Award winning illustrator, artist and graphic designer, Jo Thompson is passionate about picture books.
A variety of styles, endearing characters and vibrant, dynamic layouts are a feature of Jo's stunning work.
Jo won the 2009 CYA Conference, picture book illustration competition and a publishing contract with Ford Street Publishing.
Her first picture book, The Glasshouse written by Paul Collins, was selected as an Outstanding Book for Young People with Disabilities, included in two traveling exhibitions and IBBY’s permanent exhibition in Norway.
Illustrations from The Glasshouse were shortlisted in the CBCA’s 2011 Crichton Award.
As the Illustration tutor for Create a Kids' Book, Jo inspires emerging picture book writers and illustrators in her monthly workshops with Dr Virginia Lowe, assesses picture book manuscripts, runs the picture book e-course and mentors illustrators through the creation process.
WHAT CYA CONFERENCE DID FOR ME
I was fortunate enough to win the 2009 CYA illustration competition. I couldn't believe it when Ford St Publishing, offered me a publishing contract. (I didn't believe it till I read it on the CYA website!)
The Glasshouse, written by Paul Collins and illustrated by Jo Thompson will be released in September and launched at the 2010 CYA conference. The Glasshouse was one of the stories provided for the picture book illustration competition.
I feel so honoured to have been chosen to illustrate this beautiful text and thankful that Tina Clark, Ally Howard and Paul Collins are committed to helping emerging writers and illustrators through the CYA conference and competition. Without the dedicated CYA organisers, judges and volunteers, I may never have had this opportunity.
It has been an amazing experience and proof that dreams can come true.
