Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Witchard
Hi Julia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Europe, Africa, and Asia—what you might call a “third culture kid.” Thanks to my parents, I am also an American citizen. My upbringing exposed me to various cultures, languages, education systems, fashion, and more. This diverse background has instilled in me a deep belief that all people are inherently good. I love to travel, experience new things, and live life to the fullest.
School was always an intense experience for me. Moving seven times meant constantly adapting to new curriculums that align. Independent study became my norm as I kept up with the pace and rigor of my courses. Despite the challenges, I graduated with a BA in Political Science from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia, and an MA in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins University in Bologna, Italy. While my education was enriching, my heart wasn’t entirely in it. It was in a high school library in Bushnell, Florida, where I found my next chapter: teaching.
For the past five years, I have been a secondary mathematics teacher. My first year felt like I was on trial—akin to hazing in a fraternity or sorority. During this time, I taught a range of courses: Algebra I, Liberal Arts, Algebra 1AB, Algebra II, Algebra II Honors, Geometry, and Math for College Readiness (College Algebra). I witnessed firsthand students’ struggles in understanding mathematical concepts and their applications. With classes of 30 or more students at varying skill levels, I searched for ways to create balance.
I spent countless hours researching online before and after class and on weekends. I created and set up numerous activities to encourage classroom interaction. My discovery of Teachers Pay Teachers—a platform where educators share and sell resources—was a game-changer. I started my shop, selling resources I had successfully created and used in my classroom. The impact was evident: my students began performing well and sometimes outperformed their peers.
This success reignited a childhood passion for design. I began drawing again, leading to the creation of my Etsy shop, where I sell digital art. A friend’s request for dental office artwork became a thriving niche market. I designed minimalist images that sold over 61 times on Etsy. Inspired, I began creating playful dental-themed art, animating toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and more into humorous, creative scenes.
In 2023, transitioning from the classroom to a corporate role as a fund accountant was challenging. However, my creative drive remained. I designed a digital planner, revamped my team’s procedures, created an interactive algebra workbook with QR code-linked multimedia tutorials, and continued producing digital art. I even started my own tutoring business.
My journey has been challenging. I spend countless hours on my computer and iPad, always armed with a seat cushion for every coffee shop and library visit. Sometimes, I wake up in the middle of the night, driven to create and give more. My ultimate goal is to develop a series of interactive workbooks with a dedicated team spanning multiple subjects beyond mathematics. These resources will be invaluable to classrooms lacking resources, substitute teachers, and homeschooling parents needing a break.
For my artwork, I aspire to fill corporate spaces and overlooked industries with vibrant, joyful, creative, and unique pieces. My diverse upbringing has taught me to see the world through a multifaceted lens, and I want to bring that same richness and creativity into everything I do.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been easy. I have battled self-doubt, afraid to put myself out there, and feared judgment. Often, I feel like I’m disappointing others. The journey has been far from smooth. Being laid off in November was a significant setback, and since then, I’ve had to be creative in finding ways to survive. There have been countless moments when I’ve wanted to quit. But each time I hear that I’ve made a sale, it motivates me to continue and reminds me that someone values my work. These small victories keep me going and validate the effort I put into my creations. Despite the challenges, these moments of recognition make it all worthwhile.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a digital artist and product designer. I specialize in digital dental art and educational resources for mathematics. I am known for my unique and playful dental art and my interactive algebra workbook that includes QR codes linked to multimedia tutorials. I am most proud of my decision to face my fears and put myself out there instead of assuming I can’t compete and don’t belong. What sets me apart from others is my background and upbringing. Being a “third culture kid,” born and raised in Europe, Africa, and Asia, has given me a unique perspective and a rich blend of cultural influences. This diverse background and my unwavering desire to make a difference in this world fuel my creativity and drive. I aim to create resources and art that are functional and beautiful but also meaningful and impactful.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Resilience is the most essential thing or characteristic of my success. I’ve faced numerous challenges throughout my journey, from battling self-doubt and fearing judgment to navigating career transitions and surviving a layoff. My resilience has allowed me to adapt, persist, and continually push forward despite setbacks. This unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and the ability to find motivation in small victories, like each sale I make, has been crucial. My diverse upbringing as a “third culture kid” has also taught me adaptability and openness, which have been invaluable in my creative endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thattck.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thattck90
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jcwitchard
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thattck
