Jo Blakely

I am an artist/ illustrator based in Toronto, Canada working across a variety of markets. I started off as a fashion and fabric designer. I studied haute couture in Paris and worked for Pierre Cardin, Fila Canada, and many others in Paris, Toronto, and Montreal designing fashion collections and custom prints, graphics, and wovens. Later, I did creative direction and provided art, merchandising and branding for entertainment and music properties. Clients included Brentwood Television Funnies "Biker Mice From Mars", TVO's Polka Dot Door, The Simpsons, The Headstones, Kim Mitchell Band. I went from there to developing my own IPs including a graphic novel for adults, a YA novel and several picture books. I have a fledgling surface design business where I am creating prints and art for licensing and focussed on the luxury and interior design market. I am also doing fine art work and illustration with editorial and emotional themes of social justice and humanity.

I work in both digital and traditional media and am inspired by just about everything - but especially people from all over the world. I can provide editorial illustration, children's book illustration and covers, fashion illustration, surface design, fashion design, private label and custom prints, commissioned art and more.

Clients: Heinemann Publishing, Six Red Marbles, Sony Entertainment, Tvontario, Lcbo, Jim Henson Productions, Corus Entertainment (Nelvana)

Skills

Software: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Corel Draw

Associations: Women in Fantasy Illustration, CANSCAIP, TORKIDLIT