Julian Bender (born 1989 in Mainz) is a communication designer and creative, based in Mannheim, Germany. He moved to the city in 2009 to study Communication Design and has been living and working there ever since – with a brief but inspiring stint at Zoo Magazine in Amsterdam in 2012. He loves textures, shapes, colors, bass, good melodies and beautifully crafted objects. Above all, he is passionate about creating spaces for connection, shared experiences, and ideas.

In 2015, Julian founded Granada Hills (The Studio), where he collaborates with a range of clients from the cultural sector – mostly art, music and theatre. Especially noteworthy is his long-term collaboration with GNYP Gallery Berlin/Antwerp, bringing several projects and artist books to life. He occasionally dives into free projects – like teaming up with Stockholm-based The Ninevites for a series of custom handwoven rugs or small exhibitions such as “Wheel of Emotion” with Thomas Wolf at Büro Brutal in 2022. 

Outside the studio, Julian co-runs KIOSK, a neighborhood café and bar that doubles as a cozy event space for concerts and gatherings. He’s also active in the electronic music scene as a DJ and promoter. For years, he’s been hosting the club night PALS, shining a spotlight on house music and queer DJs and producers. You’ll find him behind the decks at Disco Zwei, where he holds a residency at one of Mannheim’s most iconic clubs.

Check on Instagram, more Instagram and soundcloud.

Rug collab with The Inevitables