Cool Jobs: Jacqueline Clark Creates Elaborate Backdrops

by Kerri Cooke

There’s a good chance many residents of SWLA have seen Jacqueline Clark’s work at one time or another. Clark founded Jacqueline’s Artsy Creations ten years ago after painting several party backdrops for friends. “At that time, I didn’t realize I could start a business from painting event backdrops,” Clark says.

Clark’s clientele steadily grew, and now she creates backdrops for birthday parties, baby showers, graduations, and community events. While the scale of the backdrops she creates can vary, Clark ensures anyone can afford her services. “I love working with people from all budgets. I believe anyone should be able to have a nice event backdrop area.”

As the director of student engagement and leadership at McNeese State University, previously a student program coordinator, Clark says her work at the college has lent her the experience to be able to plan events herself. She opened her own venue, Party with Jac, this year at 3711 Kirkman St.

The idea of painting event backdrops began when Clark started painting banners for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, at McNeese from 2010-2015. “Sitting in my studio, painting for hours is very relaxing for me. Creating and being an artist is my passion and I would love to do this full time one day.”

Not only does Clark create new backdrops per request, but she also has an archive of backdrops that can be rented for events. “I have over 300 fabric backdrops for many different themes and holidays for customers to rent and I am always making more,” Clark says. When a customer wants a custom backdrop, they send Clark pictures to indicate theme and colors. She will then do a mock-up on the computer before hand painting the backdrop. Wood and foam arches are another option Clark provides. However, due to limited storage space she says she usually creates new designs for each party when these materials are involved unless the backdrop is one she believes will be reused regularly.

As Clark continues to explore her creative side, she loves to take on projects that challenge her. She created artworks for a Great Gatsby event at L’Auberge Casino Resort, which involved four detailed backdrops decorated with thousands of balloons. The backdrops were mounted and hung from 15-foot ceilings.

The addition of balloons to the backdrops began four years ago when Clark and her mother, Faye, taught themselves the skill from YouTube videos. In fact, both of Clark’s parents are involved in Jacqueline’s Artsy Creations. “I am the owner, my mom is my main partner, and my dad, Troy, is the builder and wood maker,” says Clark.

It takes a village to keep Clark’s business going as her party work is still officially a side hustle. “When I am at work for McNeese, my mom does a lot of the painting and building of the foam props. I have many friends that help me set up for large events. I do work non-stop with both jobs and it puts a strain on my personal life, but I still love it,” she says.

Jacqueline’s Artsy Creations also offers services such as a bounce house, a balloon bubble (an inflatable dome in which small balloons are inserted to float around the children inside), custom props, light up number marquees and large wood props, such as a princess castle, Barbie box and Noah’s ark.
The popularity of certain backdrop themes varies depending on pop culture. “When the Barbie movie came out, I was doing Barbie setups every weekend, and she is still very popular. I also do a lot of Taylor Swift parties. Those are always so fun and sparkly.”

One of Clark’s favorite projects is her setup for Mistletoe & Moss every year. She donates her time, supplies and services to help with the event hosted by the Junior League of Lake Charles. The theme of her backdrop this year was centered around bows.

At the end of the day, Clark says, “I love creating beautiful event backdrops for people. Their faces of joy and awe is why I do it.”