Meet the illustrator: How I got into Illustrating Children's Picture Books
- justjanetcreative
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
I’m Janet, an Australian children’s book illustrator and designer, and I’m thrilled you’re here. Let’s go on a little journey from little Janet painting her veranda blue to illustrating children’s books. Special shoutout to my followers over on Instagram for these great questions - let’s dive in…
What’s your story as an illustrator?
I’ve always been a creative person. I studied visual arts throughout high school and decided to pursue a creative career after school. I figured graphic design was the best opportunity to be creative and get paid to do so. At university, I undertook a Bachelor of Design Futures, majoring in Visual Communication Design. My degree had a profound impact on my perception of the world around me and the role design, in all its forms, plays in it. I left feeling empowered, knowing that creative work can have a tangible impact on the world.
It was around this time that I realised I had a passion for sharing stories and using my creativity to get people thinking.
So, in my spare time around my marketing assistant job (which I still have), I started building my illustration skills. In 2019, I submitted my work into a competition, which turned into my first book, Up and Down on a Rainy Day as part of the State Library of Queensland's First Five Forever program.
It’s been a slow journey between books, but I’ve now worked with several lovely authors who have self-published their children’s books, including Lisa Mifsud (Dr Lisa’s ABCs: Introduction to Phonics) and Krystal Wade (whose upcoming book will be released later this year).
What made you want to get into illustration, particularly children’s books?
I always had the idea that it was something I’d like to do. As a kid, I was obsessed with Graeme Base’s books (I repeatedly borrowed The Water Hole from the school library), and I even manifested it in my year 12 valedictory (funnily enough, I’m doing the advertising bit too).
Although I love graphic design, there were times just I wanted to do more as a creative (I’m sure my fellow creatives know the feeling). Graphic design is still a huge part of my children’s book process, and it’s wonderful to offer both illustration and book design to my clients. There’s also the opportunity to bring illustration back into my graphic design practice, and I’d love to work with brands to create custom illustrations and characters.
How and when did you start digital illustration?
It all started with an iPad, Procreate, and a bit of spare time between jobs in 2019. I didn’t intentionally set out to go digital. Having studied and worked as a graphic designer, it felt like a natural progression from one screen to another.
Early on, I also discovered Lisa Bardot. Her Making Art Everyday challenge, tutorials, and digital brushes (I still use these in my workflow today) played a big part in the growth of my work. On top of that, Instagram art challenges like Draw This In Your Style and prompt lists such as Peachtober were also really helpful.
Various illustrations from around 2021
What kinds of things did you draw as a kid?
Well, I once painted our verandah blue. My parents were not impressed!
As I got older, my favourite thing to draw became these intricate pen patterns, and for a while, ink pen on paper was my favourite medium, completely opposite from my current colourful style.
What is something you’d really like to do with your art but haven’t yet?
Oooo, so many things! I’m always thinking of new ideas. One project I’d love to work on is collaborating with my partner and his amazing bird photography for some kind of educational project.
What is your favourite thing to draw?
I love drawing animal characters, especially when they’re doing human things. And food, mostly of the sweet variety.
Do you have an illustration project in mind? I'd love to hear about it.
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