Juliana Castro Varón


Hi! I’m Juli (pronounced who-li, but I’m not picky). I’m the Senior Design Editor of A.I. Initiatives at the New York Times. We use machine learning to uncover data patterns, and make journalism more accessible. I also draw, and my cartoons have appeared in The New Yorker

I’m interested in connecting people with art and stories. I’ve done this through book publishing, writing, infographics, drawing, and technology. I founded Cita Press, a publisher of open-access books, in 2017. Alongside a small but mighty team and Educopia, we raised ≈$1M to create digital readers, eBooks, and ensure Cita remains free for everyone. I’m very proud this work; check it out

I’m an affiliate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society. When I was a fellow there in 2022, I studied the history of image manipulation, from darkroom to GenAI. Previously, I wrote a book about art and artists (Papel sensible, published in Spanish by Planeta), was invited to a bunch of podcasts, gave some talks, and worked for art museums. 

Talk to me about jokes, memes, the literary line between poor memory and fiction, taking baths, crying at the movies, sunset or Times New Roman. Online: Insta, Ex Twit, Threads, Arena, Email. Offline: I’m around!
 REEVE (2023)

tryreeve.com
Reeve's patent-pending method combines neuroscience and dream incubation to create a revolutionary way for users to relive memories while they sleep. Mixing refined simplicity with evocative imagery, we crafted a visual identity that would inspire calm and rest but also represent the vividness of dreams and the sweetness of good memories. The brand uses dramatic imagery and a simple palette to create synergy and communication between the packaged wellness consumer product and the mobile app. I also did all the user interface and competitor research.