American sportswear market as a symbol of strength and unity.
✅ 2028 Summer Olympics – Los Angeles
By the time the world converges on LA, Shades of Color will be a globally recognized brand worn by empowered athletes worldwide, with NIL revenue opportunities at the core of its impact strategy.
💡 Vocabrio™ – “Voice Your Translation”
Julian’s most personal and ambitious project to date, Vocabrio™, was born from his own experience struggling with language abroad. The app uses real-time voice-to-voice AI translation to connect people across languages—bridging cultural gaps and sparking true understanding. Vocabrio is more than a translation app—it’s a global human connection platform.
💬 Julian’s Mission
To use his creative gifts, entrepreneurial vision, and global insight to inspire positive change, protect the planet’s most vulnerable species, and unite people through art, innovation, and human connection. To blend art, technology, and purpose into projects that elevate global consciousness, empower communities, and build a more connected, compassionate world.
“Live long, prosper & peace. Spread the word.” Julian Starks - 2018
Explore his work across all genres and global causes: 🌐 www.starksworldwide.com
