We love Jannie Ho's bright and playful illustrations and we were ecstatic to feature them in Issue 3. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Philadelphia, Jannie received her BFA in illustration from Parsons School of Design in New York. After graduating, she worked as an in-house graphic designer at Nickelodeon and Scholastic and as an art director at TIME for Kids. Jannie has illustrated over 50 board and novelty books, and is the author/illustrator of the picture book Bear and Chicken. Her artwork also appears in toys, stationery, and comics.
Keep reading to hear more from her!
What does your work mean to you?
My artwork is an extension of how I see the world. It is also a way of communicating how I feel. My art has also saved me many times— from sadness, or when I am lost. It also brings me joy and comfort.
Who or what motivates and inspires you?
Currently I am motivated to tell my stories in comic form. I've fallen in love with this medium and I am so inspired by others who tell their stories in the graphic novel format. I'm also fascinated by film/TV making; how directors put shows together and how actors study for their roles. They are all storytellers but in different ways.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
I love this question. It gave me an excuse to jog my memories from childhood. I remember celebrating the Mid-Autumn festival in Hong Kong with my family. It was one of those rare holidays in which I was allowed to stay up late. We would go to the park at night and everyone had their lanterns and beautiful lights everywhere. I moved to the US when I was 9, and celebrating mid-Autumn Festival in the west is not quite the same. So I will definitely treasure this lovely memory I have.
What is one thing you would wish to see in a more inclusive world?
I wish everyone can be comfortable to be their true selves. Wouldn't that be just wonderful? If we lived in a world where everyone can be just a little more tolerant of others who are different from them. We can change the world.
If there was one thing that you wanted to be remembered by or known for, what would it be?
I want to be known for my artwork and stories that give happiness, smiles, and comfort. I'm also happy to be known as the artist who draws a lot of funny chickens that makes people laugh! (I draw a lot of chickens!)
Jannie lives with her family near Boston, MA. See her work at [here](http://www.jannieho.com/) . And of course, in Issue 3.
Thanks to Jannie for being such a delight to collaborate with and thank you all for reading!
- The Ditto Kid's Team