Art & Life with Janna Marie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janna Marie.

Janna, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Hello there! I’m Janna Marie, nice to meet and shake all your virtual hands! I’m a cartoonist, and children’s book illustrator. First and foremost – I’ve lived in L.A my whole life and have grown up, in a stereotypical American upbringing, consisting of regular trips to Disneyland, listening to the Beatles and having some toy on me at all time. (it’s always nice to carry around little friends and into my adulthood, nothing has changed haha).

I was bullied as a kid and always have been very much an outcast, as well as living with a non-verbal autistic brother. I always felt I had to give a voice to those who don’t have one and stand up for the underdogs everywhere!

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My main influences are cartoons from the 1930’s, such as Betty Boop, Popeye and Casper, the friendly ghost. I’m always influenced and attracted to the cute and sweet but “with an edge” type of characters that have lots of personality and charisma! The key to making great art is believability and connection! -with that being said, other than the goofy and cartoony side, I also have a love and like to represent more morbid sides of life such as circus freaks.

One of my biggest inspirations ever is taking things/people that people find repulsive and showing the beauty in them, proving that there is beauty and uniqueness even in the darker-more morbid subject matter.

Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Best advice for anyone,artist or not! – Is to unapolegetably be you and try dipping your feet in every project big and small because you never know where it might take you,or how it might make you grow! Each is a trial and error,to a necessary stepping stone, never give up!

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can check out my work on Instagram @Indyjannajones
And purchase my work at Bigcartel/Indyjannajones

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Indyjannajones

Image Credit:
All photo credits are saved files owned by artist,Janna Marie.

Suggest a story:VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.