J'Aaron Merchant

If I could talk to my younger creative self, I’d say:

Time will pass anyway, so create something.
Don’t shrink, your light deserves to be seen.
And your gifts? They’ll make room for you… once you execute.

For every creative who needs this reminder today ✨

When Titi laid you down for your nap but you've got other plans!

#kidlitart #illustration #characterdesign #childrensbooks #womeninanimation

When we were little, I’d beat all the hard levels on Super Mario and my baby sister was in charge of snacks and hype, until she figured out I was hustling her and then she demanded to play too! 😅

#characterdesign #illustration #kidlitart #womeninanimation #nostalgia #gamer

It’s officially that time of year! The tape’s stuck to my fingers, there’s glitter everywhere, and I’m living my best Santa’s helper life 🎅🏾✨
@BlackPaperParty season is in full swing! Check out our holiday offerings at www BlackPaperParty. com

#christmas #illustration #characterdesign #BlackJoy #fyp

What's your go to karaoke song? That sure fire hit to deliver a mic drop moment EVERY single time?! Turn the sound on to hear mine! ☺️

#kidlitart #womeninanimation #illustration #characterdesign

Cheers to a fresh month and even fresher ideas!

I’m calling in peace, creativity, and little wins that feel like big ones.

What are you creating right now? Up to any shenanigans? Let’s hype each other up in the comments!

#characterdesign #illustration #kidlitart #womeninanimation

Sometimes you just need to take a break and blow some bubbles with the kiddos.

Y’all… seeing #BlackPaperParty featured on Essence.com just hits different! We started this brand to be more inclusive and spread holiday magic, to see it celebrated on a platform like Essence? Full circle moment.

#BlackPaperParty #Essence #illustration #BlackJoy #characterdesign

7 Must-Have Picks From Black Paper Party's Latest Holiday Collection Spreading Black Joy | Essence This Black woman-founded brand is bringing luxe wrapping paper, gift bags, melanated stockings and more to your gatherings this year.

Holiday season is here and we've been featured in Essence!

Shop Black Paper Party this holiday season!

www.blackpaperparty.com
www.essence.com/commerce/bla...

If you’re creative, you need to journal. Not because it’s trendy, but because your ideas deserve space to breathe. This is where the magic starts!

Are you journaling? Why or why not?

#womeninanimation #characterdesign #kidlitart #illustration #journal

Sketching an idea that popped into my head for a story. We'll see where it goes.

#sketch #illustration #kidlitart #characterdesign #womeninanimation

Hi! I’m J’Aaron, a Caribbean American illustrator & designer with a passion for stories with joy, imagination, & belonging.

If you’re an agent who believes in diverse & heart-led storytelling, let’s connect!

www.jaaronmerchant.com

#KidLitArt #kidlitpostcard #illustration #childrensbooks #fyp

Caught in the moment @Crystal Bridges sketching a self-portrait, because who else is gonna model for free?! 😂

#Illustrator #sketch #womeninanimation #KidLitArt #fyp

Happy Homecoming Savannah State University! 🧡💙
#Illustrators #KidLitArt #childrensbooks #ssuhomecoming

Flipping through Bonnie Saves-A-Lot 💸✨ a lovely story I illustrated for author Robert Culpepper! Still one of my faves because who doesn’t love a girl with a plan and a piggy bank? 🐷💁🏽‍♀️

#ChildrensBooks #KidLitArt #Illustration

I test my colors during the thumbnail stage, way less pressure, way more fun. It’s like speed-dating color palettes before committing to ‘the one.’ 😅

#kidlitart #Illustrator #animation #womeninanimation #indieanimation

I found, "Jelly Fries a Fish!" written by Jennifer Hill Booker sitting pretty on the shelves @twofriendsbooks!

There’s something so magical about seeing a book you illustrated out in the world, waiting to spark joy in little readers! ☺️

#illustration #kidlitart #characterdesign #childrensbooks

Team work makes the dream work! Had the best time collaborating with Eddie Clarke on this animation! It was
He brought the characters to life through movement, and I had a blast bringing them to life through color.

#womeninanimation #characterdesign #illustrator #animation #fyp

There's nothing like catching up with friends and experiencing great art! The Machine Behind the Art: Inside JR’s Printing Press @themomentary.bsky.social it's one of JR’s most extensive immersive and experiential works to date!

😉 #artist #momentary #illustrator #fyp #womeninanimation

Neither! 😅But these guys seem cool!

It might be pumpkin spice season, but my thermostat and lil sis said nah, we still at the pool.😏

#characterdesign #childrensbooks #womeninanimation #illustration #kidlitart

Just a little bit of color and a lot of magic! 😉
I think the coloring phase is my favorite part, the possibilities are endless!

#kidlitart #illustration #characterdesign #childrensbooks
#womeninanimation

I don't know who needs to hear this but every dream starts small, one brush stroke, one plan, one moment of courage at a time. Give yourself some grace and work on a little bit everyday! ☺️

#illustration #womeninanimation
#kidlitart #indiecreators #creativeconsultant

Big ideas don’t always need big lifts just a big heart.💛 That's what's great about micro projects. You can start smaller, win sooner. Small wins build momentum, & micro projects can spark just as much magic as the big ones! What's a big project that you can make small? Let me know in the comments!

Visual storytelling is my love language… & I’m fluent. ☺️

From Black Paper Party to kidlit & animation, I craft bold, joyful stories. Now I’m creating an animated micro short, a love letter to nostalgia, magic & everyday wonder. ✨

#GirlsInAnimation #VisualStorytelling #Filmmaking

Peekaboo Magazine is back in print & I had the joy of designing their new mascot, Ozzy the Ozark Fox! 🦊 Grab a copy, snap a pic & tag me so I can see where Ozzy explores!
#kidlitart #childrenspublishing

No doubt! Here’s a starter pack of Black artists. Obviously you don’t have to follow them all. I like going to their profiles to see their bios and get a feel for them. Also go through the follow lists of the accounts you like too. go.bsky.app/TfeABsY

Black on black cinema if you're a lover of black films! They review everything from the latest black films to classics like Claudine and Harlem Nights

Thank you!

Donate to Help Jordan Recover After Eaton Fire & Family Tragedy, organized by Andrew Edwards Hi, everyone. My name is Andrew, and I’m reaching out on behalf … Andrew Edwards needs your support for Help Jordan Recover After Eaton Fire & Family Tragedy

Honestly im sharing this again because I was told I'm almost at 95% of the goal that was set.
I haven't collected anything yet since I don't have an ID yet. That could be two more weeks I'm basically living off my savings and what folks have sent through venmo and zelle right now.
gofund.me/2256dfa3