Jake A Minton

Comics, Illustrator

Jake A Minton is a children’s book illustrator and graphic novelist. His picture books have been shortlisted by the CBCA and his work is in print in over 12 countries. Jake has been described as one of Australia’s most naturally gifted illustrators and visual storytellers.

Where were you born?

I was born in Melbourne. I’ve travelled a lot since then and have lived in New Zealand, France and Thailand. The past 4 years I’ve resided in a little town near Byron Bay but, after 10 years, I have finally returned to good ole Melbourne town.

What other jobs have you had?

Managed a small cinema in Queenstown in my 20’s which I loved as I’ve always been a big film guy. More recently, I worked in a store selling high end men’s clothing. Got to stand around talking about materials and slacks all day long while wearing outfits I couldn’t actually afford… That I then got to keep. Some serious perks with that one.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Thematically my work varies as it really depends on the authors text and how I analyse that. I always imbue a lot of meaning and allegory into my illustrations though. Achieving this through colour, shape, symbols and patterns, as well as visual comparisons or juxtapositions. This is definitely a by product of my love for cinema and my early 20s spent obsessively watching and analysing films.

What have been the highlights of your career?

That initial thrill of being published for the first time can’t really be beat. Being shortlisted by the CBCA for best new illustrator was also amazing. Recently, the reception for the graphic novel Inked Karen Wasson and myself created has been amazing. It took over two years for me to illustrate so it’s a big relief that the reception has been so positive.

Where have your works been published?

My books have been published in a few countries including: Australia, Spain, Hong Kong, The Ukraine, Denmark, Lithuania, Germany and Basque. Still haven’t managed to crack France though. It’s my white whale.

What are you passionate about?

I love creativity so much. Writing, drawing, making comics, music. Whatever it is. It’s an amazing thing. By my best estimation, it feels like everything you make is an expression of yourself and an interpretation of everything you’ve experienced and consumed up to that point. It’s almost deterministic in a sense, you really don’t have control over any of the external influences or internal mechanisms that attract you to an artist or aesthetic or perspective or idea. A trillion imperceptible things happen outside you and within your brain. then in some abstract and beautiful way you share that feeling with the world. It’s so cool. Humans are pretty incredible.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Possibly on instagram hanging out with my cat.