We had the good fortune of connecting with Devon Burden and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Devon, what do you attribute your success to?
I think I really started to see my brand grow when I stopped making art in hopes of other people liking it and started making art that I liked. I feel it started resonating with people more and they could see my love and passion behind each piece. And I’m turn I became more confident and didn’t feel the pressure to be like everyone else.
Also, shoutout to THE Britney Spears for reposting one of my illustrations!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I initially started my Instagram account as a journey of self love and empowerment through digital art. I didn’t really intend for it to become a small business but so glad that it has transformed into that. It definitely hasn’t been easy and theres been extended periods of time I went without creating anything. What I learned in those times are that it is okay to take breaks and feel burnt out. We live in a time of ‘hustle culture’ and if you aren’t hustling and doing something, then you are perceived as unproductive. I want people to know that productivity looks different to everyone and changes with the seasons of life. You have to focus on you and do what’s best for you and your family at that time. But if you are doing something you love then you will always find a way back to that.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LOVE anything in the downtown & midtown area! I love trying out new exhibits that are in town and hunting down art murals around the city!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The biggest shoutout to my grandmothers Lillie and Billie Jean- they are the inspiration behind Lillie Jean Co. They both are and were such inspirations growing up with Lillie’s words of wisdom and Billie Jean being an artist and not afraid of being herself. Without them I definitely would not be who I am today.
Also, huge shoutout for my parents buying me my first iPad for graduating with my master’s degree that goes unused!
And final big shoutout to my husband who has always supported me, encouraged me, helped me step out of my comfort zone, and my biggest promoter!
Website: www.Etsy.com/shop/lilliejeanco
Instagram: Lilliejean.co