iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Happy Caribbean Heritage Month. 🇻🇮 One of my favorite projects I've worked on was illustrating I Am by Zenzi Hodge. There's something special about creating stories that let Caribbean children see themselves reflected on the page. More of our stories. More of our voices. #kidlitart #caribbean

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Getting to draw Moko Jumbies and Virgin Islands Madras prints for I Am by Zenzi Hodge felt like stitching a piece of home into every page. ✨🇻🇮

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Doing some cleanup today and I think facial expressions might be my favorite part of illustration and animation. What's the first emotion you think she is feeling? 👀 #illustration #Animation #characterdesign

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

This island girl who grew up watching cartoons is now speaking at DreamCon ✨ I'll be joining @shanaxbanana.bsky.social & @simplyrobotix.bsky.social for From Fangirl to Industry Pro to talk about building a creative career in animation & entertainment. Come see us July 12 at 2 PM!

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

I want to tell stories. No, I don't have a big studio, a giant budget, or a huge team. So instead of focusing on what I don't have, I've been figuring out how to build with what I do have. How are you navigating this new creative landscape that's we're in? #IndieAnimation

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

So excited to finally share I AM ✨ Written by Zenzi Hodge & illustrated by yours truly!☺️ As a Virgin Islander, this project felt very close to home. 🌺🇻🇮 Pre-order here: spbookshop.com

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Reposted by J'Aaron Merchant

Ben Morse @benmorse.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Get in a positive mindset with the stylish work of illustrator and animator J’Aaron Merchant! Pay a visit to @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social and explore her vast portfolio. #drawingwhileblack

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

To all the mommies holding it all together with love, grace, prayers, snacks, kisses, patience, and strength… Happy Mother’s Day. 💛 Thank you for making even the ordinary moments feel magical.✨ #happymothersday #characterdesign #illustration

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Spoke on a Creative Women in Business Panel. I was asked about maintaining authenticity. We don't have an authenticity problem. WE ARE THE AUTHENTIC ONES. Improvement is needed in the business literacy gap. Our business acumen has to be strong! #animation #womenshistorymonth #illustration

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

If you haven't already, vote for my label design for Black Girl Vitamins! Link in the comments! ☺️ tr.ee/WeCxe1O_Ao

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Vote here! I had the honor of being selected for the @blackgirlvitamins Black History Month collaboration, creating the artwork for their MenoChill vitamin label. You can vote for my design at the Black Girl Vitamins link below! blackgirlvitamins.co/apps/alchemy... #BlackHistoryMonth

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

It’s #PortfolioDay ✨ Hi, I’m J’Aaron! Creative director, illustrator, & character designer. I create character-driven stories & worlds that celebrate culture, imagination, & joy! jaaronmerchant.com jaaronm.art@gmail.com #portfolio #illustrator #kidlitart #characterdesign #visdev #animation

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

End of the year, tying up loose ends and adding finishing touches! ✨ What project(s) are you proud of this year? www.jaaronmerchant.com

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

The holidays really said surprise!😅 Tree’s finally up with my favorite people, nothing fancy, just love & a little chaos 😂 What’s your favorite family holiday tradition?

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

It's the holidays in a Caribbean household so you know what that means? Ginger beer, sorrel and coquito! Do you have a favorite holiday beverage? What is it?

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Creative entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but it’s worth every second. ✨ It’s sketches, storyboards, packaging, late nights, and that moment when you finally see your idea in the world. Chefs kiss! Oh and I'll always rep the Virgin Islands in everything I do!😂 Cheers to building joy on purpose.✨

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Holiday rule: If the wrapping paper isn’t giving “I travel, I brunch, I spoil my nieces & nephews”… try again! Designed these aunties myself, and they’re bringing ALL the holiday glam this season.☺️✨ Grab yours at www.blackpaperparty.com #happyholidays #christmas #blackpaperparty

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

If you’re setting the vibe for the holidays, we got you! The Black Paper Party Holiday Playlist will have you feeling merry, magical, and hella festive. 🎶🎁✨ You can find it on Spotify just search Black Paper Party. Hit play & enjoy! open.spotify.com/playlist/5Fe...

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Tis the Season! Who doesn't live a good snow day! Grab your holiday goodies this year at www.blackpaperparty.com Illustrations by me! #christmas #holidays #illustration #blackpaperparty

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Same guy different drip. Wardrobe tests for my little guy. Clothing choices tell just as much story as expressions. #kidlitart #characterdesign #illustration #womeninanimation

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Reposted by J'Aaron Merchant

thethreetomes.bsky.social @thethreetomes.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

The Three Tomes | Ending Credits " Glossary" For the shoujo girlies out there did you catch the homage? The ending credits was inspired by the ending credits to Classic Isekei Shoujo anime " Fushigi Yuugi" #indieanimation #thethreetomes #magicalgirls

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

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 ✨

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Sketching an idea that popped into my head for a story. We'll see where it goes. #sketch #illustration #kidlitart #characterdesign #womeninanimation

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 26/10/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

It might be pumpkin spice season, but my thermostat and lil sis said nah, we still at the pool.😏 #characterdesign #childrensbooks #womeninanimation #illustration #kidlitart

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

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

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

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!

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J'Aaron Merchant @jaaronmerchant.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

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

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