Jannie Ho: Writing Graphically
How did motherhood change your creative practice?
Oh let me count the ways! I knew that before becoming a mother, that my practice would drastically change, but I don’t think anyone wants to tell you the truth of how big of a change it would be. I used to work all day and nights and weekends. I had all the time in the world! But now- since my daughter is in elementary school, I would work during her school hours and in between time with her activities and playdates. I’m too exhausted to work nights anymore- only if I’m on a deadline. I’m also mindful of the time I get with my daughter- she is a tween now and she still wants to spend time with me- but very soon that will change. So I take breaks and am more strategic as to when I work and what work I choose to do.
How does art enrich your life? How does being a mother enrich your art?
Art was and still is always a big part of my life, it is how I express myself. And being in the children’s book industry, being a mother would seem like a natural thing that would enrich my art. But not really in the ways one would think. I was that single, 20s-something person with no kids lurking around Barnes & Nobles’ children’s section browsing and buying picture books for myself. So I would like to think I would continue to create children’s books regardless. But having a child gives me a glimpse of what being a child is like these days, which is so different from how my childhood was like, especially me spending part of my childhood in another country. My child is already having a different experience than me. I enjoy knowing first hand what the trends are, their likes and dislikes. Sometimes I like to ask my daughter for her opinions on projects I’m working on, but she is one snarky art director and editor!
When do you feel most creative?
As a classic introvert, my first thought is always that I need big chunks of time alone to be the most creative. But I realized I also need to go out and have experiences in real life to fuel and inspire that creativity. Since the pandemic, I realized how much I enjoy talking to like minded people with similar vibes; brainstorming with others and helping with others’ creative projects in turn keeps my creative juices running too for my own projects.
What’s inspiring you outside of your own genre?
I absolutely love anime and manga. Before having my daughter, my husband and I would spend an obscene amount of time watching anime, more than I would like to admit. I also got into watching Asian dramas- it is funny that I usually prefer something that requires subtitles- I find that it takes me into another world and it is calming somehow when it is in a different language. I find the difference in storytelling with Asian shows from the American shows interesting too.
How can we support and encourage each other more?
There is something really powerful and encouraging when I see women pulling back the curtain and speaking honestly about their journeys and their struggles. In the age of social media, everything can seem like a facade. The truth is always more interesting and we can feel supported knowing we are not alone in whatever we are going through.
Jannie Ho is an illustrator who writes children’s books. She is also a cartoonist who draws herself as a chicken. Her 9 year old daughter is referred to as a “Nugget” and frequently shows up as a chick in her comics. She works and plays near Boston, MA. Connect with her on Instagram here and here, on Facebook and Twitter.
This interview was originally published in 2021.
The Sidewalk Chalk Talks are inspiring interviews with mothers who are making space for creativity and finding ease and joy in the process. The women I admire are bright, visionary creatures who love their work and their families. The different dimensions of their lives enrich each other and the world we share. I hope these conversations will inspire you and your work!