Meet Jodi Lynn Burton | Artist + Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jodi Lynn Burton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jodi Lynn, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Truthfully, it was a calling. Before I became an artist, I worked in many different jobs, including retail, a deli, as a hairdresser’s assistant, in landscaping, and even on a farm for a short period. While many of these jobs allowed me to be creative, they were not a great fit for me.

I studied photography in school, but once I started working professionally, I realized that I disliked it. After photographing weddings or events, I would come home feeling drained and find myself sitting on the floor of my room, drawing. My roommates often asked what I planned to do with all my drawings. I initially thought no one would want to see them, but a friend convinced me to try doing an art show. To my surprise, I sold out of nearly everything at my first show!

Fast forward to today, I have been a full-time illustrator for nearly 15 years.

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 often get asked about the sources of my ideas and inspiration, but it’s something beyond my control. My ability to draw and translate my thoughts onto the page is difficult to articulate. I’ve always imagined a gigantic tidal wave pushing me toward my next drawing. At times, it feels like a storm—ideas come rushing in, one after another. It’s almost a compulsion to capture them before they leave my mind.

Creating has always come naturally to me. The challenging aspect of being an artist lies in the business side of things. Unfortunately, they don’t teach business practices in art school. After taking the leap into self-employment (and I call it a leap because it felt as daunting as jumping off a building), I had to teach myself how to run a business and figure out what methods worked and what didn’t. There were years when I wasn’t sure I could sustain myself as an artist, but somehow, things always fell into place, and I found my footing.

I truly enjoy the challenges that come with running a small business. This past year, I moved my art studio out of my home and into a small retail space in downtown Berkley, MI. The front of the space features a retail shop, while my art studio is located in the back. Having a dedicated art studio has been a long-time dream of mine, and I feel very fortunate to have a space where people can visit and shop my work in person. However, it is an ongoing challenge to figure out what works best, but I find great pleasure in the process.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would first invite you to visit my shop, Jodi Lynn’s Emporium of Doodles, located in downtown Berkley at 3369 Robina Ave. After that, I would suggest you take a little exploratory adventure because the town of Berkley has a lot to offer.

On 12 Mile, you’ll find an array of charming shops. ReWare Vintage specializes in vintage t-shirts and a variety of other cool items. Next door is Naka, a beautifully curated gift shop. If you continue down the street, you’ll discover Sum Girls Boutique, the Artsy Umbrella, Catching Fireflies, Berkley Music, and many more wonderful places to shop.

Feeling hungry? Stop by Mongers Provisions, where you’ll find an extensive selection of cheese and chocolate. Inside Mongers, there’s also the Rind, a lovely wine bar where you can enjoy cocktails, a charcuterie board, and a seasonal menu. If you’re in the mood for pizza, Amici’s Pizza is a must-try—it will blow you away and have you dreaming about their Sparty Bread!

If you haven’t visited downtown Berkley yet, I highly recommend checking it out. There’s so much to do in this little town, and I am very proud to be part of this community.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family has always supported my artistic journey, but the person who truly inspired me to pursue art was my Uncle Mark. He was a talented hairdresser, ceramicist, and passionate art enthusiast. I will never forget how, every year, he took me to the Ann Arbor Art Fair and various museum exhibitions, constantly introducing me to new artists and sharing articles that expanded my horizons. Although my uncle has since passed away, I carry his influence with me every day. I know he would be incredibly proud of the artist I have become.

Website: https://www.jodilynndoodles.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodi_lynn_doodles/