Graduating from Waikato Polytechnic and going on to work as a graphic designer, Best worked in Art Department at the Dominion and Evening Post in Wellington as an illustrator and designer. She then moved to London where she worked as a digital artist and concept designer before returning to New Zealand. Here, she was employed at Lands & Survey, where she became fascinated and inspired by the maps and topographical details of Aotearoa. She has taught graphic design at Massey University School of Design part-time and attended painting classes at the historic Inverlochy Art School before working for Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Best currently lives with her family in Island Bay, Wellington, where she works full-time as an artist and business owner. Her works are held in private and corporate collections throughout New Zealand and abroad. She is the Artist in Residence for the Life Flight Rescue Helicopter – Life Flight Wellington.
Parnell Gallery has represented Juliet Best since 2023.