Julian Picaza

Systems Integration Specialist & Product Leader

LinkedIn

About

Seasoned Systems Integration Specialist and Product Leader with 25+ years of experience translating complex creative and technical requirements into successful, market-ready solutions. As Founder of Syntactic.studio, I now architect and implement intelligent automation and AI-driven workflows, leveraging a unique blend of strategic vision, hands-on technical execution, and cross-functional team leadership to drive operational efficiency and innovation in emerging technologies.

Work Experience

Founder & Systems Integration Specialist

Syntactic.studio / FlowConnector

Jan 2024 - Present

Led a creative technology consultancy and its implementation service, integrating emerging technologies to optimize core business operations for clients.

  • Architected and implemented bespoke business automation solutions using Make.com, integrating disparate SaaS applications to significantly streamline workflows and increase operational efficiency.
  • Consulted with clients on the strategic application of Generative AI, developing proof-of-concept projects and integrating AI-enhanced workflows for content creation, data analysis, and creative development.
  • Designed and managed the end-to-end development of creative technology projects, from initial concept and systems design through to hands-on implementation and delivery.

Chief Product Officer

SmartMFG / Phigital

Jan 2023 - Jan 2024

Promoted to the executive team, leading the company's entire product vision and execution, focusing on innovative 'phigital' solutions.

  • Successfully led the end-to-end launch of the company's flagship NFT Marketplace, overseeing product roadmapping, UX design, engineering sprints, and comprehensive go-to-market strategy.
  • Defined the strategic vision for a new suite of products integrating digital identity with physical goods, positioning the company as a pioneering innovator in the 'phigital' space.

Senior Product Manager

SmartMFG

Jan 2020 - Dec 2022

Managed the core blockchain-based product suite for a manufacturing and supply chain focused tech company, enhancing platform utility and user engagement.

  • Architected and managed a comprehensive token ecosystem, aligning tokenomics with core product goals, platform utility, and user engagement strategies.
  • Translated complex customer requirements and market opportunities into actionable user stories and a prioritized product backlog using Jira and Confluence, improving development efficiency.

Account Manager / Product Manager

SyncFab

Jan 2020 - Dec 2021

Managed key accounts and product features for a blockchain-powered supply chain platform, directly improving procurement processes for hardware manufacturing.

  • Managed key accounts and product features for a blockchain-powered supply chain platform, directly contributing to improved procurement processes for hardware manufacturing clients.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally to gather requirements and deliver product enhancements that streamlined supply chain operations and increased platform adoption.

Shop Manager / Digital Fabricator

The Ojai Workshop / Creative Creative

Jan 2013 - Dec 2019

Led the design and production of custom furniture, props, and architectural elements utilizing advanced digital fabrication techniques.

  • Directed the design and production of custom furniture, props, and architectural elements, leveraging CNC, laser cutting, and traditional fabrication techniques to meet client specifications.
  • Managed client relations, project timelines, and daily shop operations, ensuring on-time delivery and high-quality outputs for diverse creative projects.

Founding & Executive Director

Miami Emerging Technology & Arts (META) / Makeshop Miami

Jan 2013 - Dec 2019

Established and led community-focused makerspaces and creative collectives, fostering innovation at the intersection of art and technology.

  • Established and led community-focused makerspaces and creative collectives, successfully growing membership and securing venues to foster innovation.
  • Produced numerous events at the intersection of art and technology, enhancing community engagement and promoting emerging creative practices.

VFX Supervisor & Media Production Specialist

Various Film & Media Companies

Jan 1998 - Dec 2012

Progressively mastered on-set production, post-production, and visual effects across 30+ roles for clients including Daft Punk, ZOIC Studios, and Lifetime Network.

  • Managed teams, budgets, and technology to deliver high-quality creative projects on schedule for prominent clients such as Daft Punk, ZOIC Studios, and Lifetime Network.
  • Demonstrated progressive mastery across diverse roles including VFX Supervisor, Production Designer, Camera Operator, and Editor, ensuring seamless production workflows.

Skills

Strategy & Leadership

  • Product Vision & Roadmapping
  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Early-Stage Startups
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Go-to-Market Strategy

Systems & Product Integration

  • Full Lifecycle Product Management
  • Systems Architecture
  • User Experience (UX) Design
  • Business Process Automation
  • Requirements Analysis
  • Agile Methodologies

AI & Emerging Technologies

  • Generative AI (LLMs, Diffusion Models)
  • Machine Learning
  • Computer Vision
  • AI Workflow Integration
  • AI Ethics
  • Blockchain
  • NFTs
  • Tokenomics
  • DAO Structures

Creative & Technical Execution

  • Digital Fabrication (CNC, Laser)
  • VFX Supervision
  • Post-Production Workflows
  • Media Production
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Figma
  • Atlassian Suite (Jira, Confluence)