Jess Hannigan is a freelance illustrator and an author and illustrator of picture books. Some of her freelance clients include The New York Times, Reader's Digest, and VOX. Her first picture book was The Spider in the Well, and The Bear Out There is her second. She works with big, wonky shapes, and loves vampires, cows and clowns, in that order.
WHAT DID YOU GET IN TROUBLE FOR AS A KID? ANYTHING ADULTS TOLD YOU TO AVOID THAT’S ACTUALLY A BIG PART OF YOUR LIFE NOW?
I have been caught drawing on school desks a ton of times, and would do it daily. Eventually, I received a threatening note that read, “we’re watching you,”which I assume was from an angry janitor. I drew in all the margins of my worksheets, too, which either prompted extra marks or negative marks, depending on the teacher.
ANY PERSON WHO REALLY HELPED YOU IN YOUR AWESOME ARTISTIC JOURNEY?
My mom always encouraged me to draw -- she loves art and is very artistic herself. When I wanted to quit dance class and start painting lessons, she made it happen.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK?
Currently, I’m re-addicted to playing Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion. I’m actually not allowed to play it as a “break” though, or I’ll never start working again.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DRAW AS A CHILD? WHY DID THAT LODGE IN YOUR HEAD?
As a kid I loved drawing food and groceries. I think it stemmed from really wanting one of those play kitchen sets, which were too expensive for us, so it was like making my own toys. I am still obsessed with toys shaped like food today! That, and vampires.
