BLAST FROM THE PAST

Advice From Your Future Self

The class of 2020 is a historic one, with graduations online, faces under protective masks and the fall semester uncertain. We asked three creative entrepreneurs in Oak Cliff to look back at their senior portraits and give themselves advice for the future.

JEREMY BIGGERS , ARTIST

Jeremy Biggers is an Oak Cliff-based fine artist and muralist, who works under his own brand, Stem & Thorn. He created the Selena mural on Bishop Avenue at Jefferson Boulevard and the Nipsey Hussle mural at the Glendale Shopping Center. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in 1999.

ADVICE FOR HIS 18-YEAR-OLD SELF:

“Cherish the time with your loved ones because you never know how long you have with them. And invest every dollar you make into a thing called ‘Google.’”

JEFFREY LILES , CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jeffrey Liles is the Kessler Theater’s creative director, and he had his own music career with Decadent Dub Team and Cottonmouth Texas. He’s been part of the Texas music scene for over 30 years. He graduated from Richardson High School in 1981.

ADVICE FOR HIS 18-YEAR-OLD SELF:

“Listen, your grades are terrible, and you’ve obviously never read any of the books on the wall behind you. That tweed suit and tie get up ain’t workin’. Know your limitations. Please discover this new thing called punk rock and let’s get you into a torn-up Ramones T-shirt and a new pair of $200 black leather pants from Judy’s in Valley View Mall.”

CRYSTAL Z. PERRY , BRANDING MAVEN

Crystal Perry left a career in corporate recruiting to pursue public relations and branding for musicians, nonprofits and other clients. She graduated from Carter High School in 1993.

ADVICE FOR HER TEENAGE SELF:

“Having goals is important, and necessary even. Be flexible in how you get to the goal and enjoy the journey. Even better, know when certain goals are no longer in alignment with who you are. Give yourself permission to release those goals and set new ones. Realigning your efforts is not quitting; it’s smart.”