Jan Dolby

Jan Dolby is an internationally published illustrator with experience in graphic design and book publishing. Jan was born in St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada and currently lives in Toronto, Ontario area with her family. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art and has been illustrating for over 15 years.

Jan has illustrated over 25 picture books and is the illustrator of the Gabby picture book series: Gabby, Gabby: Drama Queen and Gabby: Wonder Girl written by Joyce Grant published by Fitzhenry & Whiteside. Gabby was nominated for the Rainforest of Reading Festival award in 2014 and won the Rainforest of Reading Festival – Monserrat award in 2015. Her work with the young adult health publication Below Your Belt, How to be Queen of Your Pelvic Region was recognized for excellence within the Independent Publishing industry in 2015. Jan’s illustration work for Be Proud to be Blue written by Diane Hull was recognized by The Wishing Shelf and won the bronze award in 2021.

Just released – Willa the Werewolf, by Michele McAvoy – an early reader published by Little Press Publishing / Fall 2023

Jan is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCWBI), the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Illustrators for Hire and ChildrensIllustrators.com. 
She lives and works in Toronto, Canada.

Jan can be found at:
Websites: 
www.jandolby.com 
https://idrawanimals.myportfolio.com/
Illustrators for Hire: https://www.illustratorsforhire.com/featuring/jan-dolby-illustrator-for-hire
Childrensillustrators.com: https://childrensillustrators.com/jandolby/portfolio
Email: jandolby@bell.net

Instagram: @jandolby_artist
Twitter: @jandolby

When did you know you wanted to become an illustrator?

I have always loved picture books, but I think it was after I had my first art exhibit of my children’s paintings that the response to that show was “you need to illustrate for children”.

How long does it typically take to make a page or cover for a book?

It takes me three to six months to finish illustrating a picture book because everyone involved is incredibly organized and communication is excellent. Covers take some time to make sure it is really eye catching. Probably a good week.

What’s your favourite piece of art equipment?

My favourite tools I use are Photoshop, my drawing tablet and my iPad. Favourite materials are paper, a good pencil and black marker.

Do you have a favourite colour scheme, if so what and why?

Pink is one of my favourite colours to work with. When I add orange, red and green, I’m pretty happy.

Who were your inspirations when starting out?

Marie-Louise Gay (Canadian illustrator) is still my biggest inspiration. I met her in a cafeteria line at a conference and nearly fell over with excitement. Other inspirational beings Peter H Reynolds, Hilary Knight, the Muppets, Charlie Brown characters, Sesame Street. I could go on and on.

Do you have another job beside being an illustrator, if so what?

I should have another job, but I don’t. I market myself as much as I can and illustrate as much as possible to keep my studio business going.

What do you do to overcome a creative block?

It happens. I change what I am reading, what music I listen to and things get better. Change is good.

Do you have a favourite piece in your portfolio, if so could you share it and talk about it?

My favourite portfolio piece changes all the time. Currently it is the penguins in the ocean.

What was your first book related project?

My very first book I illustrated, interestingly enough, was about the cold virus and how you need to wash your hands a lot.

What type of media do you prefer to work in and why?

I prefer digital with some original artwork scans. I like collaborating the two. Easier to make corrections and increases my creativity.Do you have a playlist you like working to? If so do you want to share it?

No playlist

Do you have any rituals when working?

I watch Disney and sci-fi shows to keep me sitting in my studio chair while working on my computer.

Did the books you read as a child influence your work?

I read Dr. Seuss, Eloise, ….mind is blanking.

Has your illustration/art style changed over time?

Has changed quite a bit. I used to paint all of my illustrations in acrylic paint and digitize them. That style seemed a bit dated so now i draw mostly in pencil and digitize and complete the illustrations in Photoshop.

How closely do you work with the author on developing the illustrations for a book?

If I work with a traditional publisher I don’t work closely with the author. If it is a self-publishing project I do work closely with the author.

If you could illustrate any classic book which would it be and why?

Any classic book about monsters would be terrific.

If you can please tell us about your latest project and if not your last project

My latest project is a series of three early readers, fractured fairy tales…right up my alley.