Projects & Professional Work
A comprehensive overview of Julian Picaza's cross-domain professional work spanning over 25 years of creative and technical innovation.
This page showcases Julian Picaza's extensive professional experience across multiple domains, from early film and VFX work to current AI-augmented consulting projects. His career demonstrates a consistent focus on systems integration, creative technology, and bridging traditional craftsmanship with emerging digital tools.
The work spans film production, digital fabrication, product management, and creative technology consulting, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to complex problem-solving.
Current Consulting Projects
Active consulting and platform development work
Syntactic Studio (2024-Present)
Creative technology consulting for complex problems. Focus on systems integration and workflow design for creative teams and cultural organizations. Specializes in bridging the gap between technical capabilities and creative vision through iterative prototyping and stakeholder alignment.
FlowConnector.dev (2024-Present)
AI-augmented integration and automation platform. Specializing in low-code/no-code solutions for distributed teams. The platform emphasizes modular, efficient systems that maintain a human-centered approach to workflow automation.
Product Management & Technology Leadership
Strategic product leadership in blockchain and manufacturing technology
SmartMFG - Chief Product Officer (2023)
Led NFT marketplace launch and token ecosystem development. Managed cross-functional teams and strategic product roadmap for blockchain-enabled manufacturing platform. Focused on creating sustainable tokenomics that aligned with real-world manufacturing value creation.
SmartMFG - Senior Product Manager (2020-2022)
Spearheaded token ecosystem management and tokenomics design. Developed key performance indicators and managed product development lifecycle for blockchain supply chain solutions. Emphasized transparent, stakeholder-aligned approaches to digital asset integration.
SyncFab - Account Manager / Product Manager (2020-2021)
Implemented blockchain solutions for supply chain management. Managed client relationships and product strategy for manufacturing automation platform. Focused on practical applications of distributed ledger technology for manufacturing transparency.
Digital Fabrication & Manufacturing
Hands-on fabrication and shop management experience
Stone Design - Digital Fabricator (2019)
CNC and laser cutting operations for props, sets, and custom fabrication projects. Specialized in translating digital designs to physical products with emphasis on material efficiency and production scalability.
The Ojai Workshop - Shop Manager (2018-2019)
Managed fabrication shop operations focusing on furniture design and high-end woodworking. Oversaw CNC operations and client project delivery, integrating traditional woodworking techniques with digital fabrication methods.
Creative Creative - Shop Manager (2016-2017)
Led digital fabrication team for props, sets, and custom fabrication. Managed workflow from concept through production for entertainment industry clients, emphasizing rapid prototyping and iterative design processes.
Community & Organization Building
Founding and leadership roles in creative technology communities
Miami Emerging Technology & Arts (META) - Founding Director (2015-2017)
Founded and led organization promoting intersection of technology, art, and culture in Miami. Organized events, workshops, and exhibitions showcasing digital art and emerging technologies. Facilitated community building around creative technology practice.
Makeshop Miami - Executive Director (2013-2015)
Managed makerspace operations and community development. Coordinated equipment, workshops, and member programs for creative fabrication space. Emphasized inclusive access to digital fabrication tools and knowledge sharing.
Selected Film & VFX Projects
Early career experience in film and visual effects production
ZOIC Studios - VFX Production Assistant (2008)
Worked on CSI, CSI: Miami, and other high-profile television productions. Managed motion control, greenscreen, and behind-the-scenes documentation with focus on technical precision and workflow efficiency.
Stargate Digital - Camera Operator/Editor (2008)
HD camera operations and Avid editing for AMC/Thoroughbred projects. Specialized in greenscreen stage work and post-production workflows, integrating technical expertise with creative storytelling.
"SAW IV" - Assistant Editor (2007)
Avid editing for behind-the-scenes content on major horror franchise installment. Focused on maintaining narrative coherence while managing complex post-production timelines.
Notable Music Video Work:
- Panic! at the Disco - "Lying Is the Most Fun..." (Art Department, 2006)
- Outkast - "Morris Brown" (Prop Fabricator, 2006)
Feature Film Experience:
- Daft Punk's "Electroma" - Production Assistant (2006)
- Various short films as VFX Supervisor, Camera Operator, and Production Designer (2003-2005)
Creative & Artistic Projects
Gallery exhibitions and experimental artistic work
"Birth of the Vision" - Fred Snitzer Gallery (2001)
Sculptural installation combining video art and physical fabrication. Integrated videography with contemporary art practice, exploring the intersection of digital and physical creative expression.
Experimental Theatre - "Tek-Noh Lear" (2000)
Video production and editing for experimental theatre adaptation. Combined traditional theatre with digital media integration, pioneering approaches to multimedia performance.
Technical Expertise
AI/ML Integration:
- Generative AI workflows
- Machine Learning pipeline design
- Computer Vision applications
- Neural Network integration
Product Management:
- Agile methodologies
- User Experience Design
- Strategic Planning
- Cross-functional team leadership
Digital Fabrication:
- CNC machining and programming
- Laser cutting optimization
- 3D modeling and prototyping
- Rapid prototyping workflows
Creative Tools:
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Final Cut Pro and Avid
- After Effects and motion graphics
- CAD/CAM software integration
External links
• Syntactic Studio - Creative consulting for complex problems
• FlowConnector - Automation and systems integration services
This page was last edited on 30 July 2025, at 20:15 (UTC).
This page represents selected highlights from over 25 years of cross-disciplinary work. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply.