Julie Rustad is an award-winning graphic designer, illustrator and creator of Desert Dwellers Flash Cards. From drawing scenes on the back of placemats, to painting a mural in middle school, she couldn’t help herself. So it surprised no one when she ended up studying graphic design at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Julie worked as in-house graphic designer after college, and from there moved to Tucson to study business and set up her own award-winning graphic design studio.

Graphic design is computer-based, and she missed creating art with paints and canvas. When her son Syver came along and she took time off to be a mom, Julie grabbed the opportunity to get back to painting. Soon, she developed an idea for "Desert Dwellers Flash Cards", and created a full collection of acrylic paintings inspired by the Sonoran desert.

Julie served as Ad2 Tucson President for 18 months, from 2008-2010. She has received 3 ADDY Awards for her creative work. Julie has also been recognized as a Women of Influence Rising Star Finalist, was a LUMIES Emerging Artist Nominee, an Inside Tucson Business Up & Comers Semi-Finalist, and is a featured Drexel University Alumni.