Acclaimed designer Julio Himede, known for his transformative work in the entertainment and event industries, founded creative New York firm Yellow Studio, specialising in large-scale live events, concerts and television set design. With Australian roots, Himede has redefined the aesthetics and experiential quality of major global events through his innovative vision.

Under Julio Himede’s leadership, Yellow Studio has become a leading force in live event design, producing unforgettable experiences for millions. His passion for integrating art, architecture and technology in live events is critical to creating immersive experiences that resonate with audiences. “I often begin my design process by examining blueprints and studying various shapes and forms,” Himede reveals. “From there, I turn to paintings, sculptures and installations for inspiration in colour, materiality, graphic content and movement.” 

Drawing from different media allows Himede to approach each design with a fresh perspective and create concepts that stand out. “I think many architects and artists would say the same about their creative journeys,” he admits. This fusion allows Himede to craft environments that captivate the eye while evoking emotion through powerful narratives. 

“Art provides the visual language that engages viewers, while architecture shapes the spatial experience, influencing how people interact with their surroundings,” Himede says. “Technology enhances this blend by adding dynamic elements, such as interactive displays and cutting-edge lighting, that can transform the atmosphere in real-time.”  

Together, these components create a cohesive and memorable experience, inviting audiences to actively participate rather than passively observe, which ultimately elevates the impact of an event.

Harnessing technology to enhance audience experiences

Himede showcases his innovative approach to audience engagement through projects like the Sydney World Pride 2023 and the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. At Sydney World Pride, he integrated illuminated drones to create a dazzling aerial display that captivated viewers with powerful storytelling through the multimedia of lights and movement. This use of technology transformed the sky into a narrative art installation that wowed audiences across the globe. 

“I often find myself integrating technology into my designs because it enhances the storytelling aspect and transforms the experience through movement, visuals and even lighting,” Himede explains.

While technology can be a fantastic tool for enhancing emotional engagement, it can easily overshadow the story and overall vision of the event. Finding the right balance is key to making sure technology complements the experience rather than takes away from it. 

For the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, Himede designed a dynamic stage equipped with advanced technology, including kinetic lighting and movable video panels. This setup allowed for an immersive audience experience that adapted to each artist, ensuring performances from each of the 37 contestants were a uniquely engaging experience. 

“The most significant challenge when integrating cutting-edge technology into traditional design for large-scale events is keeping that human connection alive,” Himede says. “Whether it’s a rock concert, an opera or a broadcast event, that connection isssessential and should be honoured with emotional design.”

Emphasising storytelling and innovation in contemporary design

Through a distinctive “single brushstroke” approach to storytelling, Himede aims to simplify complex narratives by centring on strong symbolic ideas. This technique refines his design aesthetic, forging a foundation for his work at Yellow Studio. He believes collaboration and brainstorming are crucial in fostering innovation that creates environments where ideas flow freely and the spirit of innovation remains central to each project. He also recognises the importance of surprising audiences and pushing the boundaries of conventional design to keep their engagement alive.

As live events continue to evolve, Himede foresees exciting trends that he feels could transform the intersection of art, architecture and technology. He portends the use of holographic materials and augmented reality as tools to craft immersive experiences that captivate audiences in unprecedented ways. 

“The future of engagement lies in blending the physical and digital realms,” Himede says. By integrating these advanced technologies into his own projects, he hopes to redefine audience interaction, making it more engaging and dynamic. Himede’s commitment to innovation and strategic foresight position him at the forefront of a rapidly changing landscape, where creativity and technology merge to create powerful new forms of expression.

Lead image by Joseph Mayers.

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