Jan Dolby
Children's Illustrator
Who or what made you want to become an illustrator?
The picture books and comics that I read and the cartoons that I watched as a child sparked a definite interest in me. So much so that I still collect books, comics and watch cartoons. I always wanted to be an illustrator.
Did you attend art school or undertake any other formal artistic training?
Highschool art class was one of my absolute favourite classes. That was solidified after I won the award for highest achievement in art. I’m a graduate from the University of Guelph, Ontario Canada with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Art. I specialized in drawing and painting with an Art History emphasis in Canadian and Flemish Art.
Where do you currently live and where did you grow up?
I currently live in the town of Aurora which is just north of the city of Toronto, Ontario Canada. I grew up in Ottawa, Oshawa, Belleville and Whitby all located in Ontario. I think in total, I have lived in 11 different cities/towns throughout Ontario. I enjoy a change of scenery and making new friends wherever I land.
Was creativity part of your childhood?
Creativity was a huge part of my childhood. I’m a middle child who enjoys peace and quiet. So, when I was a young, I would sneak away to a quiet spot in the house with my sketchbook and redraw comic and picture book characters over and over again. I taught myself how to use my pencils and markers on paper to achieve certain lines like professional illustrators.
Who or what have been some of your major artistic influences?
So many fabulous illustrator influences....Maurice Sendak, Hilary Knight, Lauren Childs, Marie-Louise Gay, Peter H. Reynolds, Charles M. Schulz, Oliver Jeffers, Alex T. Smith...I can go on and on.
What is your favourite children’s book and why?
My favourite children’s book is Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman. I think I read that book a hundred times growing up. And funny enough, when I have to draw a bird, it looks like the bird from this book. I always loved the colour of the cover and the simplicity of the illustrations. Plus, the colour palette is soft and warm.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?
A typical day looks like this....at my desk early in the morning checking my socials, returning emails, prepping my day. I begin working on illustrations usually before midday and it continues (hopefully without distraction) until dinnertime. I spend my creative time either at my computer or at my drafting table depending on the type of project. To keep me in my chair, I will most often have a crime mystery show playing close by.
Take us behind the scenes and describe your studio / workspace.
My studio space changed about four years ago when we decided to downsize. My space is now located in a cozy corner on the third floor of our condo. It’s a pretty sweet space because I have access to two roof top patios and great lighting. I have Ikea shelf walls and an imaginary door with a computer desk and a drafting table. Painting happens in the basement.
What would you say is a distinguishing feature of your artwork?
I think the most distinguishing feature of my artwork is the bright colour palette and the addition of my pencil drawings. I find it difficult to stick to a simple colour palette. I love a bunch of good colour in my illustrations. Particularly the colour pink. My pencil drawings are much truer than my digital drawings. My original drawings have movement, attitude and freedom. So I like to incorporate the original drawings into my illustrations.
Outline your dream project.
My dream illustration projects would be a series of animal board books and on the flip side a graphic novel series for early readers.
Animals feature heavily in children’s books – do you have a pet?
I have a dachshund named Margaret. She is my second wiener dog. My first was named Rhoda. Margaret is my studio companion and the “love” of our family. Margaret can be found throughout my online career and in many picture books. She is incredibly bright and loving. Her favourite toy is a helium balloon. She grabs the string of the balloon and runs through the house with it. She has many nicknames – Moo Moo, Margarine, Missyboo, Marg, Margie Moo and Lovey.
