As a teen, Julia was awarded a scholarship to the Fort Worth Modern Art Museum where she was also included in a group show: "Texas Talent." After attending The University of Texas in Arlington. McLain began her artistic career as an understudy for world renowned illustrator, Don Ivan Punchatz, at his Sketch Pad Studio. She has had a long career as a commercial illustrator and graphic designer.

Julia has been highly influenced by Japanese art as well as nostalgic art from her childhood.

McLain creates paintings with a modern pop feel, juxtaposing old world imagery and color palettes. Her works jump through perceived time barriers often using anachronism to create paintings in a style she calls "CUTISM." To achieve this she reassembles the difficult and abstract into safe and sweet compositions.

Julia McLain's work has recently been shown in a number of Dallas cultural centers, galleries, and venues including the Mercantile Coffee House (arranged by the McKinney Avenue Contemporary) and the Magnolia theater (arranged by her current gallery: RO2 Art). Her work has currently been shown in universities and art centers in the Metroplex as well as Houston and Denton, Texas.

Julia McLain has also received numerous national awards for her art in graphic design & illustration competitions. She has been featured and written up in many national magazines for her previous work as an outstanding illustrator.