J'Aaron Merchant
@jaaronmerchant.bsky.social
Artist
🇻🇮
Co Founder: @blackpaperparty | @blackownednwa
Seen In: @bloomberg @ebonymagazine @wwd @essence
Clients: Disney, Marvel, Netflix, Sesame Street
🇻🇮
Co Founder: @blackpaperparty | @blackownednwa
Seen In: @bloomberg @ebonymagazine @wwd @essence
Clients: Disney, Marvel, Netflix, Sesame Street
Meet the Kings & Queens wrap 👑 serving regal energy all holiday season long!
Love seeing our culture wrapped up beautifully and boldly.
Who else is ready to gift like royalty?
www.blackpaperparty.com
#holidays #christmas
#BlackPaperParty
Love seeing our culture wrapped up beautifully and boldly.
Who else is ready to gift like royalty?
www.blackpaperparty.com
#holidays #christmas
#BlackPaperParty
November 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Meet the Kings & Queens wrap 👑 serving regal energy all holiday season long!
Love seeing our culture wrapped up beautifully and boldly.
Who else is ready to gift like royalty?
www.blackpaperparty.com
#holidays #christmas
#BlackPaperParty
Love seeing our culture wrapped up beautifully and boldly.
Who else is ready to gift like royalty?
www.blackpaperparty.com
#holidays #christmas
#BlackPaperParty
Same guy different drip. Wardrobe tests for my little guy. Clothing choices tell just as much story as expressions.
#kidlitart #characterdesign #illustration #womeninanimation
#kidlitart #characterdesign #illustration #womeninanimation
November 19, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Same guy different drip. Wardrobe tests for my little guy. Clothing choices tell just as much story as expressions.
#kidlitart #characterdesign #illustration #womeninanimation
#kidlitart #characterdesign #illustration #womeninanimation
November 17, 2025 at 8:30 PM
When in doubt, sketch it out! 😉 I’m learning that the quickest way out of overthinking… is a pencil.
What are you creating this week?
#characterdesign #illustration #womeninanimation
What are you creating this week?
#characterdesign #illustration #womeninanimation
November 17, 2025 at 3:48 PM
When in doubt, sketch it out! 😉 I’m learning that the quickest way out of overthinking… is a pencil.
What are you creating this week?
#characterdesign #illustration #womeninanimation
What are you creating this week?
#characterdesign #illustration #womeninanimation
I love moments like this, getting to talk through my process, break down the ‘why’ behind my illustrations, and show how stories come alive long before they ever hit the page.
Visual storytelling is such a wild, beautiful journey…and I’m grateful I get to share mine.
#illustration #womeninanimation
Visual storytelling is such a wild, beautiful journey…and I’m grateful I get to share mine.
#illustration #womeninanimation
November 13, 2025 at 5:06 PM
I love moments like this, getting to talk through my process, break down the ‘why’ behind my illustrations, and show how stories come alive long before they ever hit the page.
Visual storytelling is such a wild, beautiful journey…and I’m grateful I get to share mine.
#illustration #womeninanimation
Visual storytelling is such a wild, beautiful journey…and I’m grateful I get to share mine.
#illustration #womeninanimation
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 ✨
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 ✨
November 11, 2025 at 4:50 PM
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 ✨
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
#kidlitart #illustration #characterdesign #childrensbooks #womeninanimation
November 8, 2025 at 4:45 PM
When Titi laid you down for your nap but you've got other plans!
#kidlitart #illustration #characterdesign #childrensbooks #womeninanimation
#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
#characterdesign #illustration #kidlitart #womeninanimation #nostalgia #gamer
November 5, 2025 at 5:14 PM
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
#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
@BlackPaperParty season is in full swing! Check out our holiday offerings at www BlackPaperParty. com
#christmas #illustration #characterdesign #BlackJoy #fyp
November 4, 2025 at 4:29 PM
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
@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
#kidlitart #womeninanimation #illustration #characterdesign
November 3, 2025 at 4:01 PM
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
#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
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
November 1, 2025 at 7:17 PM
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
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.
October 31, 2025 at 3:57 PM
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
#BlackPaperParty #Essence #illustration #BlackJoy #characterdesign
October 30, 2025 at 2:49 PM
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
#BlackPaperParty #Essence #illustration #BlackJoy #characterdesign
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
Are you journaling? Why or why not?
#womeninanimation #characterdesign #kidlitart #illustration #journal
October 29, 2025 at 3:22 PM
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
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
#sketch #illustration #kidlitart #characterdesign #womeninanimation
October 28, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Sketching an idea that popped into my head for a story. We'll see where it goes.
#sketch #illustration #kidlitart #characterdesign #womeninanimation
#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
If you’re an agent who believes in diverse & heart-led storytelling, let’s connect!
www.jaaronmerchant.com
#KidLitArt #kidlitpostcard #illustration #childrensbooks #fyp
October 27, 2025 at 4:49 PM
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
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
#Illustrator #sketch #womeninanimation #KidLitArt #fyp
October 26, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Caught in the moment @Crystal Bridges sketching a self-portrait, because who else is gonna model for free?! 😂
#Illustrator #sketch #womeninanimation #KidLitArt #fyp
#Illustrator #sketch #womeninanimation #KidLitArt #fyp
Happy Homecoming Savannah State University! 🧡💙
#Illustrators #KidLitArt #childrensbooks #ssuhomecoming
#Illustrators #KidLitArt #childrensbooks #ssuhomecoming
October 25, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Happy Homecoming Savannah State University! 🧡💙
#Illustrators #KidLitArt #childrensbooks #ssuhomecoming
#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
#ChildrensBooks #KidLitArt #Illustration
October 24, 2025 at 4:10 PM
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
#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
#kidlitart #Illustrator #animation #womeninanimation #indieanimation
October 23, 2025 at 5:05 PM
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
#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
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
October 21, 2025 at 5:41 PM
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
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
He brought the characters to life through movement, and I had a blast bringing them to life through color.
#womeninanimation #characterdesign #illustrator #animation #fyp
October 20, 2025 at 1:35 PM
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
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
😉 #artist #momentary #illustrator #fyp #womeninanimation
October 19, 2025 at 10:23 PM
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
😉 #artist #momentary #illustrator #fyp #womeninanimation
It might be pumpkin spice season, but my thermostat and lil sis said nah, we still at the pool.😏
#characterdesign #childrensbooks #womeninanimation #illustration #kidlitart
#characterdesign #childrensbooks #womeninanimation #illustration #kidlitart
October 18, 2025 at 5:22 PM
It might be pumpkin spice season, but my thermostat and lil sis said nah, we still at the pool.😏
#characterdesign #childrensbooks #womeninanimation #illustration #kidlitart
#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 think the coloring phase is my favorite part, the possibilities are endless!
#kidlitart #illustration #characterdesign #childrensbooks
#womeninanimation
October 17, 2025 at 5:52 PM
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 think the coloring phase is my favorite part, the possibilities are endless!
#kidlitart #illustration #characterdesign #childrensbooks
#womeninanimation