In the studio…
A typical day might include dreaming up a whimsical story-book character, painting flying elephants, or working on graphic design commissions. She starts her day at a clear desk with her sketchbook, but usually ends up sitting on the floor surrounded by a haphazard collection of paints, pencils, and papers.
Books…
Her hybrid graphic novel for middle grade readers “Every Home Needs An Elephant” was listed by CBC as one of the best books of 2021. And her picture book “Magic at the Museum,” was short-listed for best-illustrated book at the Manitoba Book Awards. It also spent two weeks at #2 on the McNally Robinson Bestseller list.
Previously…
Jane worked as an archaeological illustrator, drawing ancient Roman things recovered from the North African sand.
Education…
Jane spent many years haunting libraries at the University of Manitoba and the Courtauld Institute of Art (in London) where she studied History of Art, completing her M.A. with distinction in 2005. She soon realized that she'd rather be making art than writing about it, and went on to do an M.A. in illustration from the University of the Arts London (Camberwell College).
Inspiration…
Walks in the city that lead to finding quirky book shops and hole-in-the-wall bakeries provide endless inspiration. Jane carries her camera and a sketchbook at all times so she can jot down what she sees. Whenever she feels stuck on a project, she sits down at the piano to play Debussy, and inspiration naturally follows.
As for all the important stuff:
BA Art History/Classics University of Manitoba
MA Art History Courtauld Insitute of Art
MA Illustration Camberwell College of Art
Clients Include
Orca Books
Penguin Random House (South Africa)
Magination Press
Oxford University Press
Cambridge University Press
Pearson Education
St Martins Lane Press
The Courtauld Gallery
Take a Tour of my Studio!
