Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Uresti.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! I am Jessica Uresti, a proud Houstonian and creative artist. I have lived in Houston most of my life. I was born in Corpus Christi and arrived in Houston at 4 years old. In my early 20’s I studied and worked 6 years in Boston, Massachusetts. Currently, I live in the Downtown and Near Northside area and love it.
My father, who is an artist, inspired my love for art. Growing up, we always had drawing books in the house, and from them, I discovered my love of drawing and artistic expression. In high school, I excelled at drawing. I learned CAD and computer-aided drafting, which led to good-paying opportunities at a young age. Following high school, I went to Boston and worked and studied there for 6 years. While there, I was exposed to different cultures, and the experience broadened my awareness of cultural nuances, from neighborhoods to cities, states, and the world.
I came back to Houston and graduated from the University of Houston with a BFA in Graphic Design. I soon fell in love with Web Design. So today, I work as a contractor and specialize in many fields such as Web Design, UI/UX design, and Graphic design.
I enjoy side hustles like running the Houston Memes page, collecting Houston-themed items, and engaging with my city’s art and cultural communities. I got the idea for Houston Memes from a friend from Massachusetts who started posting Mass Memes from Massachusetts. I do not consider myself a comedian, but once in a while, I like to capture how funny and odd we Houstonians can be. I like to observe our unique cultures and traditions. Photography is another passion of mine. I take photos of events, headshots, the city, and more.
My mother’s influence played a significant role in my pursuit of a degree; like her, I graduated from the University of Houston. While I inherited my father’s creativity, my mother instilled in me a deep appreciation for culture. Her passion for people led her to a fulfilling career as a bilingual educator in HISD for over 30 years.
My current goal is to start a business with my partner, focused on benefitting our city. I am a lover of Houston, its history, modern beauty, and all it has to offer.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Coming from a Mexican American background has presented its challenges. Growing up, I was often unsure of where I fit in. As a third and fourth-generation Mexican American, I’ve seen that my parents also had struggles integrating. Also, being an introvert has challenged me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I feel like a jack of all trades, skilled in many creative areas, from drawing and design to photography. I want to specialize, but I love all forms of art and creativity. What distinguishes me is not just my creativity but also my dedication to excellence. I may not always be the best, but I work hard to create something great.
I also love problem-solving and fixing things. I like the challenges inherent in photography and web design, where I can create visual aesthetics and solve functional issues involving technology or mechanics.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I often wonder how I can support local business or artists with my Houston Memes following. I want to connect with people who want to improve the connections of our neighborhoods and cultures so that we can better understand one another. Of course, I also want to gain income for me and others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://houstonmemes.com/
- Instagram: @houstonmemes
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/houstontxmemes
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/houstontxmemes
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMsabn_1ICvYtnr-bi7DIDg/featured
Image Credits
Jennifer Uresti
