Jami Gigot Profile

Stats? Name, location? Do you have a day job?

Jami Gigot or Jami Gigot-Worth

Vancouver, BC

Yes, I am a Senior 3D Generalist and work in the visual effects film industry. My area of focus specifically is digital texture painting, look development and lighting. 

How did you hear about Ripple Grove Press? What was the submission process like for you?

I was researching potential publishers and found a blog interview with Amanda Broder. The titles she mentioned as some of her favorites are also some of mine and I thought it might make a good fit. I created a dummy book for Mae and the Moon along with three finished illustrations and submitted to a handful of publishers including Ripple Grove Press. Shortly after I submitted my dummy book, I got a phone call from Rob Broder and the conversations began. 

What’s your work style? Early morning, late at night? All at once, bits at a time?

I usually work on my illustrations and book projects in the evenings after 8:30 pm and the kids are in bed. I also often visit the library on my lunch hour (the Vancouver Public Library is across the street from my office) and read picture books or doodle in my sketchbook in the children's area. 

Who are some of your creative idols?

Hayao Miyazaki, Tove Jansson, Maurice Sendak, Neil Gaiman, Oliver Jeffers. 

Where does your inspiration come from?

A lot of inspiration comes from my kids, and memories of my childhood. Then, there are random thoughts that cross my mind when I let my mind wander, and who knows where they come from, probably bits and pieces from observation, film, books, art, and nature. 

What mediums do you like to work with? What medium would you like to use in your next children’s book?

I feel most comfortable with a regular pencil and eraser, and then painting the images digitally with Photoshop. Recently however, I've been exploring a lot with watercolor, and would love to try that for my next book. 

What are the biggest wins/challenges writing for children?

The biggest challenge for me is simply honing my craft and working hard to improve my writing and illustration to ensure I can get the next book contract. The biggest wins are I get to use my creative side, I get to inspire children and I get to work within a community of supportive and talented individuals. 

What are you working on right now?

I have a few ideas for picture books and I've selected a couple of those and am working on dummy books and character sketches for them. In my day job, I am currently working on Tim Burton's next film Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children which is based on the novel by Ransom Riggs. 

What’s your favorite picture book, besides your own, of course?!

It's very hard to pick one favorite but right now at this very moment I would say I am loving A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School by Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud. It's hilarious. 

Visit Jami's website to see more of her work.