Meet Janice Blaine!
We are loving that it is time for another BALLER Profile! Every Wednesday you can look forward to reading interviews with authors, publishing professionals, library people, readers, and more.
This week it is my pleasure to introduce you to Janice Blaine!
Stacey: Thank you for joining us today, Janice! Having worked with you, I know you wear a lot of hats in the book world and artistic world — can you please share a bit about yourself and all that you do for our readers?
Me with my beloved Neil Gaiman collection!
Janice: I am a Professional Commercial Artist with a love of literature. My career began as a Classical Animator in Vancouver. I worked mostly in pre-production doing storyboards, background designs, and layouts. One day I got a call from a producer I had previously worked with. She had moved into publishing and asked if I’d be interested in illustrating a children’s book. I’ve been in the book world ever since. I’ve spent more than 20 years working as a bookseller, designer, layout artist, and illustrator. My work for the publishing industry allows me to combine and share my love of literature with my love of art.
While I have experience working in multiple genres for a variety of age groups, much of my career has focused on creating art for children. As a child who initially struggled with reading, I’ve always had a passion for making literature more engaging and accessible for young readers. Growing up, I found large blocks of text intimidating, but illustrators like Pauline Baynes, Arthur Rackham, and Dave McKean brought stories to life for me. I loved their images so much I couldn’t wait to read the books. That’s the experience and excitement I strive to inspire in others.
Stacey: What is the most challenging thing about wearing so many hats and how do you handle that challenge?
Janice: As an animator, I learned that the best way to maintain a steady workflow was to acquire a high quality and diverse skill set. It’s the same in publishing. The more I understand the whole process, the better I can do my job. Most of my projects have been collaborations with independent authors. Because I have such a broad base, I can help build the entire book, not just one part of it.
I’m a Generalist by nature. I’m attracted to creative challenges more than to specific job descriptions. Every project uses and builds my skills in a different way.
Stacey: As an illustrator who receives requests to partner on book projects, how do you decide what projects you would like to work on?
Janice: Most requests come to me because someone has seen my website or social media posts, and has a project they feel suits my particular style. For me, the deciding factor is usually the level of professionalism a potential partner brings to a project. Do they have a manuscript, a clear vision, an understanding of the industry? Publishing requires endurance above all else. I want to work with people who have the stamina and passion to see the project through. I’ve had the good fortune of collaborating with some pretty amazing people who have challenged my skill level beyond what I thought I was capable of. My favourite part of collaborations is sharing ideas and learning from others. Creativity is so vast. It’s inspiring to work with someone who has a completely different viewpoint.
A page spread from my autobiographical short story from the Renegade Arts anthology Alberta Comics: Home. It shows the time I spent rediscovering my studio practice during the COVID lockdown.
Stacey: Can you share with us one thing that you wish you knew before working in the publishing industry?
Janice: It is vitally important to build and maintain your network and contacts. 99% of my jobs have come directly from a contact or a referral.
Stacey: How does working as a bookseller hinder or support your creative endeavours as an artist?
Janice: Working as a bookseller is the perfect compliment to my studio practice. I’m always interacting with my primary audience — readers, authors, and publishers. It’s a continuous source of inspiration and current information about the industry. I’ve learned so much about the business, marketing, and distribution side of publishing. I’ve also discovered a great deal about design, specifically what does and does not stand out — the kind of insight that comes not from sitting at a computer or a drawing desk, but from working in a busy bookstore in the chaos of holiday seasons. My co-workers are all so knowledgeable, creative, and enthusiastic. It’s a privilege to work with and learn from them. The only drawback is that my already too-long To Be Read list gets longer with every shift I work!
Stacey: I am 100% sure that Winston and I relate hard to the ever-lengthening too-long To Be Read list! Do you have an upcoming book project you would like to share with our readers?
Janice: I’m currently collaborating on a teen graphic novel series with comic book author Chris Cam, co-creator of the Cover of Darkness series. We were working together as booksellers, and decided to create the kind of graphic novels we wished were available for young readers. Last September we received a Calgary Arts Development Grant for this project, so we’re on track to complete it some time this summer.
A story meeting I had with Chris Cam about our graphic novel project.
A page from my upcoming book project.
Stacey: Thank you for letting our readers have a glimpse into the world of book illustrators and your amazing skillset, Janice! You are truly inspiring!
And, dear reader, thank you for joining us to meet Janice Blaine today. We hope you will spend some quality time looking at the art in children’s books in a different way. And you can learn more about Janice and see more of her art on her website.
Happy Reading and see you next week for another BALLER profile!
— Stacey
Purchase Janice's book from your local indie bookseller!
