Tamberwolf
Julien Leigh Kaufman - "Jude"
they/them
Tamberwolf is an independent illustrator and designer based in St. Louis. They're creating emotionally-driven work at the intersection of play, vulnerability, and spirit.
Julien has been on a creative journey throughout their life, drawing inspiration from countless places. Their formal education is in philosophy, biological sciences and religious studies, and their career has been equally diverse. From cremation to dog training to a toy nonprofit, Jude has found meaning and purpose in wild corners of the world.
Amidst these unexpected travels, there has never been a time when Jude was not drawing. With over 20 years experience in digital art and character illustration, Jude is community-taught and self-driven in the visual arts.
Born in Nashville, TN to a drummer and a recording professional, Jude was made by music and has long been shaped by artists passed down from a musical family. It wasn't until 2018 when Tamberwolf Studios emerged alongside Jude's newfound interest in sounds from their own generation. Drawing members of the pop-funk band Vulfpeck became a heartfelt outlet, alongside Jude's many travels to see the band and its ancillary members perform across the United States.
Tamberwolf Studios began creating open-source merchandise and whimsical art campaigns, which mobilized fans far and wide to connect and share their enthusiasm. In 2024, Jude curated the first open-source fan merch collection ever sold at a Vulfpeck live show (Stubb’s in Austin, TX), featuring work by multiple artists. With fellow creator and artist Lexi Nieto, they co-created Starship Pin-copation, a grassroots, fan-led Cory Wong tour project that distributed custom enamel pins at every stop during his 2024 fall tour.
Jude turned a bright spotlight on their artistry in 2025, dedicating their full energy to a creative career for the first time. They are a beloved staple in the midwestern dog sports scene, creating illustrations of canine athletes and beloved pets. They can also be found vending at St. Louis markets and collaborating with the city's many independent, queer, and progressive artists.Tamberwolf artwork has appeared on album covers (Uncle Bronco, Vienna), official merch (Ally the Piper, Jay Webb, Phoebe Katis, Scott Mulvahill), and even onstage at Madison Square Garden during Vulfpeck’s 2019 performance.
Portrait photography by Wright Angle Studios
