“Jules’ empathetic love for people manifests itself in her work. While she is an artist, Jules values the well-being of her clients first. She listens to their stories and seeks to know them deeply…”
Hope through Tattoos
ABOUT MY PHOTO ESSAY
by Grace Lauderdale
Julia Hickerson (Jules) is new to the world of tattoos. Originally from Roswell, New Mexico, Jules relocated in 2019 to pursue opportunities in the DFW metroplex.
As a teenager, Jules dreamt of becoming a tattoo artist. Her loved ones questioned her choice in pursue tattooing. Jules did not allow space for the discouragement; rather, she continued to persevere. Jules attended expos, carnivals and parades in search of people interested in henna tattoos. This is where Jules began.
Years later, her once-leery loved ones accepted the joy she found in art and supported her. Over time, Jules made connections that granted her a multi-year tattoo apprenticeship. After completing her apprenticeship, Jules accepted a prestigious position at Urban Tattoo and Piercing Studio in north Arlington.
Jules’ empathetic love for people manifests itself in her work. To complete a tattoo, clients are often required to spend hours and multiple sessions with Jules. While she is an artist, Jules values the well-being of her clients first. She listens to their stories and seeks to know them deeply. She develops connections with them to gift her clients with meaningful artwork and encouragement.
Meet Grace Lauderdale
Grace Lauderdale is a senior Journalism student at University of Texas at Arlington who believes in the power of meeting people right where they are.
As a young girl, Grace yearned for a home. She began her journey in journalism and social work through a passion to give voices to the unheard. She dreams of walking alongside and encouraging others as they overcome adversity. Grace works for Mission Arlington and plans to continue her studies at UTA by pursuing a master’s degree in social work.
About AMA+UTA CreateCollab
Since the Fall 2022 semester, the Arlington Museum of Art has partnered with The University of Texas at Arlington and a senior-level digital storytelling class to explore a wide variety of contemporary themes inspired by the museum’s mission, values, and exhibitions.
Class projects include photo essays, one-minute documentaries, and brief audio stories.
Associate Professor of Communication Erika Pribanic-Smith teaches the class. She values opportunities to bring real-world experiences to her students.
“My goal is to give my students real-world experience in all of my classes, creating real stories using real sources,” said Dr. Pribanic-Smith. “Creating stories that will be published for the public to see, not just submitted for a grade, gives students extra incentive to put forth their best effort. Furthermore, working with professionals gives the students another layer of feedback to re-enforce what they’re learning in the classroom. I prefer to work with organizations like the Arlington Museum of Art who will benefit in some way from the students’ content so that we are providing a service to the community.”
