Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Gladness.
Julian, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I feel like I’ve been an artist my whole life. I was always the one doodling in their back of the class and not paying attention. So, I knew whatever I did for a living had to involve art in some way. I was always interested in the graphics on CD covers too and was interested in how they were made. I didn’t know what it was called at first but I found Graphic Design on my college search. After I did a little more research and saw how art played a part in it, I was hooked. I got an earlier copy of Photoshop, did a few flyers for my friends and never looked back from there! But around that time in college, another form of art caught my attention; tattooing. Since I would always draw, I ended up designing tattoo designs for people I knew. This eventually led me into tattooing myself. I landed my first job in a tattoo shop before I graduated college, and quickly developed a passion for that as well. I worked there after graduation, while taking freelance graphic design projects on the side. But I began to get so many projects I was designing as much as I was tattooing! Thus, Perfect Pixel Design was born. I have designed for organizations such as the NAACP and the Southwest Athletic Conference. So, my career has been a juggling act, so to speak; of graphic design and tattoo artistry. But I’ve enjoyed it all. I’ve been designing and tattooing full-time for 13 years.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been struggling every step of the way, as with any business. There have been some days where I have questioned my purpose. But my passion for the gift God has given has kept me going. I know God will use me and my gift to do great things and that helps to drive me.
Perfect Pixel Design and Ju Tats – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Perfect Pixel Design, my graphic design company; specializes in branding/ logo design. I work with clients ranging from upcoming small businesses to Esports teams. Giving them the professional design look they need to stand out in their respective markets. The majority of our fonts and illustrations that are used, are hand drawn and can’t be found anywhere else.
Ju Tats is the name of my tattoo art. I specialize in black and grey realism and illustrative tattooing. Often reflective of my design style. 13 years of shop experience working in shops in Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plan in the next five years is to open my own private art studio. I’m looking forward to establishing myself in the art scene here in New Orleans and meeting/ networking with other artists. I also want to paint more murals. I love painting large murals and I definitely want to do more of that. Locally and abroad. I also have a love for men’s fashion/ clothing and I plan on releasing some pieces I custom designed.
Contact Info:
- Website: ArtbyJu.bigcartel.com
- Phone: 2564790683
- Email: jgladness85@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Ju_theartist
- Other: @ppdmediabham
Image Credit:
LeCreme Nation
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