Where are you located:
NOLA (Tremé Neighborhood)
What do you make:
Raven Jones here—also under the moniker “birdburger”. Former graphic designer (five years at Lamar Outdoor Advertising Co + over a decade of experience) turn-full-time illustrator and burgeoning goodie maker. Originally a Shreveport native, I am proud to now dub the ⁺˚*･༓☾magical city of New Orleans☽༓･*˚⁺ my home!
Part time or full:
Full-time!
6 words to describe your work:
joyful, sculptural, chromatic, whimsical, curious, mindful
A typical day in your life:
Lately I’ve been a night owl. I wake up in the late afternoon, pop open some kombucha or a yerba mate, pet the neighbor’s golden retriever when retrieving mail, watch the news (gotta stay informed), check emails/DMs, try not to trip over the cat, kiss my significant other, some tv and wait for inspiration or the caffeine to kick in. Nothing exciting haha.
Your favorite color:
Opalescent Sailor Moon Pink <3
Go to resource:
Creative Pep Talk podcast by Andy J. Pizza and Katnipp Youtube vlog videos by Catherine Kay (UK)
Best advice you ever received:
Stay hungry kid.
What makes you feel inspired or produces the best work in you:
Believe it or not, reconnecting with my most basic self by watching my favorite cartoons (ie: Steven Universe, Craig of the Creek, Hilda, Summer Camp Island, King of the Hill…) and collecting illustrated children’s books. Adults like primary colors too!
How living in Louisiana affects your work:
It didn’t until I moved to New Orleans! Even though Shreveport has barbeque and Tex-Mex, Louisiana as a whole is a beautiful state. It’s full of unique flora and fauna. But I reside in a city inspired by age, resilience and simultaneous innovation. Its magically antiquated + contemporary atmosphere, ever-evolving people energy and enigmatic lure is intoxicating, amirite? It's the main reason I was drawn to The Crescent City in 2019-she knew I could thrive as a burgeoning Black artist.
The best part of what you do:
It’s a tie between a) the freedom and flexible schedule (2020 has shown us time is a social construct and is fluid) and b) creative outlets and connections are vast so I can connect with people of all walks of life through my art.
The most challenging part of what you do:
Getting my foot in the door because I’m the new kid on the block and a Black woman in a predominately white space. So publicity and a stage to display my artistry + wares are vital. In addition, trying to stay organized with an ADD/ADHD brain bites me in the a** often
Where can we buy from you?
The Birdburger Paper Shoppe on my website, originals can be purchased through a women-led New Orleans based gallerist, The Poppy Society and coming soon, a pet portrait service will be available through New Orleans gift shop, Judy at the Rink!
