Introducing Raeleigh Boyd

Raeleigh Boyd is a designer and artist based in Lafayette, LA. Her art journey began in middle school, once she got her first real art class at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau. ASH’s emphasis on individuality and passion for the arts allowed Raeleigh to embrace her “weird” side, combining pop culture with fine art. Raeleigh’s mother, Kimbrali Boyd, a local wedding photographer, pushed her to pursue an art degree, noting that the arts are a valid career path. Seeing both of her parents in their dream jobs and the support from her family made obtaining her BFA concentration in Graphic Design at ULL an easy choice.

After college, Raeleigh started her online store and persona, “RAGS AF,” where she shares her funky illustrations and graphic design. She turns her illustrations into stickers and prints to sell all over the world. Her background in graphic design enabled her to create an intuitive and easy-to-navigate website, effective marketing materials, and a cohesive branding.

From college and her online store, Raeleigh learned a variety of art mediums and skills that she uses in her practice today. Having these experiences has made forming Scrappie, a community art studio and shop, an obvious solution to her internal battle with art and design. The idea came to life with her business partner, Preslie Such. Their different experiences made them confident to start a business venture early on in their careers.

Raeleigh wants Scrappie to be seen as a resource for artists in Lafayette, with workshops, classes, art supplies, skill share events, and consignment opportunities. Raeleigh wants to use her love and knowledge of graphic design and e-commerce to help other small artists get their start in the vast online markets. With the start of Scrappie, Raeleigh hopes to have more time to focus on her fine art journey, continuing to explore the balance between design and traditional media while developing a body of work that reflects her personal voice and vision.

Who makes up your art circle?

My art circle is made up of traditional artists, non-traditional artists, and allies of the community. I like to surround myself with driven people of all interests and career paths. Being around driven people inspires me to do better for myself and my art career. I think there is art in humor. I love being around funny people. 

How do you expand your art circle?

My college experience began during Covid, and I think it affected my social life negatively. I am slowly getting into the “regular” art scene to make new friends and gain new experiences. I am beginning to expand my art circle with Scrappie. I sit in on the classes to learn from other artists. I might know how to do printmaking or ceramics, but learning from other artists helps me to gain more insight into their craft and how I can improve my own. Some of the people attending classes have never tried traditional art making before. Getting to know them as people and why they are deciding now to begin their journey has been really cool to see. 

What value do you see in having a creative community?

There is so much value in a united creative community. Collaborating, skill sharing, and uplifting are important things that artists need to do for each other. There is no straight-up playbook on how to be an artist. There are tons of ways to make a living, both financially and internally, from art. Being part of an artists' community not only helps me become a better artist but a better person.

How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?

I think my approach to art isn't very serious. Sometimes I like to just make silly things, and I think that's okay. Super fine art can feel intimidating at times, even for me. I want people to feel comfortable making just for the sake of making, without needing a big statement. There’s value in both approaches, and I think the community has space for all of it. I do think underneath it all, there is a larger meaning, but you don't have to explain it to everyone, maybe it’s just aesthetics to you.

Our weekly Art Circle series profiles artists throughout the community and is sponsored in part by Lafayette Visitor Enterprise Fund, managed by Lafayette Travel.