Hi arts lovers!
This month we have a special treat. I was incredibly stoked to interview local children’s illustrator and author Jaimie MacGibbon. She is a powerhouse in her literary genre, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her immense talent enriching our community. Read on to see how she was able to share her talents across the globe from our little corner of the world.
What’s your background/training/story as an artist?
Looking back, I would say that my journey to becoming an illustrator began with my love of storytelling as a child. Any chance to share and act out a story for family or friends I would take (sorry to all those I held captive). I would tell you all about my lucrative career as a child actor in homemade medieval films, but that’s for another article. Growing up, my method of storytelling was mainly through performing arts, but later in life I developed my visual arts skills, specifically watercolour.
When my first child was born, I was looking for hobbies to take up during nap times that were quick to set-up/clean-up and I found watercolour. Over several years and many nap times I developed my drawing and painting skills, opened an Etsy shop, and eventually landed on the idea of illustration – a combination of two things I loved, art and storytelling. A lot of my learning came from reading picture books (so many of them), which as a parent of two young kids was not hard to do. I took some online illustration courses, and used what free learning resources I could find about the process of illustration and picture book making. And most importantly, I drew a lot. If you put time into a skill, you can’t help but improve!
Why did you end up in Nelson?
I have lived in the Kootenays for almost 13 years now. My family moved to Nakusp for work when my oldest was seven months old. I loved living in Nakusp, but after almost five years of living there, we needed a change and found a job in Nelson. Compared to our experience in Nakusp, Nelson felt pretty big and intimidating, but after about a year where my four chickens were my closest friends (thanks, girls), we soon found our place in the community.
What keeps you here?
There are so many draws to living in Nelson, but one of the biggest attractions for me is the thriving arts community. There are so many options to explore creativity in this town and it shows, from the colourful murals to the colourful people. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is that when your hobby becomes a job, it’s important to find new hobbies that are just for fun. That isn’t hard to do when you live here! Beyond all this Nelson is just a gorgeous setting for doing life and the natural inspiration never runs dry.
How did you score your biggest professional gig?
I would be remiss not to mention the role that social media has played in helping me develop my career. Early on in my illustration journey, I started an Instagram account, which at the time was my main method of connecting with and getting my work seen by other professionals in the book industry. It was through this that I met my now agent, Molly O’Neill at Root Literary. Molly has been an invaluable resource and mentor for me and after working with her for about a year I was hired for my first big picture book gig for Macmillan. While it certainly isn’t necessary, working with a literary (or illustration) agent is a great first step if you are wanting to work as an artist in publishing.
Any hot tips for people who want to live rurally but be a professional artist?
It may sound obvious, but find ways to connect with others in your industry, whether in person, or over the internet. I have made illustrator friends through Instagram with whom I have regular video chats/work sessions and it has been an important part of maintaining a healthy relationship with my career. It’s so helpful to be able to chat with others who experience and understand the same challenges and rewards specific to your industry. And also to have someone to celebrate with as you meet your goals along the way. There are also so many great resources locally to connect artists including the public library. When I can, I take advantage of the applicable workshops offered there. As a homebody who also works from home, it’s easy for me to isolate myself, but it doesn’t do me or my work any favours.
Do you have any new projects in the works?
I will have three books coming out this year, including my debut author-illustrator book coming out this fall. In May my first picture book will be published titled Randy Rainbow and the Marvellously Magical Pink Glasses, written by comedian Randy Rainbow, and illustrated by me. To stay up to date on my work and upcoming books you can check my website: jaimiemacgibbon.com.
Sydney Black is executive director of the Nelson and District Arts Council. Blank Canvas appears monthly.
