Julian Friers is the son of the wood sculptor Ian Friers (1909-75), the elder brother of Rowel Friers. From an early age he intended to be an artist. His interest in birds began when the family moved from Bangor to a much more rural location in Dundonald when Julian was 7 years old.

He had his first one-person show in 1976 at the Tom Cromie Gallery in Bangor. He became involved with other galleries including John Magee's in Belfast and Castle Espie where Paddy and Julie Mackie established a wild life sanctuary.