Raven Jones —also under the moniker birdburger is a former graphic designer (five years at a well-known national billboard company + over a decade of experience) turned full-time illustrator and burgeoning goodie maker. Originally a Shreveport native, she proudly dubs the magical city of New Orleans home!
Shortly Pre-Covid 19, Raven's live fine art portrait services were available for on-site events such as galas, parties, bacchanalia, showers and weddings.
The Birdburger Paper & Aesthetic Shoppe is her creative retail endeavor. Its intention is to fill a void in an over-saturated market by providing wonderfully idiosyncratic originals, bespoke paw-traits, branding, stationery, eclectic and home goodies as a Black woman artist…aaand maybe enchant some hearts along the way. wink.
Glitter Box: The most real, most honest piece of advice you have for someone working their way up in your field (or any field).
Raven: Invest in a Photoshop subscription. It's worth the green.
Glitter Box: What do you think is the most important thing we need to do to achieve a more equitable and just society?
Raven: I think people should be more open and honest with each other. No, not like mean blunt-smack some tact on it please! Communication does wonders because at the heart of it, we are social animals.
Glitter Box: What does your creative process look like? Is there a particular project or piece you're excited about right now?
Raven: Weeeell, my creative process is a bit chaotic *gulp*. I have ADHD, so depending on so many varying factors, I will approach a project with several brainstorm visuals or simply dive directly in! And I yam excited about something--I'm collaborating with some tastemakers in time for the holiday season!
Glitter Box: Why New Orleans? What does creating in New Orleans mean to you?
Raven: New Orleans called to me in 2019 during a period where I felt burned out by my 9-5 (billboard graphic designer). After I was fired that spring, all the pieces fell into place. I took that as a sign to say deuces to Baton Rouge as well as a stagnant career with an elite advertising company that wasn't going to lead to anywhere but long-term creative fatigue. New Orleans opened her arms wide so I could start a journey creating art that will ensure generational wealth and intrapersonal felicity.
Glitter Box: How does creating influence the way you interact with the world?
Raven: Hmm, I would have to say being creative makes me so more empathetic and introspective than most. I may still lose myself in a daydream but being overly idealistic also seems to not only keep me hopeful but it also seems to rub off on those around me, including my loved ones and friends.
Glitter Box: What does success look like to you? What are you working towards/striving for?
Raven: Success for me is financial security. Not having to pull out of social events because I don't have my own vehicle, not worrying about an empty refrigerator, not giving a second thought to the first of the month when rent is due. That's success. I'm striving for generational wealth as well. If not for my future offspring (if that), then for my younger siblings, niece and nephew. Nothing outrageous because unchecked capitalism is abhorrent but I'd certainly like to be comfortable as a burgeoning Black woman artist in America.
Support Raven's goals & artwork here.
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